Howard's Way (1985) s06e05 Episode Script

I think you're absolutely mad, Jan.
It's something I have to do, that's all.
- Why? - Because I would feel happier if I had made my peace with him, all right? I simply cannot understand you.
Freres have always used the Howards like doormats.
How would you feel if Lynne were going round to make her peace with Charles? Is that different from what you're doing? - Look, Mother - The answer is no.
Morning.
I'd like to speak to Sir Edward, please, very important.
Oh, I see.
In that case, can I leave a message? Could you tell him that Ken Masters called? Ken Masters.
Yes, thank you.
Damn.
- Still indisposed? - Yes.
Sounds like he doesn't want to speak to you, Ken.
Oh, he'll speak to me, all right.
One way or another.
(Bell ringing) (Door opening) - Good morning.
I'm Jan Howard.
- Yes? I was wondering if Sir Edward Frere was in.
How is he? I don't know.
He wants a meeting this afternoon.
Charles, I had hoped that this illness of your father's might bring about a reconciliation.
- No.
- I really think And I really think it's high time we changed the subject, John.
We're here to discuss a business deal, pure and simple.
Well, excuse me, Charles, but I don't think things are ever quite that simple.
If your father is dying - and we have no reason to suspect otherwise - then the consequences for you, both directly and indirectly, are enormous and it would be very unwise to ignore that fact.
You just can't pretend that his illness doesn't have any effect on you.
Let me repeat for both of your benefits.
This is my deal, it's my company and it's my life.
And if anyone is sick to death, it is me at the continual mention of my father, as if he were some kind of unseen power that I constantly have to do battle with.
Total rubbish.
Can we get down to business now? As you wish, Charles.
However, there's just one small point before we start.
What? Do you intend to be at the polo match tomorrow afternoon? Seeing that my team is favourite for the cup, I most certainly do, yes.
Because I had asked your father to present that cup.
Yes, I am very well aware of that, thank you, John.
I look forward to receiving it from him.
Polly? Brussels.
Breakfast.
Well, you haven't lost your sense of humour.
No, no.
Is there nothing they can do, Edward? No treatment? I'm not interested in all that, Jan.
It's not like you to give up.
I haven't given up, it's just that I prefer to die my own way.
I want to enjoy my last moments, savour them.
Oh, I daresay they could make me live longer.
That'd be a victory for the doctors, not for me.
How are you feeling now? Fine.
A little breathless.
They tell me I have to take it easy, guard against infection.
They tell me a cold could kill me.
You're not going to give me anything are you, Jan? Only a big hug.
It is good to see you.
I think it's the best news I've heard in ages.
- Wonderful.
- Thank you.
I think you and Vanessa are going to be really happy together.
Now I've got you here, can we have a chat about the Leisurecruise boat? What about it? - Well, there is a deadline to meet.
- Oh, it's nearly finished.
Well, nearly's not good enough.
That boat must be finished on time.
Are you, er telling me how to run my yard? It's not your yard, now, Dad.
Oh, that's it, is it? Now that it belongs to Relton, all the hard work I've put in over the years when you were a little girl - means nothing to you, does it? - Well, of course it does.
But things are totally different now.
You can say that again.
Your fight with Charlie Boy's turned you into some kind of monster.
It's time you realised just what my position is here and what your position is, too.
I'm in charge and it's time you grew up to the fact that I'm no longer your little girl.
- All that changed a long time ago.
- You're telling me.
Yes, I am.
I'm telling you to get that boat finished, make it a priority.
And if you can't handle it, I'm going to have to find someone else who can.
My God, you just sound like Laura Wilde.
I saw what she did to her father and you're going the same way.
- Dad! - Only you won't get rid of me so easily.
Now let's get one thing clear.
I'm a boat-builder, not an accountant.
That's my job.
So you balance the books and I'll build the boats, OK? - If only you would! - (Door slams) All this could've been yours, you know.
You wouldn't have had to put up with me for very long.
- Edward, that's a terrible thing to say.
- Is it? You never really loved me, did you? I was very fond of you.
