Howard's Way (1985) s06e06 Episode Script
Series 6, Episode 6
(Church organ plays) The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended The darkness falls at thy behest To thee our morning hymns ascended Thy praise shall sanctify our rest We thank thee that thy Church, unsleeping While earth rolls onward into light Through all the world her watch is keeping And rests not now by day or night So be it, Lord Thy throne shall never like earth's proud empires pass away Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever Till all thy creatures own thy sway (Chatter and laughter) - Come on, Polly.
- (Woman) Your attention, please.
Would a Gerald Urquhart please contact the information desk.
I still don't understand how you can disappear for 25 years.
You never did have any concern for the family, did you? - You've never forgiven me for selling Relton.
- No.
It was the way you sold it to the first person who came along.
- And gladly.
- And cheaply.
Oh, come on.
The old man's dreams weren't mine.
I was never cut out to be a boat builder.
I wanted and needed to do my own thing, to find what was out there.
And there was a lot to find, sis.
I'm sorry if it disappoints you but I left Tarrant for my own sanity.
Fair enough.
So why have you come back now? For as much as it hath pleased Almighty God of His great mercy to take unto Himself the soul of our dear brother here departed we therefore commit his body to the ground.
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body - that it may be like unto his glorious body - (Car door slams) according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things to Himself.
- I heard a voice from heaven - (Mobile rings) (Ringing) - I heard a voice from heaven saying - (Ringing) Hello? Ken Masters.
unto me, write, from henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord - How long's he here for, Jack? - I don't know.
He just turned up.
At first I thought he was, er - I didn't realise he was Vanessa's brother.
- Oh, yeah.
I remember him now.
Anyway, Bill, what about this finish? Well, could perhaps use a finer grade.
Mm.
Mm.
No, there's only one way to fix that.
Take it off and start again.
- That's four days' work down the chute, Jack.
- It's no good, Bill, I'm not having it.
The teak's too dark.
It doesn't match the decking.
But there's not a mark on her otherwise.
- (Metal clangs) - There is now.
The time was right to leave South America.
- Simple as that.
- Why? Someone offered me a ridiculously large sum of money for my company.
It means I can do what I like when I like, and I like the idea of returning to Tarrant for a while.
That wood's no good for the Xanadu.
But that's the third lot they've sent.
Can't you use any of it? No.
I want a first-rate match.
The colour's not good enough.
The suppliers are not gonna like this.
- Nor is Avril.
- Yeah, well, tough.
Glad you're still the same perfectionist, Jack.
Hm.
I saw a boat of yours in VelparaÃso last year.
- Mermaid Yard 1961.
- Oh? Yes, just the shell.
Sold for ten times what the owner paid for it new.
Really? The auctioneer said they don't build boats with such care any more.
- I'll be happy to prove him wrong.
- Well, it isn't easy these days.
People don't know what quality is.
(David) Nor how to appreciate it.
(Jack) Right.
How about a drink this evening? Catch up on old times.
- Yeah, that's fine by me.
- Good.
See you later, about eight.
- Bye, sis.
- Bye.
That wood, Vanessa, I don't care where you get it from, make it a priority.
- Jack, the vicar.
- Yeah, well, if he's got the wood, fine.
We were supposed to see him tonight, - or are you meeting him at the wedding? - No, no.
And you promised to book the church so he can arrange the choir and the organist.
Vanessa, we are organising a wedding, not a military tattoo.
Isn't it sad that his wife and only son didn't see fit to come here today? Polly doesn't surprise me but Charles does, especially as he's going to inherit all this.
Yes, indeed.
Would you like a drink? I'm glad you didn't marry him.
Somehow I don't think this is you.
(Chuckles) No.
And I don't envy whoever's going to inherit it.
It must be an awful responsibility.
- Hello, Jan.
Lynne.
- Ah, Ken.
I do hope being inside isn't going to ruin your telephone reception.
No, rather unfortunate timing, that.
But where better to be resurrected, eh? Oh, so it was good news, was it? Yes.
I hope you're coming to the launch tomorrow, with Lynne offering her services.
Sorry, Ken, far too busy.
Oh.
I'm only doing this for Jenny, you know.
Yes, of course, yeah.
You have promised her that sponsorship, haven't you? Yes, if the boat sells.
Hello, Abby.
- What do you want? - Just trying to be friendly.
No, you're not.
Rumour or not, what option do you have? Personally, I find the whole thing highly disagreeable.
Oh, I suppose I'd better go and sound out Charles.
Forget about him and think about yourself for a change.
(Snorts) I mean, just not having the common decency to attend, - I I just don't understand her, Abby.
- It's not your fault.
I mean, when you've stuck with someone for over 20 years, and you think you know them, and and then this.
You've got to move on, Daddy.
We all do.
- So, what did Orrin want? - Nothing.
I'd pay more attention to looking behind you, Orrin.
Why's that? You reckon Laura Wilde's gonna stab me in the back? She'll have to wait her turn.
Listen, Ken.
I bought into Leisurecruise cos it's a great company.
You should know, you built it.
- Nothing personal.
- It is to me, Orrin.
So, who's the predator? - (Gerald) That's a certain Mr Josh Gainsford.
- Hi.
He's here representing Polly's sorry, Lady Frere's interests.
He asked me for my full cooperation.
I said it was nothing to do with me.
Or any of us, thank God.
It's like watching sharks.
It's a huge estate, you know, Abby, and with it comes not only a vast amount of money but also power.
No wonder they're all anxious to know who's gonna get it.
Well, I'm not.
The whole thing disgusts me.
I'm sure you wouldn't mind a little keepsake.
I daresay a nice Canaletto would get even me to remember him.
- (Cheesy guitar music) - (Chuckles) (Sighs and chuckles) Thank you.
Er no, I've already ordered.
It's my treat.
Well, go on, then, tell me.
Is there a Mrs Relton? Two.
Ex-Mrs Reltons.
The first time, I was too young.
The second, not young enough.
- (Both chuckle) - Next question.
No, it wasn't meant to be an inquisition.
It's just that in the old days, when you were around Tarrant, we girls thought you were the best thing on two legs.
How embarrassing.
(Chuckling) I should have recognised you at the polo.
No reason why you should.
A lot's changed.
I'm not the callow youth I was.
All that confidence with no justification for it.
(Both chuckle) Took me the next 25 years to earn that.
But you're the one who's changed the most, Laura.
Well, the, er braces and the ponytail for a start.
Plus a couple of other developments.
- You mean Leisurecruise, of course.
- Of course.
