A Place to Call Home (2013) s06e07 Episode Script
New Adventures
1 He said Daddy was here! Daddy wasn't! Daddy would say hello.
It's made my choice for me.
Cap-Ferrat.
[LAUGHING.]
When? As soon as possible.
Shabbat's an invitation, not an obligation.
It's more than just that.
Rightly or wrongly, I don't approve.
I must find a way to.
Much needs changing.
I need changing.
Are you free tomorrow? JACK: The Neil Burton? Why would he want to come here? This Dr.
Duncan, he's he's been here yonks.
He's basically a GP.
The board's asked to discuss my leaving.
No! I'm disposable.
Neil's not.
Hospital needs him more than me.
I have to find my place within that.
I won't keep limiting myself because Jack fears change.
Why is he so stuck? We can't keep on this way.
I've made a decision about the future.
It feels good.
- Tell me.
- When I'm back.
One can but hope Sydney might sing a siren song.
It's about Doris.
Henry and I were kissing.
I think she might have seen, driving up.
Doris, whatever you're feeling, say nothing.
We'll speak more tomorrow.
Where's my wife? You stinking, flaming SARAH: It all came back.
Just when I'm happiest and everything is perfect.
It's It's always been that way.
Sarah? [ENGINE REVS.]
Sarah! [ENGINE SHUTS OFF.]
Sarah! Sarah! Sarah! I'm not praying.
What are you doing? I was heading to work and I had to come here.
You rushed out.
I want the clinic in order before patients arrive.
There'll be enough talk.
But you're here.
You didn't even see David.
SARAH: I was in no mood for questions.
Is that all? Why here? I haven't been since we returned.
It just hit you.
In passing.
Nothing else? There's enough real turmoil without you creating it.
- I'm worried.
- Don't be.
Please.
You know where I am if you need to talk.
There's nothing to say.
GEORGE: If there is.
Wieder an die arbeit! - YOUNG WOMAN: Je suis là .
- SARAH: René ! [GUNFIRE.]
- Tues-moi.
- [GUNSHOT.]
I said stay! [GRUNTS.]
[DIALING.]
I'm sure you've heard about last night.
We need repairs as soon as possible.
Thank you.
[RECEIVER CLICKS.]
Personally, I love it.
They can't but not.
I'll rustle them up.
[CHUCKLES.]
Wow.
[GIGGLES.]
Are you sure? Even half-asleep.
ELIZABETH: And half-dressed.
Delia insisted.
It was the first thing to hand.
In lieu of Prudence.
JACK: A whole new you.
- This your doing? - By request.
Good on you.
Good on you.
And I call Carolyn fripperous.
Oh, here's to frippery.
A fresh look for a fresh start.
Maybe I need a freshen-up, too, for mine.
You do look marvelous.
And you rather comical.
Uh, what fresh start? - I'll dress.
- And spoil our fun? Exactly.
Won't be a tick.
Hopefully excites you as much as me.
Did I not say? Well, if you do see him, tell him I'm looking for him.
And spread the word amongst any friends I might not know.
Thank you.
No luck? I've exhausted the possible numbers.
He was seeing a specialist.
They won't give out appointment information.
I think I'll head off with Livvy.
Perhaps it'll help if I present in person.
And I need to follow through on the new film deal.
To see your publisher? No, with Burbank National Pictures.
They're in town.
They want to get in ahead of Fox.
Oh.
That should be interesting, given your condition.
They need to know sometime.
Do they? My publisher certainly does.
GEORGE: Discretion wouldn't harm.
That's all I'll say.
You finished? ANNA: Yes.
- A private call.
- Of course.
Mildred, a Canberra number, please.
The Israeli Embassy.
You'll bounce in like a rubber ball after three of those.
I'll need my wits about me.
How do you expect Mr.
Burton to respond? I can only try.
What do you think? As you say, try.
The idea has merit.
See if he agrees.
Where do you bounce now? Mm? Oh, look at you.
What's next? Well, the house is mine again.
I can either find a charitable use for it or sell it and distribute the funds.
What, not live there? Until I work out what to do with it.
[CHUCKLES.]
Perhaps I'll return here.
Prudence ensures that life is never dull.
I think Douglas would approve of a philanthropic endeavor.
Well, the obvious thought's the refuge.
Well, it's doing well as it stands.
Something of my own, I think.
Something for women, as Douglas helped men.
You sound like Caro or Anna.
Or what I might have been had I been born into their eras.
Now, this is but a hint of change to come.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- They'll be impressed.
You? Goes without saying.
Well, hopefully I come back with my own impressive news.
Oh, good luck.
And then we'll head back together.
For my Ash Park unveiling.
And I have amends to make.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
- Come! [DOOR OPENS.]
Ah, Doctor.
I believe an emergency brought you to town.
Yes.
I ran into Mr.
Fox, off to get advice about his hand.
Your emergency patient, it seems, will survive but won't be the man he was.
Yeah.
You, uh, have a proposition, you say? Yes.
You didn't give me much of a go.
I made a quick, yet I believe fair, judgment.
I thought I was interviewing you.
I came to take the measure of the situation.
I found the hospital, its potential at least, attractive.
You not so.
I'm happy to outline why.
So that was it, no discussion, just straight to the board, digging a hole under me six feet deep? I did my homework, spoke to certain objective parties.
JACK: Richard Bennett? Well, he did fund the surgical wing.
[CHUCKLING.]
Well, he's hardly objective.
The board has supported his assessment.
Well-meaning, well-liked, but mired in the past.
Mr.
Fox, I'm told, had to battle you for change.
Mr.
Fox went about it wrong.
It's not my job to drag you into the future.
Your diplomas showed you've done no further study since you left medical school.
- I keep up with the journals.
- But no actual credentials.
Your rural location is no excuse.
Your patients deserve the latest treatment as much as anyone else.
They are looked after.
Well, perhaps not as well as I'd like to see.
I will appreciate your cooperation in this transition.
I'm here to offer more than that.
You want forward thinking, you got it.
And you'll have your hospital all to yourself.
A whole new aspect of care for the area, under me, independent, and I'll do the studies to back it up.
Let's see how much you really care about the locals.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS IN DISTANCE.]
[TYPEWRITER CLACKING.]