But you turned me down.
Should we be talking like this, Edward? Oh, you made a big mistake, there.
You'd have made a terrific Lady Frere.
Please, it's over, finished.
This could still be yours, you know.
I'm giving you one last chance.
Why don't you swallow your pride, all that nonsense, and admit you were wrong? Well? I think it's time I went.
Just like that? Yes.
Just like that.
(Angrily) Goodbye, then, Jan! Goodbye, Edward.
Would you please get my solicitor on the phone? Now, in order to strengthen our seafront position, it would make a great deal of sense if we were to speed up phase one.
(Sir John) Mm, mm.
Yes, I get your point.
Gerald has prepared a very detailed report.
Well, I don't suppose I shall be needing it but it amuses members of the board.
John, this is the largest loan we've ever negotiated with your bank.
- You don't see any problem? - No.
The bank has always regarded Freres - all Freres - as very good businessmen.
I think you can safely say it's in the bag.
Excellent.
I saw the plug of our cruiser at the Mermaid.
- Looked a little behind schedule.
- And you would know? - I'm just a little concerned, that's all.
- There's no need to be.
It won't be late.
Neither Leo nor my father will let you down.
Oh, that's very loyal.
Neither will Relton give you any cause for concern.
Good.
Because we won't tolerate any damage to Leisurecruise because of your inefficiency.
Don't get me wrong.
Relton has a fine record, otherwise I wouldn't have invested in it.
But it does surprise me that you placed such an important boat in the hands of an old man and a boy.
- I resent that! - You can do what you like with it.
Just get the boat finished.
We're interested in business, not sentiment.
Keep us informed, won't you? Daddy's clammed up, understandably.
I don't want to bother him.
I just wish I could talk to you.
But you know why Polly married Sir Edward.
Title and money, full stop.
Look, she divorced Gerald, she can do what she likes now.
- How can you be so simplistic? - You're not her moral guardian, Abby.
And I don't want to hear any more about Sir Edward bloody Frere.
He's just a lonely old man who married Polly because my mother turned him down - and he didn't want to die alone.
- (Knocking) You, er, don't mind my coming here? Not at all.
I was hoping to come over and see you tomorrow.
Oh, that would be fine.
Come for tea.
I would come today but I'm not spending as much time with Thomas as I'd like.
- Ah.
- I don't want to become like my You do understand about the marriage? Er, I'd rather not talk about it.
(Sighs) Ah.
I'm glad you came.
- Do you want a coffee? - Yes.
- Can I ask you a favour? - Of course, my dear, anything.
I'd love to have a photograph of you holding Thomas.
Oh.
He wanted me to say that I'd been a fool.
I mean, I couldn't believe it.
To admit that I'd made the gravest mistake of my life in turning him down.
And that if I showed enough remorse that he'd forgive me, pat me on the head and hand me the keys to Highfield.
As if I'd want to be lumbered with that millstone.
Well, at least you haven't lost your self-respect, darling.
- Do you know what really upset me? - Are these colours OK? Yes, they're fine, they're fine.
He thought that I would accept it.
I mean, who does he think I am? Polly? I hope not.
One Polly's quite enough.
Darling.
Try and put the whole thing right out of your mind.
Anyway, we much prefer you as you are.
He frightens me.
He can be so vindictive.
I didn't dare lose my temper but I think he knew.
Can you just get him up a bit closer to your face.
OK.
OK, Thomas! Thomas! All right? That's good, that's nice, that's nice.
OK.
- That's good.
- (Shutter) Yeah.
He's teething.
Cried himself to exhaustion last night.
When he gets tired he picks up anything.
I'm sure he's got a cold coming.
You'll have to move that one back because I may not be back by four.
Jan, don't worry about this evening.
Everything's fixed.
And I'm going to fetch the cake this afternoon.
Lovely.
- Can you keep her busy till eight? - Sure.
Here she comes.
- Hello, darling.
- Hello.
Hello, Lynne, darling.
Sorry, must dash.
There's a treble at Thirsk that can't wait.