- That's why I'm here.
I need a boat.
- Ah.
For a friend of mine.
Oh, nothing too fancy.
A little runabout.
A small luxury cruiser.
Say 50 foot.
- Fifty foot? That's hardly small.
- It's small change to him.
He's got business interests in the Far East mainly, but he would like a toy to drink his gin on in the Mediterranean and I said I'd fix something up for him.
- And you're thinking of using Leisurecruise? - I'm more than thinking.
Oh.
(Tuts) How did you know I was a vegetarian? Expect me to tell you all my little secrets? You could try.
I really do think you should have attended.
If you can't forgive a dead man, who can you forgive? - I just couldn't go.
- Why? I just don't understand.
Neither do I.
Gerald for the first time in my life, I don't know what to think or feel.
Until now I've always known.
Part of the way I grew up.
But today I don't know whether to feel angry, relieved, bitter, guilty (Chuckles) a sense of loss, I just don't know.
Well there is no correct way to feel.
Just be yourself.
What is that? I don't know.
I I just feel that you should have gone.
It would have given you a chance to to grieve.
If you knew if you had any idea how he had treated my mother you would understand that it was impossible for me to go.
Out of respect for her.
(Sniffs and sighs) (Gasps) (Sighs) (Sniffs) And come to think of it, what the hell were you doing there? Look what he did to you.
- You don't think he loved Polly, do you? - He married her.
He could have done that for any number of damn reasons.
Secure his access to William.
Some way of getting back at Jan Howard or at me because I was so close to my mother.
- Even because of you.
- Me? Yes, you refused to work for him, didn't you? Who the hell knows what his reasons were? (Sighs) Well, you can be damn sure of one thing.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
You don't think that changed because he was dying, do you? Of course it didn't.
And I'll bet you, I'll bet you any money you like, that he's laid a series of time bombs and he's gloating while we sweat it out, waiting for each of them to go off, one by one by one.
- David Relton.
- Yes, of course.
How nice to meet you.
- I hope you don't mind me dropping by.
- Not at all.
Please.
Thank you.
Only I've just had lunch with Laura Wilde.
To discuss a small project for a friend of mine.
- Anything particular I can do? - Well, yes.
I hope so.
- I would like you to consider a proposition.
- Go on.
Well, this friend of mine has always kept an eye on Relton.
He's impressed with the Tom Howard range of boats and particularly in the way that you have been running the company.
May I ask who this friend is? I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to reveal his identity just at the moment.
As a major businessman, he has to tread delicately from time to time.
But I can reveal that his boat business covers most of the Far East, Indonesia, the Philippines, even down to Australia.
Now, he would like to sell your product range and maybe see if you would be interested in marketing his range in Europe.
I'm sure Charles won't be long.
Would you like a drink? No, thank you.
- Hello, John.
Sorry to keep you.
- Ah, Charles.
(Clears throat) Well, first of all, my sincere condolences.
- Can't be an easy time for you.
- No.
Which makes my news all the more unfortunate.
(Chuckles) The ironic thing is that if your father was still alive, I'd think he was at the bottom of this business.
I have been put in an impossible situation with the bank.
I have no alternative but to resign.
Resign? How can you possibly resign? Diacra Holdings.
Well, you've forgotten your little court case? - How much does the bank know? - I wasn't accused of perjury to my face.
- But nobody can prove that, can they? - I don't know.
But it appears that your friend Hector Burrage has been lobbying members of the board in order to get me deposed as chairman.
He he couldn't be on to anything, could he, Charles? It's highly unlikely.
But he might be being manipulated by somebody else.
Look, John, I got you reinstated as chairman and I expect you to see this one through to the end.
(Thumps table) It's too late, Charles! It's too late.
I do not intend to spend my retirement years in jail, least of all for a Frere.
- How's it going? - Fine, nearly ready.
We should be through here in half an hour.
I hope I'm going to be impressed.
You will be.
Well, I'm certainly impressed with these.
Thank you.
They're they're only roughs.
Ah, the wedding look.
Is that what's in for next year? Not really.
I just did that for a friend.
- Have you got time for this? - No, but last night I thought I'd have a go.
- So why are you doing it? - Because it's for a friend.
Jan, sometimes your naivety makes me gasp.
I'm sorry? This is probably the most important year in your business life.
It's just not on.
Now wait a minute.
This company is called House of Howard, not House of Hastings.
And for your information, I did those drawings at three o'clock this morning, in my own time.
So if that's being naive, Robert, then long may I remain so.
Jan, I think you misunderstand me.
I am here to protect your best interests.
I think you should know that Sir John has resigned from the bank.
- What? - Mm.
I don't quite know what this means to House of Howard yet, but I doubt whether the new chairman will be quite so free with his advice - or so flexible with the bank's investment.
- My God.
That is why I want a run-through of this presentation.
If you put a foot wrong, you could be in serious financial trouble.
I am here to make sure you don't put a toe out of place, and I resent any implication to the contrary.
Now, can we please get down to work, starting with your sales forecast? - Who was that? - Who? Snooping around the preparations for the trailer-sailer launch.
Didn't see him.
A spy for the Poelma Corporation, perhaps? - D'you think so? - It was a joke, Ken.
The joke might be on you, and you may be one step nearer your sponsorship.
- How come? - The Poelma Corporation rang me.
- They're coming to the launch tomorrow.
- Great! How did you manage that? Well, you know.
And if they like the boat, we're talking fleet order.
- And if not? - There are no if nots.
We can't afford to lose this one.
(Rings) Hello? Leo, I thought it was time you and I had a little talk.
- Orrin, we have nothing to discuss.
- Abby? Mutual ground.
End of Chilford Lane, six o'clock.
Be there.
And we aim to include products using harmless green ingredients, perhaps pineapples, seaweed, thyme, evening primrose, safe, natural, and offering superb protection from the elements.
Why look like this - (Laughter) - Oh, Lynne! when you can look like this? The Howard Range, make-up for the nineties.
(Machine off) Brilliant, darling.
Excellent.
Well done, Lynne.
I take it you're aware of the forthcoming EEC proposals? What proposals? They're insisting that all ingredients should be tested on animals.
- How horrible! - (Robert) Nevertheless That's a bridge we'll cross when we come to it.
You don't seem very impressed.
Pretty speeches don't impress me.
I want a proper financial report that leans on the scientific rather than the beautific.
(Seagulls cry) I still think this is a waste of time, Orrin.
At least hear me out, Leo.
So? - Did Abby tell you about the other day? - Yep.
I doubt it.
