Howard's Way (1985) s06e07 Episode Script

(Gravel crunching) - Over here, Mr Frere.
- This way, Mr Frere.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
As there seems to have been speculation, even, dare I say it, wild rumour in the press following the death of my father, I thought it might be constructive for us to meet, just for a few minutes.
Mr Frere, who now controls the running of Sir Edward's business empire? The control remains where it's always been, in the hands of extremely efficient, talented managers and senior executives who've served my father for many years, so nothing has changed.
So if nothing has changed, can you tell us why your own shares have fallen? Nervousness.
When a man of Sir Edward's reputation dies, there's bound to be a certain amount of speculation and uncertainty, especially among smaller companies.
But Frere Holdings retains its own international standing, and I am certain the markets will stabilise before long.
But over the years, you and your father have entered into a number of special projects.
What happens to those now? They'll continue to show handsome profits as they always have done.
Yes? Why is it that your father left you virtually nothing, Mr Frere? My father left me a considerable amount.
He left me what I valued most: Highfield Manor, where I grew up.
I was referring to his fortune of 500 million.
That was something that we mutually agreed upon many years ago.
Sometimes companies can become so large, their business interests so diversified, they become very difficult to manage efficiently.
It was a danger we both recognised.
- Well, perhaps, Mr Frere - Do forgive me, but I'm afraid I have to go.
Thank you all very much for coming.
I would just like to say that our Southampton hotel and marina complex is bang on schedule and our Malta development is exceeding even our own expectations.
- Gerald.
- Before you go, Mr Frere One more shot, Mr Frere.
Well, what did you think? Good performance.
I almost believed you myself.
Highfield, please, John.
(Leo) Come on.
- What's this all about? - Get aboard, Abby.
- But Leo - Abby, for once, please do as you're told.
Cast off.
If you ask me, Mr Sayers, they have had one hell of an argument.
- No one is asking you.
- Sorry? Tarrant breeds quarrels.
Every day, someone's having a barney.
- Including you? - Yeah, including me.
Especially today.
- You asked David to be your best man? - Well, he is your brother, isn't he? What's that got to do with it? You hardly know him.
You've known Bill all your life.
- Bill wouldn't be interested in that rigmarole.
- How do you know? You didn't even ask him.
- I never thought it would be that important.
- Exactly, you never thought.
Listen, I wouldn't want to hurt Bill's feelings, but Well, you already have, so you'd better go and get it sorted out.
Hang on a minute.
You see that? I got one hell of a hiding for that, I remember.
How very interesting.
Now, if you've quite finished your trip down memory lane, can we please go? Not yet.
I want to go inside.
Charles, why are we wasting time like this when we should both be at the marina site? I don't waste time, Gerald.
You ought to know that by now.
(Abby) OK, what are we doing out here? (Leo) We need to talk.
- Leo - Without being interrupted by the doorbell or Thomas or Gerald.
- Did you get any sleep at all last night? - No.
Neither did I.
All I could think of was you pacing around downstairs.
Well, you know, it's a big decision.
It's the biggest decision I've ever had to make in my life.
- Well, it does affect me as well.
- Of course it does, but ultimately I'm the one who has to decide.
I can't believe it.
What your grandfather did was evil.
How can he expect me to choose between Thomas, William and you? I thought he was supposed to be fond of you.
Obviously not.
I'm just the mother to his heir.
Abby, I'm not politician, and I don't want to manipulate you in any way, but all I know is, I love you and I want us to get married.
That's what's going to happen.
You sure? Yeah, I'm not going to be blackmailed by my grandfather or anybody else.
Well, that's a relief.
But I need time, you know, just to to sort it out.
No hassles, I promise.
Like you say, it's got to be your decision.
So from now on, I'll step right back.
OK? Yeah.
(Laughs) What is this, a funeral parlour? One more crack like that and it soon could be.
These meant to be "Thank you" or "Sorry"? - David seen anymore of Avril lately? - As David once owned Relton, it's only natural he should see Avril to find out what's been going on.
Couldn't you have told him that? - You don't like David very much, do you? - No.
Something about him doesn't ring true.
Way too smooth.
That's because you haven't come across many cultured men in your life, Orrin.
OK.
Just don't say I didn't warn you.
Thank you.
By the way, I hear that Leo tried to reshape your jaw.
Was that with or without Abby's approval? Listen, I'll handle Abby my own way and without your advice, thank you.
Well, I wouldn't hang around if I were you.
She's a very impetuous young woman, and very important to your future.