[CLACKING STOPS.]
- No Doris yet? - No, Sister.
[TYPEWRITER CLACKING.]
I've been expecting you.
Well, there's, uh, little to say.
It needs discussing.
It must have been a shock for you.
As an intimate of Ash Park, I've embraced many unorthodox trends.
Your ways, loose views on divorce, Miss Anna, first Catholic, now unwed and expecting.
I see now why she broke off her engagement with Mr.
Fox.
- Doris - And I say to myself, "Doris, times are changing.
You must change, too.
" But this I cannot condone.
So much is clear now.
James Bligh's friendships, his sudden flight overseas.
Even veiled remarks by Regina Bligh that now make sense.
You must, of course, perhaps accept these things, with it in the family.
But I cannot.
And I will not.
But I will not tell.
- If I could please - I will arrange for someone else to take over the book cart until I can manage a good face.
- There, I've had my say.
- Please! It's a perversion I cannot condone.
It goes against the laws of God and nature.
I have seen that thinking used to justify murder.
- Nonsense.
- I was there.
I saw.
They were rounded up along with the Jews.
"Warmer Bruder, du schwein.
" They died along with us.
You're no better than the Nazis.
Excuse me.
[GEARSHIFT CRANKS.]
ROY: Put your back into it, son.
[ANIMALS BLEATING.]
Good to see you back at the old place.
Get Emma back to school? Yeah.
Things all right? Gettin' better.
You've been missed.
Might be missed more, I reckon.
I've been thinking.
How'd you like it? - What do you mean? - How'd you like to own it? Be yours.
Sell? You can't.
I've been offered a job at Ash Park if I want it.
There's too many bad memories here.
Yeah, but ROY: If I stayed, I'd just turn into the miserable old coot I was when Missy first got here.
So do you want it? Of course.
But I can't.
We can sort something out about the money.
HARRY: It's more than that.
There'd be a problem in staying.
[TRUCK DOOR CLOSES.]
DORIS: Mr.
Briggs.
Looks like you could do with a hand there, Doris.
Oh, no, I'm making good use of my time free of the book cart.
Yeah, about that.
I caught up with what's what.
Harry Polson told me.
Oh.
I had hoped you were here to report on young Emma.
Oh, she's pleased as punch to be back.
Mm-hmm.
I'm selling my spread.
Mr.
Briggs, you're not leaving us? - No, you mustn't.
- No, of course not.
No, Ash Park'll do me just fine for now.
Gimme that.
I've offered it to Harry.
I reckon I can snag him a loan through Missy.
I've known about him for yonks.
Threw me at first, but a good bloke's a good bloke, even if he does like blokes.
Give me one Harry over 10 Stan O'Rourkes any day.
It is unnatural.
Not to him it's not.
Or Henry Fox.
Or James Bligh.
That slipped out.
I guessed as much.
Those blokes have it harder than most.
They're tossed aside by their loved ones.
Blackmail, bashings.
James spent time in a loony bin.
They have it pretty tough.
The Lord said The Lord makes rules that we all break every day.
I don't understand it, but I'm not about to judge it, especially when they're three good men.
Dear Dawn Oh, Dawnie figured it out.
She still had time for 'em but.
Look, I saw them kissing.
Yeah.
Not something I'd rush to see.
But in private, right? Where's the harm? [SNIFFS.]
The Bible says Drop the Lord bit.
I'll tell you what.
Go inside, go through your Bible, start listing down all the things it says you shouldn't do that you do.
And be honest, mind.
Then come back out.
I'll be ready for a cold one by then.
- Oh! - Off you go.
If you can't find any, judge away.
But if you do, show some ruddy compassion.
Scoot.
There'll be seven.
Use the best setting, as it's a farewell dinner.
- Georgie and David? - Oh, we'll get them to bed.
Service at 7:30.
Any particular menu? Lamb with mint sauce.
Treacle pudding.
Give her some good country fare to miss.
A thorough dusting of any rooms Mrs.
Goddard might use.
And Mrs.
Bligh organized it, right? I understand.
[TYPEWRITER BELL DINGS.]
- You're on fire! - [CHUCKLES.]
Judith called.
I'm booked to see the Americans.
Suggestions for the adaptation.
Ah, will they want them? I'm giving them.
Wear something loose.
Best it's not an issue.
I'll see.
Don't be perverse.
I'll see how I feel on the day.
Olivia's dinner all arranged? To all intents and purposes, all Sarah's doing.
Mother will sail in, looking to find fault.
She will find none.
Sarah shouldn't have to pretend any more than me.
Why invite problems? She certainly doesn't need them in her current state of mind.
Why? - Why what? - Well, why now? Sarah has every reason to be happy.
The shot missed.
It was fired.
Enough tension over time.
All we can do is see Mother's visit goes smoothly.
- We don't need the twang.
- Hm? Of strings snapping.
Sarah's or hers.
[FOOTSTEPS DEPART.]
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS, ENGINE SHUTS OFF.]
Mr.
Polson.
Mrs.
Collins.
I baked.
- Thank you.
- There are many young ladies who'd be so very happy with a husband like you.
Not the way I am.
- But - And I am how I am.
- But to choose - I didn't choose.
You think I'd choose to lose my sister? Get punched nearly to death? You reckon Henry would risk losing everything if his patients found out? There is no choice.
Yes, well enjoy the scones.
Mr.
Briggs hopes the farm will pass to you.
He says that Dawn would approve.
So, how can I not? [CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
Oh good.
At least someone got through to her.
Four verses after fellas shouldn't smooch, that bit about dads killing their sons for giving lip.
That threw her.
We'd all be dead if we stuck to that.
So how's she handling it? She's headed off out to see him.
I doubt it's a full turnaround, but it's a start.
SARAH: Good.
Now, what's with you? Doris said.
Nazi? SARAH: Happiness is my enemy.
ROY: Right.
SARAH: Makes sense of it, in an odd sort of way.
ROY: So tell George.
He'll understand, if I do.
[SARAH SCOFFS.]
Give him some credit.
How do you say, "You've made my dreams come true, and that terrifies me?" Just like that.
He's gotta be worried.
Yes.
Not sure of my timing, but how's finances at Ash Park? [HORN BLOWS.]