Not all of it.
She still feels something for me, Leo.
Yeah, disgust.
There's no way she can get William back without me, and I can't get him back without her.
We'll see.
I wouldn't deny you access, Leo.
I'd give you full visiting rights to Thomas.
What are you talking about? I'm now in a position to offer you whatever you want.
A piece of Relton, Leisurecruise, capital, your own design team.
- What? - I love her, Leo.
I want her back.
Just name your price.
Anything you want, it's yours.
Well, there's only one thing I want, and it's been coming to you for a long time.
Abby's not for sale, Orrin, and don't you ever let me see you near her again.
Vanessa's never forgiven me for selling Relton.
It's almost as if it was a personal attack on the family.
But I was never a boat builder, Jack.
Never a craftsman like you.
Hm.
Well, it's all water under the bridge.
Things seem to have worked out as everyone wanted.
So, here's to you and Vanessa, and to you, Bill, and to all the great boats built at the Mermaid, past, present and future.
- Right, cheers.
- Cheers.
- Well, I'm afraid I've got to go.
- What, already? I can't make it a heavy session tonight.
Got to meet someone.
But, look, don't you rush away.
Er have the evening on me, hm? Arthur, give Bill and Jack whatever they want, put it on my account and I'll settle up later.
OK? Cheers.
Uh cheers.
Wow.
Nice to see him spending his own money for a change.
Wasn't always like that, as I remember.
Yeah, well, if he wants to pour money down our throats, Bill, it's OK by us.
Same again, Arthur, please.
Oh, and make 'em large ones.
You know, Bill, I think he's I think he's changed.
Hey, I wonder if he'd like to be my best man.
Ha-ha! - (Both laughing) - Oh, Gran, honestly! Come here.
Beautific or scientific, it feels wonderful.
What is it? It's something the Aborigines use to soothe burns and treat persistent irritations.
I know someone we can try it on.
(Both laugh) - Do you mind? I'm trying to work in there! - Oh, I'm sorry, darling.
- That was thoughtless of me.
- I'm sorry, Mum, but we were trying I know, I know, and normally it wouldn't bother me.
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe I've just taken on too much.
What absolute piffle.
If you think you've bitten off more than you can chew, you'll just have to start chewing that little bit faster, won't you? Ah.
Yes, well, I think I'd better make you a nice hot cup of cocoa.
Good idea.
Oh, while you're at it, make me a little effigy of Robert Hastings, will you? So I can dunk in it.
With pleasure.
- Was he hurt? - I don't care.
He was trying to buy you, Abby.
I don't know what he's doing.
We're divorced.
It's over.
That's obviously not what he thinks.
I love you.
Do you believe me? You know I do.
I love you.
Nothing's gonna come between us, not Orrin or anybody.
I love you.
Well, then, in that case it's probably a good time to give you this.
Oh! Oh! Oh Thank you.
Sorry I'm late.
Good to see you again, Josh.
(Laughter) (Chuckling) I thought that polo was a game for gentlemen.
(Laughs) Who said I was a gentleman? (Laughs) Oh.
Oh, Laura.
What is it? Surely you must have guessed.
What? The way I feel about you.
It's a bit sudden, isn't it? It happens.
But not to me.
It must have.
Once.
A long time ago.
But she died.
But until now until I saw you (Moans) I see they're playing down John Stevens' resignation.
It's not a bad write-up.
- I didn't know he was an expert with roses.
- Oh, yes.
- Named a variety after his wife.
- Hm.
No news on who pushed him.
No, no, sounds like, er internal politics to me.
What about his nephew, Robert Hastings? Ambitious man.
- Could be after the chairmanship himself.
- Keep an eye on him, will you? That reminds me.
I must ring Jan Howard later today.
He's been doing some business with her.
We're quite capable of monitoring Hastings without Jan's assistance.
No, no, no, didn't mean that.
Something else.
My father has requested that Jan be present at the reading of his will.
(Sighs) Thank you.
- Where the hell have you been? - (Grunts) - Haven't you got anything to say for yourself? - Yeah.
Can I have another glass of water? Oh, my God.
Oh, come on, Vanessa, you can't be mad at me.
I mean, I haven't seen David for 25 years.
David left you at half-past eight.
Yeah, well, then then I had a few drinks with Bill and then he left all of a sudden and then, er I had a few drinks of my own.
I suppose you forgot you had to interview four people this morning for the apprenticeship job? Mm, no, no.
I just hope you've read their CVs.
The first one's been waiting over at the shed since nine.
Yeah, and I didn't forget to book the church.
- Good.
- Eleven o'clock.
- Eleven? - Mm.
I thought we agreed six.
Eleven, six I mean, what does it matter? We're getting married, that's the main thing.
Oh, I hope Jan hasn't started the dress.
I told her it was an evening wedding.
Well, what difference does it make? I mean, morning, noon and night, dress is just a dress.
- (Door shuts) - Right, where are these CVs? (Muttering) Oh.
Thank you.
And remember, no risks and no funny business.
I'm not kidding.
This is make-or-break time.
So if it's a-blowing four or five, I want you to take a reef in.
Remember, lying out there is the goose that's gonna lay the golden egg.
Don't swamp it.
- No, Ken.
- Gently put it through its paces, all right? That slalom course is good enough to show off its performance.
Yes, Ken.
Oh, and, girls, please, try and smile.
(Door shuts) Yes, of course I understand, Vanessa.
If it's not gonna be an evening wedding, then you're gonna want a totally different style.
(Chuckling) No, no.
I'll think of something else.
Just give me a few days, all right? OK.
Bye.
- (Phone rings) - I'm in a meeting.
Good morning, House of Howard.
It's Charles Frere.
Oh.
Yes, put him through.
Hello, Charles.
This is a surprise.
Oh, I see.
Um Yes, yes, that's fine.
I'll be there.
Goodbye.
- And this is the - Xanadu.
Just look at the sheer line.
It's absolutely beautiful.
I'm sorry, Mr Rolfe, I've never seen a boat like this for real.
- You ever worked in a boat yard before, Tony? - Yeah, nothing special, though.
Modern boats, mainly.
Not a lot of craftsmanship to that, though, is there? That's why I applied for the job here.
Couldn't miss a chance like this.
How long have you been working for? - About three years.
Odd-jobbing mainly.
- I see.
When did you pass all these exams? (Vanessa) Jack! Jack! There's a message from Avril.
Can you call in and see her this afternoon? Royal command.
When did you pass all these exams, then? I didn't.
I didn't pass any of them.