And I want to give my congratulations to Jack and Vanessa.
- Give them my love.
- Mine, too.
- Bye.
- Bye, darling.
You have got some fantastic stock.
- You like them? - Very much.
- How are you settling in? - Well.
- Now, about lunch.
- No, no, I can't, I'm sorry.
I've got a meeting with Robert.
Another grilling in the Grill Room, no doubt.
No, that's not fair.
He's excellent, really.
He just doesn't like any grey areas.
And my life seems to be one long grey area at the moment.
I've taken on a massive commitment, Lynne.
This er This really doesn't sound like you.
What happened to all the adrenaline, the thrill? - You loved this business.
- I still do.
It's just that recently, I've begun to count the costs.
I mean, not money wise, but in terms of people.
Your father.
He was extremely proud of you.
We all are.
You're not seriously thinking of quitting? After all you've been through? No.
No, of course not.
It's just that I've got a few problems at the moment.
Well, I've had an idea that just might help.
- On the cosmetics side.
- Oh? Go on.
I thought I'd tell you about it on the way to lunch, if you don't mind my joining you.
- No, of course not.
- Good.
Oh, I'd better check it out with Robert, though.
Erm, don't worry.
I already have.
This Leisurecruise deal, your deal, Leo, is proving a major headache.
Can you sort it out? You and Dad don't seem to realise how much fuel you're pouring on the fire, not with Laura and Orrin standing there poised with a match.
I wouldn't put it past Orrin to have a vendetta just because I work here.
Then don't let it happen.
Since Xanadu's arrival, you can't get Jack Leo, I don't want any more excuses.
Right.
- Any faxes come in? - No.
Oh.
By the way, I've just had a call from Avril.
She wasn't too happy with your visit this morning.
I just wanted to see if we could rely on her.
- We can rely on Avril.
- Good.
And she can be relied on to put the pressure on good old Jack and good old Jack can be relied on to make a complete mess of the schedule.
Just a minute, what is all this? Nothing.
This wouldn't be a roundabout way of getting back at Leo, would it? Laura, come on, you don't think I need to waste time on the little guys? Well, just remember this is business, not Congress.
And if you must go round making speeches at people, just make sure you don't write them yourself.
- Message received.
- Good.
Let me know the moment that fax from the bank comes in, will you? - Sir John Stevens? - No.
Warm, though.
For Sir John, that is.
- Hi.
- Morning, Kate.
Vanessa, congratulations.
Jack told me about it yesterday.
You must be thrilled.
I am.
We both are.
I'm so glad.
I've known Jack for a long time and I've never seen him look so happy.
Thank you, Kate.
That's very kind.
You will be able to come over tonight, won't you? - Morning, Jack.
- We are free tonight, aren't we? I don't know, ask my daughter, she's the boss.
Part of my business in the Mediterranean involved teaching new owners to sail.
Out in all that sun, sea and wind you soon found that there was no decent protection for the skin.
Well, nothing that didn't look like whitewash or woad.
So I thought why not market some under the House of Howard label? Skin care products that could really do the job.
Just targeted at the yachting fraternity? No - at the whole sport and luxury market.
And they could be linked in with Mum's autumn collections.
Yes.
Is that all you can say? Yes? Oh, come on, Robert, I think it's a great idea.
- Oh, I don't doubt that.
- Haven't you ever backed a hunch? Don't you ever get an instinct that you're onto a winner? - I would only suggest - Is it all pounds, shillings and pence? I was only going to suggest that we look at it more closely.
I sometimes think that's all you ever do suggest.
If it was your money, Jan, I'd say fine, nice idea, go for it.
I see.
- Good.
- Meanwhile, someone beats us to it.
Surely, Robert, you can see the potential? Yes.
Then why not use some of the research and development money for this? But what proportion? I need more than a few jottings on a napkin.
- Jack - No.
Jack, you haven't seen a box of disks with Dad's writing on, have you? I wondered if it was with that stuff of his you tidied away.
No! I'm stuck without it.
I need to get at some of his designs on computer.