HENRY: The operation's set for next week.
He promises nothing.
He's the top man.
Even the best can't perform miracles.
My offer's still open.
Jack Duncan's new plan removes any betrayal from your accepting it.
I think his idea's an interesting concept.
Which will fail, but it'll keep him around to see me through my early days.
Social medicine's on the rise.
He may make it work.
Mm, it's ahead of its time, in a rural setting, certainly.
I'll arrive supporting the venture.
It'll fall over.
He'll leave.
I'll be settled.
And if it succeeds? Well, that's for me to judge.
It won't.
That stays in this room.
You won't even give it a chance? Duncan's only use is to pave my way with the locals.
Whatever he makes of his scheme can be built on by us, or not, when he's gone.
I would like it to be us.
[SCOFFS.]
The God complex.
I'm sorry.
I hope it wasn't as ugly in me as it is in you.
That's uncalled for.
Inverness is lucky to get the skill not the man.
Shove your offer.
I'll put that down to your hand.
My humanity.
You know, that's the trouble with your sort.
More venom than backbone.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Don't add to your woes by making trouble! [DOOR CLOSES.]
- DAVID: Mummy, Mummy! - GEORGIE: Come see! Come on! - Granny's pretty.
- Oh! - Granny looks great.
- Quick.
Quick! - Come on! - [SARAH LAUGHING.]
Daddy, Daddy! She's here! GEORGE: I saw you out the window.
Wait till you see.
In you go, you two, come on.
All right? No.
But yes.
What's going on? They've picked up on the fun of it.
Close your eyes.
- Oh! - Come on.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
Yoo-hoo.
Very good.
Nearly there.
Come see.
Come see! And open.
Oh, goodness! My reaction was somewhat bluer.
[LAUGHTER.]
Aunty Caro said a rude word.
It was naughty.
Doesn't she look fabulous? SARAH: She does.
A change.
In more ways than one.
I I hope that I'm invited on Friday.
You are.
Elizabeth's getting far too much attention.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Uh, Caro's bursting to hear, but I wanted to tell you all at once about my future.
I saw Neil Burton.
He's happy for me to set up a unit incorporating the women's clinic.
But so much more.
Men have their own problems.
They just don't face them.
A community clinic for the body and the mind.
I'll get in a psychiatrist.
We'll focus on men's health issues like we do with the women.
Have specific men's nights.
Encourage them to share.
We'll do it so that both are serviced.
Mine to run totally independently.
Um, Neil's recommending it to the board.
- Well? - Jack, congratulations.
- Thank you.
- ELIZABETH: It solves so much.
SARAH: I love the idea.
JACK: I got it transporting Stan.
Get to the man before he does what he does or get on top of it when he does it.
What do you think? Yeah? Yes.
Of course! [LAUGHTER.]
It's marvelous.
It's a great idea.
SARAH: It's wonderful.
[INSECTS CHIRPING, DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE.]
[LAUGHTER, INDISTINCT TALKING.]
So of course he insisted.
We spent an evening at the casino.
It is another world.
More jewels than you can shake a stick at.
But, darling, it was dazzling, though, wasn't it? Yes, but how many left with them or their shirt? JACK: I bet it happens.
[CHUCKLES.]
Well, James seems concerned about William's habits.
It's a factor in expanding the business here.
GEORGE: What, he said that? ELIZABETH: Carolyn? Sorry.
James suggested William enjoys the tables a touch too much.
Mm, it's partly behind expanding the business here.
As I said.
He has never been good with money.
ELIZABETH: It's worth keeping an eye on.
And he's been worse at listening to me.
Good thing there's no casinos in Australia.
It's bad enough with two-up.
There'd be a lot more poor households.
There's enough with the backroom games.
Something we'll focus on at the clinic.
Grog number one, of course.
And some of the women are starting to rely too much on tranquilizers, so have to get the local GPs on side with that.
GEORGE: Might they see that as poaching their patients? We'll take the hard cases, like any other part of the hospital.
Stella Jones managed on nothing for months to pay off Bob's Anzac Day debts.
No wonder she took to pills.
Well, fix the man, maybe fix the woman.
Amen to that, yes? Absolutely.
[SIGHS.]
[CLICKING.]
[LIGHTER CLICKS.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.]
Me too? I doubt Grandmother's changed enough to allow smoking at table even if she is staying for Shabbat.
Although I haven't seen a single finger run along a surface.
A transformation.
ANNA: Speaking of surfaces, it's not subtle.
Yours.
You're lucky Sarah's distracted, or she'd be at you, too.
I'm simply absorbing the idea.
[SIGHS.]
ANNA: You were hoping he'd leave.
You're shattered.
[BREATHES DEEPLY.]
[VOICE BREAKING.]
Oh, I want to scream.
You have to tell him.
If I start, I won't stop.
You can't pretend.
How his eyes glowed.
How can I douse that? [SIGHS.]
His concept of moving on is marching stolidly in place in a different uniform.
You have your new job.
There was a frustrating logic to it once.
But now Why can't he at least consider what is out there? Because he's Papa.
I feel sick.
It's all right, it's all right, it's all right.
For the first time, I think we might not make it.
[INDISTINCT TALKING.]
[BEETHOVEN'S "PIANO SONATA NO.
14 IN C# MINOR" PLAYS.]
His handing the house back was unexpected.
A lesser man might not have.
Matt's greatest strength is his greatest weakness.
A rigid code of conduct.
You'd no reservations in taking it? Briefly, but what he said was true.
I gave it under different circumstances.
Who'd have guessed at the time.
At least you saw in time.
Yes.
I think you'll be much happier.
- I will be.
- ELIZABETH: Mm.
You've told George? GEORGE: I trust all's on the property? He would never ask you to stop working.
I have to at least try the traditional role for fit.
Any reason why now? You'll understand, if anyone will.
ELIZABETH: We've had some good sales.
The war is always with us.
What's it got to do with that? George first.
Dessert, I think.
I'll hurry it along.
She almost sounded like me then.
Goodness.
You're a role model, Mother.
Oh, just as I embrace my inner self.
My legacy, perhaps.
I reckon we're all turning over new leaves.
I'll drink to that.
Sleep tight, little man.
In bed.
Every time I've been happiest, life's shattered me the most.