I wanted this job so badly.
To work in this yard is every apprentice's dream.
I'm sorry, Mr Rolfe, I haven't got any qualifications at all.
This is all I know.
I see.
Right.
We'll give you one month's trial.
That's great! When do I start? Now.
Right.
(Ken) As you can see by the brochure, she's a superbly adaptable craft with a retractable keel so it can sail on a puddle if we get a drought.
And the boat's so light, you don't need a tank to pull it.
And you can stop anywhere, raise the roof and sleep in it even while it's on the trailer.
Makes perfect sense if you're driving down to the Med, eh? It has excellent manoeuvrability and is exceedingly safe.
I know Ken doesn't want us to sink her, but this is ridiculous.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I don't think Ken's gonna like this.
(Chatter) Seems to be quite a bit of interest, especially in the champagne.
Yes, but half a dozen orders is going to leave us with a thumping loss.
- Where's the Poelma Corporation, Ken? - Yeah, that's what I'd like to know.
(Chatter) (Raised voices outside) Martin, take the wheel.
(Chatter) What on earth is your sister playing at? It has been a pleasure meeting you both.
We'll talk again.
- We look forward to it.
- Thank you for your time.
(Engine starts) (Lynne) to demonstrate, then let's demonstrate.
(Jenny) Stand by to go about.
(Lynne) This'll give Ken a run for his money.
(Jenny) It'll give him kittens.
(Chatter) What the hell are they trying to do? Sink it? - Ready about.
- No, leave it.
Leave it.
Now.
(Screams and shouts) (Shouts and cheers) - (Applause) - (Man) That was really good.
Oh, dear! There you are, ladies and gentlemen, that little beauty can manoeuvre itself out of any tricky situation.
- Mr Masters? - Yes.
Phillippe Bouvray.
I'm sorry we're late, but we managed to see the end of the demonstration.
Quite outstanding display.
What fun the boat is! Yes, it is.
One of its greatest selling points.
I'm sorry, I didn't catch what your name was.
Phillippe Bouvray.
We spoke yesterday.
The Poelma Corporation.
(Chuckles) Yes, yes.
Welcome.
Jan, can I introduce you to Mr Gainsford, who is Polly's solicitor? - Mr Gainsford, this is Jan Howard.
- How d'you do? Ah, now that we're all here, if you'd like to be seated, we can begin.
Well, firstly, thank you all very much for coming.
I realise this is somewhat unorthodox, but, er it was my father's expressed wish.
Copies of the will will be distributed after this, er performance.
Thank you, Mr Drew, I think we're ready now.
- I thought he was gonna hit Jenny and Lynne.
- Ken trying to pretend it was part of the plan.
Oh, still, it all went very well.
I think he's on to another winner there.
Yeah, he's still talking to the Poelma delegation.
Speaking about winners, that Leisurecruise boat of yours turned out very well too.
Yeah, well, Dad had done most of the work.
It was his concept.
You put in a lot of hard work, especially in the final stages of the design.
Ever thought about taking it up? - What, set up my own design team? - Well, steady on! But maybe.
- Well, are you interested? - You bet! - Good, let me see some proposals.
- Right, I will.
- Avril.
Hello, Leo.
- Good to see you, Sir John.
- Well, there's a happy man.
- Yes.
I've, er I've come to say goodbye.
- I was really sorry to hear the news.
- Oh, don't be, my dear, don't be.
I could have probably stayed on, but the whole thing would have been very messy, and happen again sooner or later.
Sooner probably.
(Sighs) I survived 40 or more years in this jungle, and I end up suspecting me own nephew.
You think Robert was behind the move? I don't know and I no longer care.
Business has grown far too unpleasant, and I'm tired, tired, tired.
I'm really going to miss you, John.
Well, that's very kind of you, my dear.
No, don't you worry about Relton.
You've built up a fine concern there and nobody can take that away from you.
That depends, doesn't it? Who was behind the move to oust you? As long as you remain in full control and don't incur any penalty clauses or the like, the bank, at any rate, can't interfere.
And if I don't? I have an awful feeling that someone is just biding his time.
(Birdsong outside) Abby, I Abby.
I really am very sorry.
I had absolutely no idea.
How could he do this to me? It belonged to Sophie the first Lady Frere.
He was a cruel, vicious man.
- Twisted.
- (Closes box) (Whispers) Damn him.
Darling, don't be too upset.
I'm not upset, I'm angry, that anyone should want to cause so much pain even after their death.
Have you discussed the will with Leo? (Whispers) No.
No, that's up to Abby.
Poor boy.
What a dreadful situation for him.
You know, I used to think you exaggerated your father's capacity for evil, but I was wrong.
He fooled us all.
You think Polly will contest the will? (Sighs) No.
No, I don't think so.
One thing I've learned about Polly is she took what she could get and then she moved on.
She's got her title, she's got her settlement.
And I've got Highfield Manor a place I've always hated as much as he did, and he knew it.
Still trying to mould me in his image.
Well, he won't succeed.
Now, then.
Abby.
- I'd better arrange to talk to her.
- I'll talk to her, Charles.
She's my daughter, you know.
By blood, by blood.
But it's me she thinks of as her father, and so do I.
- (Chatter) - (Sighs) Spending two hours working out a deal with the Poelma Corporation is thirsty work.
So I'm one step closer to sponsorship? It's not all signed and sealed, but I think it's in the bag, yes.
Ha-ha! Can't keep a good man down.
There must be some mistake.
We didn't order champagne.
- Ignorance is bliss.
- Which is why Ken's so happy.
(Laughs) (Low chatter) (Car draws up outside) (Door opens) (Door closes) Hi.
I hoped you'd be in.
Great news.
Avril wants me to start designing, right from scratch.
Not a Tom Howard boat or a Jack Rolfe boat, but a Leo Howard boat.
Good.
What's all this? What happened to all that "What's mine is yours" business? - Surely that doesn't apply just to bad things? - No, it doesn't.
Sorry.
Then let's celebrate.
Oh, this means an awful lot to me, Abby, and I want to share it with you.
Abby? I don't feel like celebrating.
I don't know how to tell you this.
I've I've been made a co-executor of Sir Edward's will.
Well, that's good, isn't it? Reason for a double celebration.
- (Glass clinks) - Co-executor with Orrin.
Oh.
How come? Polly got her settlement.
Charles got the house.
But the, er bulk of the estate has been left in trust to William.
I see.
That sounds like good news.
Perhaps we can get him back.
I don't see the problem.
The problem (Swallowing) is that I can't marry you.