Well, I've no bloody idea where they are.
And if you want to be a real designer, you'll get a pencil and paper and do it the proper way.
Right.
Jack, don't, please.
Jack, what's the matter? You've been like this ever since seeing Avril this morning.
That girl has got no gratitude, no respect.
- Avril? - Telling me what to do in my own yard.
- Who the hell does she think she is? - The managing director of Relton.
She's responsible for all of us.
- You should be very proud of her.
- When she threatens to sack you? Sack you? That doesn't sound like Avril.
- She did and she bloody well would.
- I don't believe it.
You think I don't know my own flesh and blood? - No.
- Good, very good, good.
Cos that's my daughter.
I was father and mother to that girl and that's something you know nothing about.
And I suggest you remember that.
Thank you.
Jack! - What? - You've forgotten this.
Bah! I like that boat more and more, Ken.
I hope we get some decent weather for the launch, force four or five would be ideal.
When they see a pretty girl in a pretty boat it'll be easy.
You're selling the boat, Ken, not me.
That's where you're wrong, Jenny.
I'm selling you to the public's imagination.
No deal.
Jenny, you need money, a boat and sponsorship before you take off round the world again.
Where's all that going to come from? Your piggy bank? Hardly.
That doesn't mean I've got to sit around looking like some bimbo.
Oh, yes, it does.
A big distribution deal with allow me to sponsor not only you but a whole fleet of Jenny Richards.
In order to succeed, I'm prepared to do anything, absolutely anything.
And I suggest you start thinking along the same lines.
If that meets sitting with a pretty smile on your face in front of clients, it is a small price to pay.
- I'm surprised you don't know that.
- I do know that, Ken.
And it's not a small price.
Sometimes I don't think men realise how much that costs.
Costs? I've sunk everything into this launch.
Jenny, I'm owed this.
I am sorry, Charles - you do know that.
Over the years, I've tried to be a father.
By trying to ruin me? I was just trying to show you that united we stand, divided one of us would fall.
- But it didn't work.
- Nearly.
Oh, I don't think so.
And if that's what you wanted to say, well, you've said it and erm I do have to be getting on.
Charles I am trying to apologise.
I know I've let you down in the past, I understand how you feel.
Oh, really? How? How can you possibly understand how I feel, hmm? You've never known me.
Ever since I was a child you've never known how I felt about anything.
- No.
- No.
I had nannies, holidays abroad, boarding schools.
All I was ever expected to do was put in an appearance now and again in front of some very important guests so that you could pat me on the head and tell me to run along.
You never, never spent any time with me.
So how the hell can you sit there and tell me you understand how I feel? When I was at school, I used to pretend I didn't have a father, that I lived in the gamekeeper's cottage.
I would've done anything for you.
No, you wouldn't.
You'd have bought anything for me.
You always thought you could buy everything.
Buy me, buy love, buy my mother.
- Oh, Sophie.
- Yes, Sophie.
Oh, God.
All she ever wanted, all I ever wanted, was time - your time.
But you were too damn busy, weren't you? Always thought you could make it up with a present.
Sophie always had time.
She made time.
Remember my 21st birthday? You gave me a brand-new Ferrari.
She gave me a little watercolour that she'd painted herself.
I treasured that then and I treasure that now more than anything.
Anything that you have ever given me.
I understand that now, Charles, and I am here to apologise.
(Scoffs) You're too late.
You should've started with Sophie, for the way that you used her.
If I accepted your apology, it would be an act of betrayal.
Well at least you have to admit that I have been a considerable business adversary and if I hadn't been and if you hadn't been so determined to defeat me, you might not be where you are now.
Can't we drink to that? Very well.
Thank you.
To a considerable business adversary.
Yes, it has been a good fight.
To you.
A chance to beat me.
I think that's what you're going to miss the most.
Yes.
I still don't see why you had to take me round - Surprise! - (Cheering) I don't believe it! You! - I hadn't got a clue! - It was brilliant.
(Clock chiming) Yes.
(Chatter) Excuse me.
Hello.