In '37, I wrote a letter to my mother that I'd married René.
She said I was dead to her.
Paris 1940, we were so in love.
And the Germans marched in.
You and I engaged, and that's when they found René.
At peace with that, and then he died.
David born, nearly killed by Regina.
And now I've never been happier.
At my happiest, what might come? When Stan held the rifle on me, I thought that was it.
I thought I was dead, and I thought, "That's fine.
" At least the curse falls on me, not you or David.
Because it is like a curse.
And now? Sister Adams was constructed out of the rubble of war.
She was in control, unflappable.
That's why when I met Elizabeth, I thought, "You You won't get the better of me.
" It's why when Regina did her worst, I managed my best.
She's where I've retreated whenever I've felt most at risk.
Sister Adams.
Sister Nordmann.
Sister Bligh.
She can't be hurt.
Sarah Bligh can.
It's why I've resisted becoming her.
And now? SARAH: Sarah Bligh is who I am.
I can't know who I am beside that without embracing that.
Embrace the expectation.
Discover what's possible within it.
A world of love.
You.
- David.
- Yourself.
I'll not stand in the way of you.
You never have.
But I have to stop running from us.
Trust us.
Trust fate.
No more fear.
I can do it.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[SCREAMS.]
[CRYING.]
DAVID: Hello! He wanted to see new Granny before he'd eat his breakfast.
New Granny? His words, not mine.
Well, here she is.
You look nice.
Oh, thank you, kind sir.
SARAH: All right, off you go.
Scoot.
Poppy and Georgie are waiting.
You should buy new dresses, too, Mummy.
Oh, I think we'll leave that to Granny.
New Granny.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
He has a precocious sense of couture.
Mm, he just loves all the fuss around it.
Mm.
Shabbat.
Yes? I would be thrilled if you come, but only if you're truly comfortable with it.
Well, one never knows unless one tries.
Is that so amusing? It's just relevant to my new day.
I'd like you to give me some training on how to run a household.
I'm testing out new Sarah.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.]
Mr.
Henry Fox on the phone, ma'am.
Oh, the poor dear.
James' former swain.
- Father to Anna's child.
- I know.
Oh, all too complicated.
MAID: He's asking for Mrs.
Goddard.
I see.
What did you tell him? That she's not available.
- But not that she's away.
- No.
Tell him Mrs.
Goddard would be thrilled to see him here at 11:00.
- MAID: But Mrs - A very white lie.
Quick sticks.
Terribly proud chap.
May not come otherwise.
Come for? To be restored, my dear.
As you with Elizabeth, so I with him.
- CAROLYN: Thank you, Trevor.
- TREVOR: Sure.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
Be up soon.
You're definitely sure? ROY: Emma's future's more important than mine.
That money's going to put her through uni.
But more to the point, are you sure? Last year it would have been a stretch, but this year it's been a bumper wool crop.
[SIGHS.]
The farm's been your life, Roy.
A man's never too old to change, Mr.
Bligh.
We'll be lucky to get you.
We'll pop over and see Harry when Olivia's gone.
And Missy, too? No show without Judy.
I just thought with how she is Well, nothing could keep her out of helping you two.
You're sortin' it, but We're making a start.
CAROLYN: Good morning.
Where are you off to? I have an apology to make.
I'll be back in time for Olivia.
[CAR DOOR OPENS.]
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
[VEHICLE DEPARTS.]
JACK: How was the ride? Just what the doctor ordered.
Did I, now? Come on, I could eat a horse.
Well, just as well I didn't ride up, then.
- Boom-tish.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Might go better second house.
Ah, Mrs.
Bligh.
Good morning.
I don't blame you.
I've done my best to put Mr.
Polson's mind at ease.
I'm glad.
My only excuse is I wasn't myself.
After Mr.
O'Rourke's actions, no doubt.
However, the term used was extreme.
Offensive.
I must have touched a nerve.
Was it so? You saw such men killed? I did.
I always sensed you suffered through the war.
I ask no details, but it would explain much.
But to compare me to those monsters.
Uh, you are yourself again? I am.
Well, that counts more than any apology.
As am I sad.
I don't know.
Puzzled.
I doubt I'll ever understand, but I will try my best.
It's all anyone can do.
Yes.
Harry will likely be staying, so discretion's important.
Yes.
My lips are sealed.
And Mr.
Fox? It's unlikely he'll return.
Oh.
I feel regret.
Without your championing, I suspect not so.
Well, then I'm glad I was firm, except for that word.
Indeed.
Indeed.
Mr.
Briggs! Roy.
We're off soon.
I've something to show you.
You've heard of Jack's scheme? Yeah, Mr.
Bligh said.
Um, as it will be changing anyway, I've asked Jack to see this made up.
I've felt rather a fraud.
The spark of an idea and some early funding hardly merits my name there.
We'll never forget Mrs.
Briggs.
Let's ensure the future doesn't.
She was a fine woman.
I'll see you when I get back.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
Lured here under false pretenses.
Alone and adrift in a big city.
Anna would want me to take you in hand.
No pun intended.
Come on.
Come on.
Come inside.
It should just slide over to the side.
You're going to drive us all the way there? In you get.
[CHUCKLES.]
All right? No special fuss, please.
We'll be back before you know it.
I'm happy just looking at you.
[SCOFFS.]
I'm so glad I was here to see it.
You travel safely.
The Dawn Briggs Community Clinic.
- How wonderful.
- It will be.
I will give your love to James.
- We'll miss you.
- We will.
You make a wonderful Mrs.
Bligh.
Thank you.
Onwards.
- Georgie? - Bye! [LIGHT LAUGHTER.]
Not in a sentimental mood.
I'll let you know how the meeting goes.
So glamorous.
I will track down Henry.
See you in a few days.
I'll see you there? ELIZABETH: You use the house as your own.
Thank you.
Keep an eye on her with those Hollywood types.
When should I expect you back? - I'll see how I go.
- Oh, soon as you can, yeah? OLIVIA: Back before you know it.
- GEORGE: Bye-bye, Georgie.
- GEORGIE: Bye, bye, bye! - New adventures.
- For all of us! - Bye! - All right.
- Bye! - See you soon! [ENGINE STARTS.]