What? A clause in the will.
(Gasps) The bastard.
Well, I knew he had it in for the Howards, but Oh, to hell with him.
We can still live together.
No.
What the clause said exactly, was that William only inherits if I sever all links with you.
(Sobs)
- (Woman) Your attention, please.
Would a Gerald Urquhart please contact the information desk.
I still don't understand how you can disappear for 25 years.
You never did have any concern for the family, did you? - You've never forgiven me for selling Relton.
- No.
It was the way you sold it to the first person who came along.
- And gladly.
- And cheaply.
Oh, come on.
The old man's dreams weren't mine.
I was never cut out to be a boat builder.
I wanted and needed to do my own thing, to find what was out there.
And there was a lot to find, sis.
I'm sorry if it disappoints you but I left Tarrant for my own sanity.
Fair enough.
So why have you come back now? For as much as it hath pleased Almighty God of His great mercy to take unto Himself the soul of our dear brother here departed we therefore commit his body to the ground.
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body - that it may be like unto his glorious body - (Car door slams) according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things to Himself.
- I heard a voice from heaven - (Mobile rings) (Ringing) - I heard a voice from heaven saying - (Ringing) Hello? Ken Masters.
unto me, write, from henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord - How long's he here for, Jack? - I don't know.
He just turned up.
At first I thought he was, er - I didn't realise he was Vanessa's brother.
- Oh, yeah.
I remember him now.
Anyway, Bill, what about this finish? Well, could perhaps use a finer grade.
Mm.
Mm.
No, there's only one way to fix that.
Take it off and start again.
- That's four days' work down the chute, Jack.
- It's no good, Bill, I'm not having it.
The teak's too dark.
It doesn't match the decking.
But there's not a mark on her otherwise.
- (Metal clangs) - There is now.
The time was right to leave South America.
- Simple as that.
- Why? Someone offered me a ridiculously large sum of money for my company.
It means I can do what I like when I like, and I like the idea of returning to Tarrant for a while.
That wood's no good for the Xanadu.
But that's the third lot they've sent.
Can't you use any of it? No.
I want a first-rate match.
The colour's not good enough.
The suppliers are not gonna like this.
- Nor is Avril.
- Yeah, well, tough.
Glad you're still the same perfectionist, Jack.
Hm.
I saw a boat of yours in VelparaÃso last year.
- Mermaid Yard 1961.
- Oh? Yes, just the shell.
Sold for ten times what the owner paid for it new.
Really? The auctioneer said they don't build boats with such care any more.
- I'll be happy to prove him wrong.
- Well, it isn't easy these days.
People don't know what quality is.
(David) Nor how to appreciate it.
(Jack) Right.
How about a drink this evening? Catch up on old times.
- Yeah, that's fine by me.
- Good.
See you later, about eight.
- Bye, sis.
- Bye.
That wood, Vanessa, I don't care where you get it from, make it a priority.
- Jack, the vicar.
- Yeah, well, if he's got the wood, fine.
We were supposed to see him tonight, - or are you meeting him at the wedding? - No, no.
And you promised to book the church so he can arrange the choir and the organist.
Vanessa, we are organising a wedding, not a military tattoo.
Isn't it sad that his wife and only son didn't see fit to come here today? Polly doesn't surprise me but Charles does, especially as he's going to inherit all this.
Yes, indeed.
Would you like a drink? I'm glad you didn't marry him.
Somehow I don't think this is you.
(Chuckles) No.
And I don't envy whoever's going to inherit it.
It must be an awful responsibility.
- Hello, Jan.
Lynne.
- Ah, Ken.
I do hope being inside isn't going to ruin your telephone reception.
No, rather unfortunate timing, that.
But where better to be resurrected, eh? Oh, so it was good news, was it? Yes.
I hope you're coming to the launch tomorrow, with Lynne offering her services.
Sorry, Ken, far too busy.
Oh.
I'm only doing this for Jenny, you know.
Yes, of course, yeah.
You have promised her that sponsorship, haven't you? Yes, if the boat sells.
Hello, Abby.
- What do you want? - Just trying to be friendly.
No, you're not.
Rumour or not, what option do you have? Personally, I find the whole thing highly disagreeable.
Oh, I suppose I'd better go and sound out Charles.
Forget about him and think about yourself for a change.
(Snorts) I mean, just not having the common decency to attend, - I I just don't understand her, Abby.
- It's not your fault.
I mean, when you've stuck with someone for over 20 years, and you think you know them, and and then this.
You've got to move on, Daddy.
We all do.
- So, what did Orrin want? - Nothing.
I'd pay more attention to looking behind you, Orrin.
Why's that? You reckon Laura Wilde's gonna stab me in the back? She'll have to wait her turn.
Listen, Ken.
I bought into Leisurecruise cos it's a great company.
You should know, you built it.
- Nothing personal.
- It is to me, Orrin.
So, who's the predator? - (Gerald) That's a certain Mr Josh Gainsford.
- Hi.
He's here representing Polly's sorry, Lady Frere's interests.
He asked me for my full cooperation.
I said it was nothing to do with me.
Or any of us, thank God.
It's like watching sharks.
It's a huge estate, you know, Abby, and with it comes not only a vast amount of money but also power.
No wonder they're all anxious to know who's gonna get it.
Well, I'm not.
The whole thing disgusts me.
I'm sure you wouldn't mind a little keepsake.
I daresay a nice Canaletto would get even me to remember him.
- (Cheesy guitar music) - (Chuckles) (Sighs and chuckles) Thank you.
Er no, I've already ordered.
It's my treat.
Well, go on, then, tell me.
Is there a Mrs Relton? Two.
Ex-Mrs Reltons.
The first time, I was too young.
The second, not young enough.
- (Both chuckle) - Next question.
No, it wasn't meant to be an inquisition.
It's just that in the old days, when you were around Tarrant, we girls thought you were the best thing on two legs.
How embarrassing.
(Chuckling) I should have recognised you at the polo.
No reason why you should.
A lot's changed.
I'm not the callow youth I was.
All that confidence with no justification for it.
(Both chuckle) Took me the next 25 years to earn that.
But you're the one who's changed the most, Laura.
Well, the, er braces and the ponytail for a start.
Plus a couple of other developments.
- You mean Leisurecruise, of course.
- Of course.
- That's why I'm here.
I need a boat.
- Ah.
For a friend of mine.
Oh, nothing too fancy.
A little runabout.
A small luxury cruiser.
Say 50 foot.
- Fifty foot? That's hardly small.
- It's small change to him.