- Jenny! - Lynne! - When did you get back to town? - I don't know It's everything, Kate.
I've got Avril breathing down my neck, telling me how to do my job, I've got Leo tearing around looking for Tom's old design's, it's just too much.
Ah! Then why don't you retire and find a nice little house in Spain? Me retire? I'd be bored out of my mind.
I've never heard such nonsense.
It's you that's talking nonsense.
Avril cares for you more than you realise.
Leo's only trying to follow in his father's footsteps and what you've done to upset Vanessa so much, I really don't know.
Kate, you are beginning to sound like a mother-in-law.
You're impossible.
Quite impossible.
I give up.
Erm I just checked him, he's fast asleep.
He's definitely got a cold, though.
I should spend more time with him.
You still haven't told me what Sir Edward wanted.
Nothing.
He just wanted a chat.
You misunderstand him.
He's quite sensitive, really.
Oh, big softie underneath? I even heard about your transatlantic crossing in Paxos.
- Well, you've done it.
- Yes, but only one way.
- I hope you're still sailing.
- Mm, not full time any more.
- What about you? - I'm working for Ken Masters.
Hello, Lynne.
Welcome home.
- Oh, Ken.
- La-la! - (Laughter) - What do you think? - Look at this! - What do you think of that? Put it down before you faint! Er! Quiet, please.
I just want to say how delighted we are to see all of you here this evening and to welcome darling Lynne back to Tarrant.
Here, here.
And I'm sure you'd all like to join with me in wishing our two dear friends a long and peaceful life together.
- Speech, come on! - Speech! Thank you, Kate, thank you.
I also think on this occasion we should remember Tom.
And I know he'd be very proud of what a lovely woman his daughter's turned out to be.
To To Tom.
- To Tom.
- To Tom.
Come on, Leo, put some music on.
What about we cut this cake, eh? - Look, it's such a shame to cut it.
- Go on, no, you must.
- It's such a shame.
- (Cheering) They don't get any better.
Stupid - Ah, Jan, can I have a quick word? - Yes, of course.
What about? - I want to ask you a favour.
- Go ahead.
I know you're terribly busy but I'd love you to design my wedding dress for me.
Vanessa, I would be delighted.
That is if Jack still wants a wedding.
- Oh, come on, don't be silly.
- Well Oh, he'd be a fool not to.
Have you had any thoughts about a design? Well, I'm a bit past veiling and orange blossom.
Well, I don't know.
(Tape rewinding) (Tape running) Hello, Charles, Polly, Abby, Jan.
Thank you for coming.
You will soon have in front of you a copy of my last will and testament.
In brief, I leave to my son Charles Come on, Laura, you've been purring all morning.
- Yes.
- Well? We've been sent two complimentary tickets for a polo match this afternoon.
- Polo? - Mm.
It's ridiculous enough chasing a ball around on two feet, let alone on horseback.
- You'd prefer pig-sticking, would you? - Infinitely.
Thank you.
Who sent these tickets? A friend of mine who's just joined the board of Sir John's bank.
- They're sponsoring the match.
- I'm suddenly interested in polo.
Four pukkas, isn't it? Chukkers.
Charles Frere owns one of the teams.
- Fancy that.
- The bank, Sir John, that is, is considering a multimillion pound loan to Frere Holdings so that Charles can complete phase one of his marina project.
But then Charles would be able to redouble his efforts to take over Relton.
- That would be a disaster for us.
- If he gets the loan.
Oh, I see.
- I heard a little rumour this morning - Heard or started? Spread.
That Sir John perjured himself over Charles' Diacra holdings and that Charles is offering him a percentage of the loan as a thank you.
Sir John would never be a party to that.
Well, as I said, it's only a rumour.
But if the bank chooses to believe it, who are we to stop them? Of course, they'll understand if you decline this polo presentation this afternoon, Edward.
I have no intention of declining anything.
Check.
Ah.
I rather hoped you wouldn't do that.
Your willingness to sacrifice a queen is always very unnerving.
Yes.
Rather too close to home for comfort.
But you always seem to get away with it.