CAROLYN: Bye! ELIZABETH: More new adventures.
Goodbye.
It's made my choice for me.
Cap-Ferrat.
[LAUGHING.]
When? As soon as possible.
Shabbat's an invitation, not an obligation.
It's more than just that.
Rightly or wrongly, I don't approve.
I must find a way to.
Much needs changing.
I need changing.
Are you free tomorrow? JACK: The Neil Burton? Why would he want to come here? This Dr.
Duncan, he's he's been here yonks.
He's basically a GP.
The board's asked to discuss my leaving.
No! I'm disposable.
Neil's not.
Hospital needs him more than me.
I have to find my place within that.
I won't keep limiting myself because Jack fears change.
Why is he so stuck? We can't keep on this way.
I've made a decision about the future.
It feels good.
- Tell me.
- When I'm back.
One can but hope Sydney might sing a siren song.
It's about Doris.
Henry and I were kissing.
I think she might have seen, driving up.
Doris, whatever you're feeling, say nothing.
We'll speak more tomorrow.
Where's my wife? You stinking, flaming SARAH: It all came back.
Just when I'm happiest and everything is perfect.
It's It's always been that way.
Sarah? [ENGINE REVS.]
Sarah! [ENGINE SHUTS OFF.]
Sarah! Sarah! Sarah! I'm not praying.
What are you doing? I was heading to work and I had to come here.
You rushed out.
I want the clinic in order before patients arrive.
There'll be enough talk.
But you're here.
You didn't even see David.
SARAH: I was in no mood for questions.
Is that all? Why here? I haven't been since we returned.
It just hit you.
In passing.
Nothing else? There's enough real turmoil without you creating it.
- I'm worried.
- Don't be.
Please.
You know where I am if you need to talk.
There's nothing to say.
GEORGE: If there is.
Wieder an die arbeit! - YOUNG WOMAN: Je suis là .
- SARAH: René ! [GUNFIRE.]
- Tues-moi.
- [GUNSHOT.]
I said stay! [GRUNTS.]
[DIALING.]
I'm sure you've heard about last night.
We need repairs as soon as possible.
Thank you.
[RECEIVER CLICKS.]
Personally, I love it.
They can't but not.
I'll rustle them up.
[CHUCKLES.]
Wow.
[GIGGLES.]
Are you sure? Even half-asleep.
ELIZABETH: And half-dressed.
Delia insisted.
It was the first thing to hand.
In lieu of Prudence.
JACK: A whole new you.
- This your doing? - By request.
Good on you.
Good on you.
And I call Carolyn fripperous.
Oh, here's to frippery.
A fresh look for a fresh start.
Maybe I need a freshen-up, too, for mine.
You do look marvelous.
And you rather comical.
Uh, what fresh start? - I'll dress.
- And spoil our fun? Exactly.
Won't be a tick.
Hopefully excites you as much as me.
Did I not say? Well, if you do see him, tell him I'm looking for him.
And spread the word amongst any friends I might not know.
Thank you.
No luck? I've exhausted the possible numbers.
He was seeing a specialist.
They won't give out appointment information.
I think I'll head off with Livvy.
Perhaps it'll help if I present in person.
And I need to follow through on the new film deal.
To see your publisher? No, with Burbank National Pictures.
They're in town.
They want to get in ahead of Fox.
Oh.
That should be interesting, given your condition.
They need to know sometime.
Do they? My publisher certainly does.
GEORGE: Discretion wouldn't harm.
That's all I'll say.
You finished? ANNA: Yes.
- A private call.
- Of course.
Mildred, a Canberra number, please.
The Israeli Embassy.
You'll bounce in like a rubber ball after three of those.
I'll need my wits about me.
How do you expect Mr.
Burton to respond? I can only try.
What do you think? As you say, try.
The idea has merit.
See if he agrees.
Where do you bounce now? Mm? Oh, look at you.
What's next? Well, the house is mine again.
I can either find a charitable use for it or sell it and distribute the funds.
What, not live there? Until I work out what to do with it.
[CHUCKLES.]
Perhaps I'll return here.
Prudence ensures that life is never dull.
I think Douglas would approve of a philanthropic endeavor.
Well, the obvious thought's the refuge.
Well, it's doing well as it stands.
Something of my own, I think.
Something for women, as Douglas helped men.
You sound like Caro or Anna.
Or what I might have been had I been born into their eras.
Now, this is but a hint of change to come.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- They'll be impressed.
You? Goes without saying.
Well, hopefully I come back with my own impressive news.
Oh, good luck.
And then we'll head back together.
For my Ash Park unveiling.
And I have amends to make.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
- Come! [DOOR OPENS.]
Ah, Doctor.
I believe an emergency brought you to town.
Yes.
I ran into Mr.
Fox, off to get advice about his hand.
Your emergency patient, it seems, will survive but won't be the man he was.
Yeah.
You, uh, have a proposition, you say? Yes.
You didn't give me much of a go.
I made a quick, yet I believe fair, judgment.
I thought I was interviewing you.
I came to take the measure of the situation.
I found the hospital, its potential at least, attractive.
You not so.
I'm happy to outline why.
So that was it, no discussion, just straight to the board, digging a hole under me six feet deep? I did my homework, spoke to certain objective parties.
JACK: Richard Bennett? Well, he did fund the surgical wing.
[CHUCKLING.]
Well, he's hardly objective.
The board has supported his assessment.
Well-meaning, well-liked, but mired in the past.
Mr.
Fox, I'm told, had to battle you for change.
Mr.
Fox went about it wrong.
It's not my job to drag you into the future.
Your diplomas showed you've done no further study since you left medical school.
- I keep up with the journals.
- But no actual credentials.
Your rural location is no excuse.
Your patients deserve the latest treatment as much as anyone else.
They are looked after.
Well, perhaps not as well as I'd like to see.
I will appreciate your cooperation in this transition.
I'm here to offer more than that.
You want forward thinking, you got it.
And you'll have your hospital all to yourself.
A whole new aspect of care for the area, under me, independent, and I'll do the studies to back it up.
Let's see how much you really care about the locals.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS IN DISTANCE.]
[TYPEWRITER CLACKING.]
[CLACKING STOPS.]
- No Doris yet? - No, Sister.
[TYPEWRITER CLACKING.]