He's got business interests in the Far East mainly, but he would like a toy to drink his gin on in the Mediterranean and I said I'd fix something up for him.
- And you're thinking of using Leisurecruise? - I'm more than thinking.
Oh.
(Tuts) How did you know I was a vegetarian? Expect me to tell you all my little secrets? You could try.
I really do think you should have attended.
If you can't forgive a dead man, who can you forgive? - I just couldn't go.
- Why? I just don't understand.
Neither do I.
Gerald for the first time in my life, I don't know what to think or feel.
Until now I've always known.
Part of the way I grew up.
But today I don't know whether to feel angry, relieved, bitter, guilty (Chuckles) a sense of loss, I just don't know.
Well there is no correct way to feel.
Just be yourself.
What is that? I don't know.
I I just feel that you should have gone.
It would have given you a chance to to grieve.
If you knew if you had any idea how he had treated my mother you would understand that it was impossible for me to go.
Out of respect for her.
(Sniffs and sighs) (Gasps) (Sighs) (Sniffs) And come to think of it, what the hell were you doing there? Look what he did to you.
- You don't think he loved Polly, do you? - He married her.
He could have done that for any number of damn reasons.
Secure his access to William.
Some way of getting back at Jan Howard or at me because I was so close to my mother.
- Even because of you.
- Me? Yes, you refused to work for him, didn't you? Who the hell knows what his reasons were? (Sighs) Well, you can be damn sure of one thing.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
You don't think that changed because he was dying, do you? Of course it didn't.
And I'll bet you, I'll bet you any money you like, that he's laid a series of time bombs and he's gloating while we sweat it out, waiting for each of them to go off, one by one by one.
- David Relton.
- Yes, of course.
How nice to meet you.
- I hope you don't mind me dropping by.
- Not at all.
Please.
Thank you.
Only I've just had lunch with Laura Wilde.
To discuss a small project for a friend of mine.
- Anything particular I can do? - Well, yes.
I hope so.
- I would like you to consider a proposition.
- Go on.
Well, this friend of mine has always kept an eye on Relton.
He's impressed with the Tom Howard range of boats and particularly in the way that you have been running the company.
May I ask who this friend is? I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to reveal his identity just at the moment.
As a major businessman, he has to tread delicately from time to time.
But I can reveal that his boat business covers most of the Far East, Indonesia, the Philippines, even down to Australia.
Now, he would like to sell your product range and maybe see if you would be interested in marketing his range in Europe.
I'm sure Charles won't be long.
Would you like a drink? No, thank you.
- Hello, John.
Sorry to keep you.
- Ah, Charles.
(Clears throat) Well, first of all, my sincere condolences.
- Can't be an easy time for you.
- No.
Which makes my news all the more unfortunate.
(Chuckles) The ironic thing is that if your father was still alive, I'd think he was at the bottom of this business.
I have been put in an impossible situation with the bank.
I have no alternative but to resign.
Resign? How can you possibly resign? Diacra Holdings.
Well, you've forgotten your little court case? - How much does the bank know? - I wasn't accused of perjury to my face.
- But nobody can prove that, can they? - I don't know.
But it appears that your friend Hector Burrage has been lobbying members of the board in order to get me deposed as chairman.
He he couldn't be on to anything, could he, Charles? It's highly unlikely.
But he might be being manipulated by somebody else.
Look, John, I got you reinstated as chairman and I expect you to see this one through to the end.
(Thumps table) It's too late, Charles! It's too late.
I do not intend to spend my retirement years in jail, least of all for a Frere.
- How's it going? - Fine, nearly ready.
We should be through here in half an hour.
I hope I'm going to be impressed.
You will be.
Well, I'm certainly impressed with these.
Thank you.
They're they're only roughs.
Ah, the wedding look.
Is that what's in for next year? Not really.
I just did that for a friend.
- Have you got time for this? - No, but last night I thought I'd have a go.
- So why are you doing it? - Because it's for a friend.
Jan, sometimes your naivety makes me gasp.
I'm sorry? This is probably the most important year in your business life.
It's just not on.
Now wait a minute.
This company is called House of Howard, not House of Hastings.
And for your information, I did those drawings at three o'clock this morning, in my own time.
So if that's being naive, Robert, then long may I remain so.
Jan, I think you misunderstand me.
I am here to protect your best interests.
I think you should know that Sir John has resigned from the bank.
- What? - Mm.
I don't quite know what this means to House of Howard yet, but I doubt whether the new chairman will be quite so free with his advice - or so flexible with the bank's investment.
- My God.
That is why I want a run-through of this presentation.
If you put a foot wrong, you could be in serious financial trouble.
I am here to make sure you don't put a toe out of place, and I resent any implication to the contrary.
Now, can we please get down to work, starting with your sales forecast? - Who was that? - Who? Snooping around the preparations for the trailer-sailer launch.
Didn't see him.
A spy for the Poelma Corporation, perhaps? - D'you think so? - It was a joke, Ken.
The joke might be on you, and you may be one step nearer your sponsorship.
- How come? - The Poelma Corporation rang me.
- They're coming to the launch tomorrow.
- Great! How did you manage that? Well, you know.
And if they like the boat, we're talking fleet order.
- And if not? - There are no if nots.
We can't afford to lose this one.
(Rings) Hello? Leo, I thought it was time you and I had a little talk.
- Orrin, we have nothing to discuss.
- Abby? Mutual ground.
End of Chilford Lane, six o'clock.
Be there.
And we aim to include products using harmless green ingredients, perhaps pineapples, seaweed, thyme, evening primrose, safe, natural, and offering superb protection from the elements.
Why look like this - (Laughter) - Oh, Lynne! when you can look like this? The Howard Range, make-up for the nineties.
(Machine off) Brilliant, darling.
Excellent.
Well done, Lynne.
I take it you're aware of the forthcoming EEC proposals? What proposals? They're insisting that all ingredients should be tested on animals.
- How horrible! - (Robert) Nevertheless That's a bridge we'll cross when we come to it.
You don't seem very impressed.
Pretty speeches don't impress me.
I want a proper financial report that leans on the scientific rather than the beautific.
(Seagulls cry) I still think this is a waste of time, Orrin.
At least hear me out, Leo.
So? - Did Abby tell you about the other day? - Yep.
I doubt it.
Not all of it.
She still feels something for me, Leo.
Yeah, disgust.
There's no way she can get William back without me, and I can't get him back without her.
We'll see.
I wouldn't deny you access, Leo.
I'd give you full visiting rights to Thomas.