Well, the idea of the game is to keep the king alive.
You were always far too sentimental to beat me, John.
Hmm.
And I see that you've cornered me again.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Ah, thank you.
Er, just a moment.
A small matter but I would like you both to witness my signature.
Is that what I think it is? A codicil to my will, yes.
Thank you.
You don't have to read it, just sign it.
Pity.
I should think it would make most interesting reading.
I'm so glad.
You're not up to your old tricks again are you, Edward? What makes you think so? (PA) We're entering the sixth and final chukker.
leading by several lengths challenging on his left-hand side.
Elliston going in towards the goal, it's going in close It's there, it's a goal for Elliston.
Elliston, into the lead in the sixth and final chukker of the semi-final.
Thank you, Chip.
Hacker moves back in defence for Elliston.
Oliver Ellis brings the ball up Champagne? Lovely.
Excuse me.
If it pleases your ladyship, I would be honoured to court a favour and carry your colours for the day.
Who the hell was that? I have no idea.
it's ending, the winner, Elliston.
Elliston through to the final to meet Party Paragon for the Holsgrove Cup.
Ah, Sir Edward.
I'm glad I've caught you.
This is neither the time nor the place, Ken.
Oh, yes, it is.
I need that distribution order with the Poelma Corporation now.
You owe me a favour.
Don't forget it was me that passed on that information to the fraud squad about Diacra Holdings.
And your son.
Some other time, Ken.
Now would you please let go of my arm? Call me in the morning.
I have called and you haven't bothered to answer.
This is going to be sorted out now.
I'm not going till it has been.
- Tomorrow, Ken.
- Now! Right now.
Get out of my way.
(Yells) Come on, come on.
Come on! Thumping it back but quickly, quickly.
Good long hit down.
Trying to reach his team mates and get the ball toward the centre of the field.
Hello, Charles.
Still ahead, I see.
Oh, yes.
I must say, I am looking forward to the presentation.
Edward ought to be here by now.
Oh, he'll be here.
One over for Elliston.
I think I ought to get somebody to call.
Will you stop worrying? One score, Elliston.
Taking that ball up.
Relton's trying to put it through Yes, it's a goal.
Who's their captain? Some ringer who's been playing in South America, apparently.
Unsporting, if you ask me.
Change ends - Robert.
- Sir John, could I have a word? News of Sir Edward? No.
Well, then, I'm afraid it's going to have to wait.
If he doesn't come soon, I shall have to present the cup myself.
It is rather important.
Well, so is this.
Very well, then.
Five minutes.
Excuse me, Charles.
Hard riding now to number three, Mike Shepherd, handed back to Jamie Paxman.
Daniel Fernandez takes that ball on the near side.
It's a good mid-air shot and the ball is going towards the goal.
He's got it, for sure.
Yes.
Just inside the left-hand post by six inches.
Party Paragon 3, Elliston 1.
Could Charles Frere, Charles Frere, come to the secretary's tent, please? There is an important message waiting for him.
Got to go.
See you later, John.
Oh, yes, yes.
Good game, good game.
Your champion bids you farewell.
Oh, what a shame.
He's rather tired but he hopes to renew the acquaintance before too long.
There is nothing worse than a smug limey.
Except a spoilt American.
What the hell are you doing here? (Clears throat) Oh, Jack, you are lovely.
They are beautiful flowers.
- It was meant to be a surprise.
- It was a wonderful surprise.
- And of course I forgive you.
- Huh? - The flowers.
- What flowers? Well, those flowers.
Oh, well, if somebody's sent you a bloody garden full, - you won't be needing these.
- Oh.
Hello? Oh, I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Good God.
What on earth are you doing here? I've come back.
Who the hell is this? (Knocking) Charles.
I'm just on my way to Highfield.
Thomas is already in the car, going over to have tea with Edward.
I'm sorry, Abby.
He's dead, isn't he? I can't believe it.
He was here yesterday.
Did my mother? Oh.
Oh, well Doesn't matter.
It's all over now.
I doubt that.
I doubt that very much.