I've been expecting you.
Well, there's, uh, little to say.
It needs discussing.
It must have been a shock for you.
As an intimate of Ash Park, I've embraced many unorthodox trends.
Your ways, loose views on divorce, Miss Anna, first Catholic, now unwed and expecting.
I see now why she broke off her engagement with Mr.
Fox.
- Doris - And I say to myself, "Doris, times are changing.
You must change, too.
" But this I cannot condone.
So much is clear now.
James Bligh's friendships, his sudden flight overseas.
Even veiled remarks by Regina Bligh that now make sense.
You must, of course, perhaps accept these things, with it in the family.
But I cannot.
And I will not.
But I will not tell.
- If I could please - I will arrange for someone else to take over the book cart until I can manage a good face.
- There, I've had my say.
- Please! It's a perversion I cannot condone.
It goes against the laws of God and nature.
I have seen that thinking used to justify murder.
- Nonsense.
- I was there.
I saw.
They were rounded up along with the Jews.
"Warmer Bruder, du schwein.
" They died along with us.
You're no better than the Nazis.
Excuse me.
[GEARSHIFT CRANKS.]
ROY: Put your back into it, son.
[ANIMALS BLEATING.]
Good to see you back at the old place.
Get Emma back to school? Yeah.
Things all right? Gettin' better.
You've been missed.
Might be missed more, I reckon.
I've been thinking.
How'd you like it? - What do you mean? - How'd you like to own it? Be yours.
Sell? You can't.
I've been offered a job at Ash Park if I want it.
There's too many bad memories here.
Yeah, but ROY: If I stayed, I'd just turn into the miserable old coot I was when Missy first got here.
So do you want it? Of course.
But I can't.
We can sort something out about the money.
HARRY: It's more than that.
There'd be a problem in staying.
[TRUCK DOOR CLOSES.]
DORIS: Mr.
Briggs.
Looks like you could do with a hand there, Doris.
Oh, no, I'm making good use of my time free of the book cart.
Yeah, about that.
I caught up with what's what.
Harry Polson told me.
Oh.
I had hoped you were here to report on young Emma.
Oh, she's pleased as punch to be back.
Mm-hmm.
I'm selling my spread.
Mr.
Briggs, you're not leaving us? - No, you mustn't.
- No, of course not.
No, Ash Park'll do me just fine for now.
Gimme that.
I've offered it to Harry.
I reckon I can snag him a loan through Missy.
I've known about him for yonks.
Threw me at first, but a good bloke's a good bloke, even if he does like blokes.
Give me one Harry over 10 Stan O'Rourkes any day.
It is unnatural.
Not to him it's not.
Or Henry Fox.
Or James Bligh.
That slipped out.
I guessed as much.
Those blokes have it harder than most.
They're tossed aside by their loved ones.
Blackmail, bashings.
James spent time in a loony bin.
They have it pretty tough.
The Lord said The Lord makes rules that we all break every day.
I don't understand it, but I'm not about to judge it, especially when they're three good men.
Dear Dawn Oh, Dawnie figured it out.
She still had time for 'em but.
Look, I saw them kissing.
Yeah.
Not something I'd rush to see.
But in private, right? Where's the harm? [SNIFFS.]
The Bible says Drop the Lord bit.
I'll tell you what.
Go inside, go through your Bible, start listing down all the things it says you shouldn't do that you do.
And be honest, mind.
Then come back out.
I'll be ready for a cold one by then.
- Oh! - Off you go.
If you can't find any, judge away.
But if you do, show some ruddy compassion.
Scoot.
There'll be seven.
Use the best setting, as it's a farewell dinner.
- Georgie and David? - Oh, we'll get them to bed.
Service at 7:30.
Any particular menu? Lamb with mint sauce.
Treacle pudding.
Give her some good country fare to miss.
A thorough dusting of any rooms Mrs.
Goddard might use.
And Mrs.
Bligh organized it, right? I understand.
[TYPEWRITER BELL DINGS.]
- You're on fire! - [CHUCKLES.]
Judith called.
I'm booked to see the Americans.
Suggestions for the adaptation.
Ah, will they want them? I'm giving them.
Wear something loose.
Best it's not an issue.
I'll see.
Don't be perverse.
I'll see how I feel on the day.
Olivia's dinner all arranged? To all intents and purposes, all Sarah's doing.
Mother will sail in, looking to find fault.
She will find none.
Sarah shouldn't have to pretend any more than me.
Why invite problems? She certainly doesn't need them in her current state of mind.
Why? - Why what? - Well, why now? Sarah has every reason to be happy.
The shot missed.
It was fired.
Enough tension over time.
All we can do is see Mother's visit goes smoothly.
- We don't need the twang.
- Hm? Of strings snapping.
Sarah's or hers.
[FOOTSTEPS DEPART.]
[GEARSHIFT CLICKS, ENGINE SHUTS OFF.]
Mr.
Polson.
Mrs.
Collins.
I baked.
- Thank you.
- There are many young ladies who'd be so very happy with a husband like you.
Not the way I am.
- But - And I am how I am.
- But to choose - I didn't choose.
You think I'd choose to lose my sister? Get punched nearly to death? You reckon Henry would risk losing everything if his patients found out? There is no choice.
Yes, well enjoy the scones.
Mr.
Briggs hopes the farm will pass to you.
He says that Dawn would approve.
So, how can I not? [CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
Oh good.
At least someone got through to her.
Four verses after fellas shouldn't smooch, that bit about dads killing their sons for giving lip.
That threw her.
We'd all be dead if we stuck to that.
So how's she handling it? She's headed off out to see him.
I doubt it's a full turnaround, but it's a start.
SARAH: Good.
Now, what's with you? Doris said.
Nazi? SARAH: Happiness is my enemy.
ROY: Right.
SARAH: Makes sense of it, in an odd sort of way.
ROY: So tell George.
He'll understand, if I do.
[SARAH SCOFFS.]
Give him some credit.
How do you say, "You've made my dreams come true, and that terrifies me?" Just like that.
He's gotta be worried.
Yes.
Not sure of my timing, but how's finances at Ash Park? [HORN BLOWS.]
HENRY: The operation's set for next week.
He promises nothing.
He's the top man.