What are you talking about? I'm now in a position to offer you whatever you want.
A piece of Relton, Leisurecruise, capital, your own design team.
- What? - I love her, Leo.
I want her back.
Just name your price.
Anything you want, it's yours.
Well, there's only one thing I want, and it's been coming to you for a long time.
Abby's not for sale, Orrin, and don't you ever let me see you near her again.
Vanessa's never forgiven me for selling Relton.
It's almost as if it was a personal attack on the family.
But I was never a boat builder, Jack.
Never a craftsman like you.
Hm.
Well, it's all water under the bridge.
Things seem to have worked out as everyone wanted.
So, here's to you and Vanessa, and to you, Bill, and to all the great boats built at the Mermaid, past, present and future.
- Right, cheers.
- Cheers.
- Well, I'm afraid I've got to go.
- What, already? I can't make it a heavy session tonight.
Got to meet someone.
But, look, don't you rush away.
Er have the evening on me, hm? Arthur, give Bill and Jack whatever they want, put it on my account and I'll settle up later.
OK? Cheers.
Uh cheers.
Wow.
Nice to see him spending his own money for a change.
Wasn't always like that, as I remember.
Yeah, well, if he wants to pour money down our throats, Bill, it's OK by us.
Same again, Arthur, please.
Oh, and make 'em large ones.
You know, Bill, I think he's I think he's changed.
Hey, I wonder if he'd like to be my best man.
Ha-ha! - (Both laughing) - Oh, Gran, honestly! Come here.
Beautific or scientific, it feels wonderful.
What is it? It's something the Aborigines use to soothe burns and treat persistent irritations.
I know someone we can try it on.
(Both laugh) - Do you mind? I'm trying to work in there! - Oh, I'm sorry, darling.
- That was thoughtless of me.
- I'm sorry, Mum, but we were trying I know, I know, and normally it wouldn't bother me.
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe I've just taken on too much.
What absolute piffle.
If you think you've bitten off more than you can chew, you'll just have to start chewing that little bit faster, won't you? Ah.
Yes, well, I think I'd better make you a nice hot cup of cocoa.
Good idea.
Oh, while you're at it, make me a little effigy of Robert Hastings, will you? So I can dunk in it.
With pleasure.
- Was he hurt? - I don't care.
He was trying to buy you, Abby.
I don't know what he's doing.
We're divorced.
It's over.
That's obviously not what he thinks.
I love you.
Do you believe me? You know I do.
I love you.
Nothing's gonna come between us, not Orrin or anybody.
I love you.
Well, then, in that case it's probably a good time to give you this.
Oh! Oh! Oh Thank you.
Sorry I'm late.
Good to see you again, Josh.
(Laughter) (Chuckling) I thought that polo was a game for gentlemen.
(Laughs) Who said I was a gentleman? (Laughs) Oh.
Oh, Laura.
What is it? Surely you must have guessed.
What? The way I feel about you.
It's a bit sudden, isn't it? It happens.
But not to me.
It must have.
Once.
A long time ago.
But she died.
But until now until I saw you (Moans) I see they're playing down John Stevens' resignation.
It's not a bad write-up.
- I didn't know he was an expert with roses.
- Oh, yes.
- Named a variety after his wife.
- Hm.
No news on who pushed him.
No, no, sounds like, er internal politics to me.
What about his nephew, Robert Hastings? Ambitious man.
- Could be after the chairmanship himself.
- Keep an eye on him, will you? That reminds me.
I must ring Jan Howard later today.
He's been doing some business with her.
We're quite capable of monitoring Hastings without Jan's assistance.
No, no, no, didn't mean that.
Something else.
My father has requested that Jan be present at the reading of his will.
(Sighs) Thank you.
- Where the hell have you been? - (Grunts) - Haven't you got anything to say for yourself? - Yeah.
Can I have another glass of water? Oh, my God.
Oh, come on, Vanessa, you can't be mad at me.
I mean, I haven't seen David for 25 years.
David left you at half-past eight.
Yeah, well, then then I had a few drinks with Bill and then he left all of a sudden and then, er I had a few drinks of my own.
I suppose you forgot you had to interview four people this morning for the apprenticeship job? Mm, no, no.
I just hope you've read their CVs.
The first one's been waiting over at the shed since nine.
Yeah, and I didn't forget to book the church.
- Good.
- Eleven o'clock.
- Eleven? - Mm.
I thought we agreed six.
Eleven, six I mean, what does it matter? We're getting married, that's the main thing.
Oh, I hope Jan hasn't started the dress.
I told her it was an evening wedding.
Well, what difference does it make? I mean, morning, noon and night, dress is just a dress.
- (Door shuts) - Right, where are these CVs? (Muttering) Oh.
Thank you.
And remember, no risks and no funny business.
I'm not kidding.
This is make-or-break time.
So if it's a-blowing four or five, I want you to take a reef in.
Remember, lying out there is the goose that's gonna lay the golden egg.
Don't swamp it.
- No, Ken.
- Gently put it through its paces, all right? That slalom course is good enough to show off its performance.
Yes, Ken.
Oh, and, girls, please, try and smile.
(Door shuts) Yes, of course I understand, Vanessa.
If it's not gonna be an evening wedding, then you're gonna want a totally different style.
(Chuckling) No, no.
I'll think of something else.
Just give me a few days, all right? OK.
Bye.
- (Phone rings) - I'm in a meeting.
Good morning, House of Howard.
It's Charles Frere.
Oh.
Yes, put him through.
Hello, Charles.
This is a surprise.
Oh, I see.
Um Yes, yes, that's fine.
I'll be there.
Goodbye.
- And this is the - Xanadu.
Just look at the sheer line.
It's absolutely beautiful.
I'm sorry, Mr Rolfe, I've never seen a boat like this for real.
- You ever worked in a boat yard before, Tony? - Yeah, nothing special, though.
Modern boats, mainly.
Not a lot of craftsmanship to that, though, is there? That's why I applied for the job here.
Couldn't miss a chance like this.
How long have you been working for? - About three years.
Odd-jobbing mainly.
- I see.
When did you pass all these exams? (Vanessa) Jack! Jack! There's a message from Avril.
Can you call in and see her this afternoon? Royal command.
When did you pass all these exams, then? I didn't.
I didn't pass any of them.
I wanted this job so badly.
To work in this yard is every apprentice's dream.
I'm sorry, Mr Rolfe, I haven't got any qualifications at all.
This is all I know.
I see.
Right.
We'll give you one month's trial.
That's great! When do I start? Now.