- How do you mean? - Come on, don't play the innocent with me.
Providing you and Abby remain as co-executors, you can invest Sir Edward's multimillions as you wish.
That could make you a force to be reckoned with, by me, by Charles and by your father.
Don't tell me you hadn't thought of that.
Well, the idea had sort of crossed my mind, yeah.
Providing, of course, that Abby doesn't marry Leo.
- Oh, I don't think there's any danger of that.
- No? Not the way I intend to play it.
Besides, I happen to love her.
Oh, how touching.
But do try and make it sound more convincing.
(Gerald sighs) - Well, I think you're mad.
- Yes, I imagined that would be your reaction.
But you've always said how much you hated this place.
Any memories you have of Highfield have been unhappy ones.
Perfectly true.
Then for God's sake, why? Damn it, when your father offered you this place, you turned it down flat.
- Well, didn't you? - Yes, and that's what he's expecting me to do.
Right now, he's not expecting you to do anything.
He's dead.
My mother loved this place.
I never understood why, but she tried so hard to make it a home for me.
Do you know she laid out most of these grounds herself? I owe it to her memory not to just get rid of it, let it fall into ruin.
But I suppose you think that's being sentimental.
Well, not sentimental, but Oh, you really don't understand, do you, Gerald? My father obviously took great pleasure in leaving me the one thing he knew I didn't want.
He made damn sure I couldn't sell it by stipulating that if I did accept, I'd have to keep it for the balance of my life.
He wanted it to be a millstone around my neck.
Well, that's exactly what it would be.
No, that's my whole point.
Not if I actually choose to live here.
If I really make this my home, I shall frustrate that wish.
I mean, let's face it.
Highfield Manor's only bricks and mortar.
Is it? You know, I think you're half hoping to find your father's ghost wandering around this place so you can carry on your feud with him.
He's dead, Charles.
It's over and done with.
Oh, no.
The battle with my father is far from over.
- Not for me, and certainly not for Abby.
- Look, let Abby make up her own mind.
That girl's going to need a lot of guidance.
If she wants help, she'll ask for it.
Gerald, this is like a chess game.
My father set up the board and every move has to be played out.
So we don't have worry about the hull, we're all agreed on that.
The question is, what about the fitting out? - Well, Leo? - 45 foot? And you'll see that David is asking for the highest specifications.
Yeah, I can do it.
- Better make a start on it right away, then.
- OK.
Oh, by the way, I meant to ask.
How's Abby? Oh, she's fine.
Fine.
- (Door closes) - Well, I wouldn't be if I were in her position.
- Are you quite sure that Leo's up to this job? - I wouldn't have suggested him if he wasn't.
Now, completion.
Ah, yes.
Now, I've had to enter into a completion bond for L300,000.
- I'd expect Relton to come in for half.
- Would you? Oh, yes.
What the hell is going on? This is meant to be an office, not a drinking club.
Celebration time, Ken.
- What's this all about? - The Poelma order.
It's come up trumps.
The fax came through an hour ago.
Hey, that's great! And the deposit is on its way.
- What will they do with all those boats? - Oh, I don't know.
Sail them, charter them.
Who the hell cares? This is just the start.
We are going places! - We? - Yes.
Yeah, we've got to follow this up.
But, bottom end of the market.
- You know what I've got in mind? - No, tell me.
A catamaran, about 16 foot, with a 7'6" beam so it can be trailed, and a lifting cabin, just like the Skua.
We are going to clean up! I do wish you'd stop saying "we".
I'm off to foreign parts, remember? Yes.
Yes, that's a pity.
- Ken, if you think I'm hanging around to sell - No, no, a promise is a promise.
- I won't let you down, believe me.
- It's not that I don't like Received and understood.
But there's one thing I'll not take no for.
This evening, you and I are going out to celebrate.
And I promise to behave.
Oh.
Oh dear.
Not still brooding, are you? Well, what do you expect? This is Edward's way of getting back at me through Leo.
And you're blaming yourself for not marrying him, I suppose? Well, if I had, Leo wouldn't be in this situation now, would he? (Laughs) Mum! Lynne, I don't understand how you can be so calm about this.
It affects the whole family.
Look.
Leo is well able to look after himself.
Personally, I don't think he'd take too kindly to either of us interfering in his life right now.
This is something he and Abby are going to have to sort out for themselves.
- If they need help, they will ask.
- (Door opens) (Jan) What news from the City? None.
If anyone knows the reason for Sir John's resignation, they're keeping it to themselves.
- What about Sir John himself? - Can't raise him.