Even the best can't perform miracles.
My offer's still open.
Jack Duncan's new plan removes any betrayal from your accepting it.
I think his idea's an interesting concept.
Which will fail, but it'll keep him around to see me through my early days.
Social medicine's on the rise.
He may make it work.
Mm, it's ahead of its time, in a rural setting, certainly.
I'll arrive supporting the venture.
It'll fall over.
He'll leave.
I'll be settled.
And if it succeeds? Well, that's for me to judge.
It won't.
That stays in this room.
You won't even give it a chance? Duncan's only use is to pave my way with the locals.
Whatever he makes of his scheme can be built on by us, or not, when he's gone.
I would like it to be us.
[SCOFFS.]
The God complex.
I'm sorry.
I hope it wasn't as ugly in me as it is in you.
That's uncalled for.
Inverness is lucky to get the skill not the man.
Shove your offer.
I'll put that down to your hand.
My humanity.
You know, that's the trouble with your sort.
More venom than backbone.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Don't add to your woes by making trouble! [DOOR CLOSES.]
- DAVID: Mummy, Mummy! - GEORGIE: Come see! Come on! - Granny's pretty.
- Oh! - Granny looks great.
- Quick.
Quick! - Come on! - [SARAH LAUGHING.]
Daddy, Daddy! She's here! GEORGE: I saw you out the window.
Wait till you see.
In you go, you two, come on.
All right? No.
But yes.
What's going on? They've picked up on the fun of it.
Close your eyes.
- Oh! - Come on.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
Yoo-hoo.
Very good.
Nearly there.
Come see.
Come see! And open.
Oh, goodness! My reaction was somewhat bluer.
[LAUGHTER.]
Aunty Caro said a rude word.
It was naughty.
Doesn't she look fabulous? SARAH: She does.
A change.
In more ways than one.
I I hope that I'm invited on Friday.
You are.
Elizabeth's getting far too much attention.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Uh, Caro's bursting to hear, but I wanted to tell you all at once about my future.
I saw Neil Burton.
He's happy for me to set up a unit incorporating the women's clinic.
But so much more.
Men have their own problems.
They just don't face them.
A community clinic for the body and the mind.
I'll get in a psychiatrist.
We'll focus on men's health issues like we do with the women.
Have specific men's nights.
Encourage them to share.
We'll do it so that both are serviced.
Mine to run totally independently.
Um, Neil's recommending it to the board.
- Well? - Jack, congratulations.
- Thank you.
- ELIZABETH: It solves so much.
SARAH: I love the idea.
JACK: I got it transporting Stan.
Get to the man before he does what he does or get on top of it when he does it.
What do you think? Yeah? Yes.
Of course! [LAUGHTER.]
It's marvelous.
It's a great idea.
SARAH: It's wonderful.
[INSECTS CHIRPING, DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE.]
[LAUGHTER, INDISTINCT TALKING.]
So of course he insisted.
We spent an evening at the casino.
It is another world.
More jewels than you can shake a stick at.
But, darling, it was dazzling, though, wasn't it? Yes, but how many left with them or their shirt? JACK: I bet it happens.
[CHUCKLES.]
Well, James seems concerned about William's habits.
It's a factor in expanding the business here.
GEORGE: What, he said that? ELIZABETH: Carolyn? Sorry.
James suggested William enjoys the tables a touch too much.
Mm, it's partly behind expanding the business here.
As I said.
He has never been good with money.
ELIZABETH: It's worth keeping an eye on.
And he's been worse at listening to me.
Good thing there's no casinos in Australia.
It's bad enough with two-up.
There'd be a lot more poor households.
There's enough with the backroom games.
Something we'll focus on at the clinic.
Grog number one, of course.
And some of the women are starting to rely too much on tranquilizers, so have to get the local GPs on side with that.
GEORGE: Might they see that as poaching their patients? We'll take the hard cases, like any other part of the hospital.
Stella Jones managed on nothing for months to pay off Bob's Anzac Day debts.
No wonder she took to pills.
Well, fix the man, maybe fix the woman.
Amen to that, yes? Absolutely.
[SIGHS.]
[CLICKING.]
[LIGHTER CLICKS.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.]
Me too? I doubt Grandmother's changed enough to allow smoking at table even if she is staying for Shabbat.
Although I haven't seen a single finger run along a surface.
A transformation.
ANNA: Speaking of surfaces, it's not subtle.
Yours.
You're lucky Sarah's distracted, or she'd be at you, too.
I'm simply absorbing the idea.
[SIGHS.]
ANNA: You were hoping he'd leave.
You're shattered.
[BREATHES DEEPLY.]
[VOICE BREAKING.]
Oh, I want to scream.
You have to tell him.
If I start, I won't stop.
You can't pretend.
How his eyes glowed.
How can I douse that? [SIGHS.]
His concept of moving on is marching stolidly in place in a different uniform.
You have your new job.
There was a frustrating logic to it once.
But now Why can't he at least consider what is out there? Because he's Papa.
I feel sick.
It's all right, it's all right, it's all right.
For the first time, I think we might not make it.
[INDISTINCT TALKING.]
[BEETHOVEN'S "PIANO SONATA NO.
14 IN C# MINOR" PLAYS.]
His handing the house back was unexpected.
A lesser man might not have.
Matt's greatest strength is his greatest weakness.
A rigid code of conduct.
You'd no reservations in taking it? Briefly, but what he said was true.
I gave it under different circumstances.
Who'd have guessed at the time.
At least you saw in time.
Yes.
I think you'll be much happier.
- I will be.
- ELIZABETH: Mm.
You've told George? GEORGE: I trust all's on the property? He would never ask you to stop working.
I have to at least try the traditional role for fit.
Any reason why now? You'll understand, if anyone will.
ELIZABETH: We've had some good sales.
The war is always with us.
What's it got to do with that? George first.
Dessert, I think.
I'll hurry it along.
She almost sounded like me then.
Goodness.
You're a role model, Mother.
Oh, just as I embrace my inner self.
My legacy, perhaps.
I reckon we're all turning over new leaves.
I'll drink to that.
Sleep tight, little man.
In bed.
Every time I've been happiest, life's shattered me the most.
In '37, I wrote a letter to my mother that I'd married René.