Right.
(Ken) As you can see by the brochure, she's a superbly adaptable craft with a retractable keel so it can sail on a puddle if we get a drought.
And the boat's so light, you don't need a tank to pull it.
And you can stop anywhere, raise the roof and sleep in it even while it's on the trailer.
Makes perfect sense if you're driving down to the Med, eh? It has excellent manoeuvrability and is exceedingly safe.
I know Ken doesn't want us to sink her, but this is ridiculous.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I don't think Ken's gonna like this.
(Chatter) Seems to be quite a bit of interest, especially in the champagne.
Yes, but half a dozen orders is going to leave us with a thumping loss.
- Where's the Poelma Corporation, Ken? - Yeah, that's what I'd like to know.
(Chatter) (Raised voices outside) Martin, take the wheel.
(Chatter) What on earth is your sister playing at? It has been a pleasure meeting you both.
We'll talk again.
- We look forward to it.
- Thank you for your time.
(Engine starts) (Lynne) to demonstrate, then let's demonstrate.
(Jenny) Stand by to go about.
(Lynne) This'll give Ken a run for his money.
(Jenny) It'll give him kittens.
(Chatter) What the hell are they trying to do? Sink it? - Ready about.
- No, leave it.
Leave it.
Now.
(Screams and shouts) (Shouts and cheers) - (Applause) - (Man) That was really good.
Oh, dear! There you are, ladies and gentlemen, that little beauty can manoeuvre itself out of any tricky situation.
- Mr Masters? - Yes.
Phillippe Bouvray.
I'm sorry we're late, but we managed to see the end of the demonstration.
Quite outstanding display.
What fun the boat is! Yes, it is.
One of its greatest selling points.
I'm sorry, I didn't catch what your name was.
Phillippe Bouvray.
We spoke yesterday.
The Poelma Corporation.
(Chuckles) Yes, yes.
Welcome.
Jan, can I introduce you to Mr Gainsford, who is Polly's solicitor? - Mr Gainsford, this is Jan Howard.
- How d'you do? Ah, now that we're all here, if you'd like to be seated, we can begin.
Well, firstly, thank you all very much for coming.
I realise this is somewhat unorthodox, but, er it was my father's expressed wish.
Copies of the will will be distributed after this, er performance.
Thank you, Mr Drew, I think we're ready now.
- I thought he was gonna hit Jenny and Lynne.
- Ken trying to pretend it was part of the plan.
Oh, still, it all went very well.
I think he's on to another winner there.
Yeah, he's still talking to the Poelma delegation.
Speaking about winners, that Leisurecruise boat of yours turned out very well too.
Yeah, well, Dad had done most of the work.
It was his concept.
You put in a lot of hard work, especially in the final stages of the design.
Ever thought about taking it up? - What, set up my own design team? - Well, steady on! But maybe.
- Well, are you interested? - You bet! - Good, let me see some proposals.
- Right, I will.
- Avril.
Hello, Leo.
- Good to see you, Sir John.
- Well, there's a happy man.
- Yes.
I've, er I've come to say goodbye.
- I was really sorry to hear the news.
- Oh, don't be, my dear, don't be.
I could have probably stayed on, but the whole thing would have been very messy, and happen again sooner or later.
Sooner probably.
(Sighs) I survived 40 or more years in this jungle, and I end up suspecting me own nephew.
You think Robert was behind the move? I don't know and I no longer care.
Business has grown far too unpleasant, and I'm tired, tired, tired.
I'm really going to miss you, John.
Well, that's very kind of you, my dear.
No, don't you worry about Relton.
You've built up a fine concern there and nobody can take that away from you.
That depends, doesn't it? Who was behind the move to oust you? As long as you remain in full control and don't incur any penalty clauses or the like, the bank, at any rate, can't interfere.
And if I don't? I have an awful feeling that someone is just biding his time.
(Birdsong outside) Abby, I Abby.
I really am very sorry.
I had absolutely no idea.
How could he do this to me? It belonged to Sophie the first Lady Frere.
He was a cruel, vicious man.
- Twisted.
- (Closes box) (Whispers) Damn him.
Darling, don't be too upset.
I'm not upset, I'm angry, that anyone should want to cause so much pain even after their death.
Have you discussed the will with Leo? (Whispers) No.
No, that's up to Abby.
Poor boy.
What a dreadful situation for him.
You know, I used to think you exaggerated your father's capacity for evil, but I was wrong.
He fooled us all.
You think Polly will contest the will? (Sighs) No.
No, I don't think so.
One thing I've learned about Polly is she took what she could get and then she moved on.
She's got her title, she's got her settlement.
And I've got Highfield Manor a place I've always hated as much as he did, and he knew it.
Still trying to mould me in his image.
Well, he won't succeed.
Now, then.
Abby.
- I'd better arrange to talk to her.
- I'll talk to her, Charles.
She's my daughter, you know.
By blood, by blood.
But it's me she thinks of as her father, and so do I.
- (Chatter) - (Sighs) Spending two hours working out a deal with the Poelma Corporation is thirsty work.
So I'm one step closer to sponsorship? It's not all signed and sealed, but I think it's in the bag, yes.
Ha-ha! Can't keep a good man down.
There must be some mistake.
We didn't order champagne.
- Ignorance is bliss.
- Which is why Ken's so happy.
(Laughs) (Low chatter) (Car draws up outside) (Door opens) (Door closes) Hi.
I hoped you'd be in.
Great news.
Avril wants me to start designing, right from scratch.
Not a Tom Howard boat or a Jack Rolfe boat, but a Leo Howard boat.
Good.
What's all this? What happened to all that "What's mine is yours" business? - Surely that doesn't apply just to bad things? - No, it doesn't.
Sorry.
Then let's celebrate.
Oh, this means an awful lot to me, Abby, and I want to share it with you.
Abby? I don't feel like celebrating.
I don't know how to tell you this.
I've I've been made a co-executor of Sir Edward's will.
Well, that's good, isn't it? Reason for a double celebration.
- (Glass clinks) - Co-executor with Orrin.
Oh.
How come? Polly got her settlement.
Charles got the house.
But the, er bulk of the estate has been left in trust to William.
I see.
That sounds like good news.
Perhaps we can get him back.
I don't see the problem.
The problem (Swallowing) is that I can't marry you.
What? A clause in the will.
(Gasps) The bastard.
Well, I knew he had it in for the Howards, but Oh, to hell with him.
We can still live together.
No.
What the clause said exactly, was that William only inherits if I sever all links with you.
(Sobs)