She said I was dead to her.
Paris 1940, we were so in love.
And the Germans marched in.
You and I engaged, and that's when they found René.
At peace with that, and then he died.
David born, nearly killed by Regina.
And now I've never been happier.
At my happiest, what might come? When Stan held the rifle on me, I thought that was it.
I thought I was dead, and I thought, "That's fine.
" At least the curse falls on me, not you or David.
Because it is like a curse.
And now? Sister Adams was constructed out of the rubble of war.
She was in control, unflappable.
That's why when I met Elizabeth, I thought, "You You won't get the better of me.
" It's why when Regina did her worst, I managed my best.
She's where I've retreated whenever I've felt most at risk.
Sister Adams.
Sister Nordmann.
Sister Bligh.
She can't be hurt.
Sarah Bligh can.
It's why I've resisted becoming her.
And now? SARAH: Sarah Bligh is who I am.
I can't know who I am beside that without embracing that.
Embrace the expectation.
Discover what's possible within it.
A world of love.
You.
- David.
- Yourself.
I'll not stand in the way of you.
You never have.
But I have to stop running from us.
Trust us.
Trust fate.
No more fear.
I can do it.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[SCREAMS.]
[CRYING.]
DAVID: Hello! He wanted to see new Granny before he'd eat his breakfast.
New Granny? His words, not mine.
Well, here she is.
You look nice.
Oh, thank you, kind sir.
SARAH: All right, off you go.
Scoot.
Poppy and Georgie are waiting.
You should buy new dresses, too, Mummy.
Oh, I think we'll leave that to Granny.
New Granny.
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
He has a precocious sense of couture.
Mm, he just loves all the fuss around it.
Mm.
Shabbat.
Yes? I would be thrilled if you come, but only if you're truly comfortable with it.
Well, one never knows unless one tries.
Is that so amusing? It's just relevant to my new day.
I'd like you to give me some training on how to run a household.
I'm testing out new Sarah.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACH.]
Mr.
Henry Fox on the phone, ma'am.
Oh, the poor dear.
James' former swain.
- Father to Anna's child.
- I know.
Oh, all too complicated.
MAID: He's asking for Mrs.
Goddard.
I see.
What did you tell him? That she's not available.
- But not that she's away.
- No.
Tell him Mrs.
Goddard would be thrilled to see him here at 11:00.
- MAID: But Mrs - A very white lie.
Quick sticks.
Terribly proud chap.
May not come otherwise.
Come for? To be restored, my dear.
As you with Elizabeth, so I with him.
- CAROLYN: Thank you, Trevor.
- TREVOR: Sure.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
Be up soon.
You're definitely sure? ROY: Emma's future's more important than mine.
That money's going to put her through uni.
But more to the point, are you sure? Last year it would have been a stretch, but this year it's been a bumper wool crop.
[SIGHS.]
The farm's been your life, Roy.
A man's never too old to change, Mr.
Bligh.
We'll be lucky to get you.
We'll pop over and see Harry when Olivia's gone.
And Missy, too? No show without Judy.
I just thought with how she is Well, nothing could keep her out of helping you two.
You're sortin' it, but We're making a start.
CAROLYN: Good morning.
Where are you off to? I have an apology to make.
I'll be back in time for Olivia.
[CAR DOOR OPENS.]
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
[VEHICLE DEPARTS.]
JACK: How was the ride? Just what the doctor ordered.
Did I, now? Come on, I could eat a horse.
Well, just as well I didn't ride up, then.
- Boom-tish.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Might go better second house.
Ah, Mrs.
Bligh.
Good morning.
I don't blame you.
I've done my best to put Mr.
Polson's mind at ease.
I'm glad.
My only excuse is I wasn't myself.
After Mr.
O'Rourke's actions, no doubt.
However, the term used was extreme.
Offensive.
I must have touched a nerve.
Was it so? You saw such men killed? I did.
I always sensed you suffered through the war.
I ask no details, but it would explain much.
But to compare me to those monsters.
Uh, you are yourself again? I am.
Well, that counts more than any apology.
As am I sad.
I don't know.
Puzzled.
I doubt I'll ever understand, but I will try my best.
It's all anyone can do.
Yes.
Harry will likely be staying, so discretion's important.
Yes.
My lips are sealed.
And Mr.
Fox? It's unlikely he'll return.
Oh.
I feel regret.
Without your championing, I suspect not so.
Well, then I'm glad I was firm, except for that word.
Indeed.
Indeed.
Mr.
Briggs! Roy.
We're off soon.
I've something to show you.
You've heard of Jack's scheme? Yeah, Mr.
Bligh said.
Um, as it will be changing anyway, I've asked Jack to see this made up.
I've felt rather a fraud.
The spark of an idea and some early funding hardly merits my name there.
We'll never forget Mrs.
Briggs.
Let's ensure the future doesn't.
She was a fine woman.
I'll see you when I get back.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
Lured here under false pretenses.
Alone and adrift in a big city.
Anna would want me to take you in hand.
No pun intended.
Come on.
Come on.
Come inside.
It should just slide over to the side.
You're going to drive us all the way there? In you get.
[CHUCKLES.]
All right? No special fuss, please.
We'll be back before you know it.
I'm happy just looking at you.
[SCOFFS.]
I'm so glad I was here to see it.
You travel safely.
The Dawn Briggs Community Clinic.
- How wonderful.
- It will be.
I will give your love to James.
- We'll miss you.
- We will.
You make a wonderful Mrs.
Bligh.
Thank you.
Onwards.
- Georgie? - Bye! [LIGHT LAUGHTER.]
Not in a sentimental mood.
I'll let you know how the meeting goes.
So glamorous.
I will track down Henry.
See you in a few days.
I'll see you there? ELIZABETH: You use the house as your own.
Thank you.
Keep an eye on her with those Hollywood types.
When should I expect you back? - I'll see how I go.
- Oh, soon as you can, yeah? OLIVIA: Back before you know it.
- GEORGE: Bye-bye, Georgie.
- GEORGIE: Bye, bye, bye! - New adventures.
- For all of us! - Bye! - All right.
- Bye! - See you soon! [ENGINE STARTS.]
CAROLYN: Bye! ELIZABETH: More new adventures.
Goodbye.