Obviously gone to ground.
- So where does that leave us? - (Sighs) Quite frankly, I just don't know.
Well, for a business adviser, Robert, you're not doing very well at the moment, are you? You are the one who chose to put your head on the block, Jan.
If you're thinking pulling out at the first sign of trouble, just say.
Well, that just shows how little you know me.
Because if the bank even think of calling in their loan, I'm going to fight them all the way.
Perhaps you'd like to tell that to your board of directors.
- (Knocking) - (Kate) I'll go.
(Door opens) It's Orrin.
Would you like me to send him packing? - No, I'd better see him.
- Pity.
- You can come in.
- Thank you, Mrs Harvey.
- Morning, Abby.
- Orrin.
I was just about to take Thomas for a walk.
Would you like me to wait and you can join us? No, it's OK.
Just as you like, my dear.
- Ah, been taking some photographs.
- Yeah.
- Pleased with what you've shot? - I think so.
- Can never be sure till they're printed up.
- Right.
Remember that portrait you took of me when you reckoned nothing would come out because your light meter went wrong? Sure you do.
Up at the cabin? Oh, yeah.
Best photograph anyone's ever taken of me.
- Luck.
- Skill.
Abby, you put yourself down too much.
Look, I just dropped by to say I'm really sorry about this business of the will.
Thank you.
I thought my old man was tough.
Sir Edward's something out of the Middle Ages.
- How could he do that to you? - Well, he did, and now I've got to sort it out.
Must be pretty rough on Leo.
I can't pretend I ever liked the guy, but right now I feel kind of sorry for him.
- Even after he punched you on the chin? - Oh, that? Hell, I don't know what got into me.
I just wasn't thinking straight.
No, I deserved what Leo dished out.
- Shall I tell him that? - No, I guess not.
He might try it again.
- Well, I have to get these developed.
- I Sure.
Listen, Abby, like it or not, we are co-executors of this will.
We may not be for much longer.
Right.
You've got a hell of a decision to make.
And no one else can make it for you.
Not me, not Leo, no one.
But, er, sometimes it can help to bounce a few ideas around, so if you feel you want to talk, well, I might not be strong on advice, but I listen good.
- I might take you up on that.
- Great.
How about lunch today? OK.
Yacht club at one.
I'd better leave you to get on.
Er, I hope they turn out good.
Thank you, Paul.
Good morning, I would like to speak to Mr David Relton, please.
Uh-huh.
I would like to leave a message.
Tell him, please, that Mr Pierre Challon has arrived and looks forward very much to hearing from him.
Yes, I'm on Malta 103-479.
Merci.
(Typing) (Door opens) (Door closes) Did you manage to catch Sir John? Yes.
For all of five minutes at the airport.
- Will he be gone long? - Oh, just till the press move off his doorstep.
He's a stubborn old bird.
I couldn't get a word out of him.
- Does he have any idea who pushed him? - If he does, he's certainly not letting on.
Any movement in our shares? Dropped four, regained two.
Yeah.
Ripple from my father's death's going on for some time yet.
Oh, I think your statement to the press will help to calm the market.
Only for the moment.
I really hope you've reconsidered moving into Highfield Manor.
No, I meant what I said.
- It's something I have to do.
- You don't have to do anything, Charles.
Have you considered the cost of running that estate? Your father could afford it If my father could afford it then so can I.
Charles, you don't have to prove yourself to me! I've always had to prove myself.
You know, you're rapidly becoming paranoid about this.
Let me remind you, Gerald, my father owned a large number of shares in Frere Holdings.
If he's left instructions to dump them on the market, can you imagine what that will do to us? - All this is pure supposition.
- No, it's not.
It's an educated guess borne of past experience.
We need to be prepared! I'm sorry, Charles, but I can't work like this.
Now, you may be willing to trail the ghost of your father around, but I'm damned if I'm going to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder.
For you or anyone.
(Door opens) Right.
- Got a new shovel, Bill? - I won't know till I've had a good look, will I? Oh.
I've, er, come to talk to you about the wedding.
Oh, yeah.
The wife's sister wants us to go out to London that weekend.
What? Who's going to be my best man then? What are you talking about? I thought you got all that sorted out.
Oh, you didn't believe all that leg-pull about David, did you? Eh? - You mean to say you was having me on? - Course I was.
You've always been my first choice.
Ooh, you're a rotten You really had me going there.
You're getting very gullible in your old age, Bill, aren't you? - And you're getting to be a better liar.
- (Laughs) - Now what was it you wanted to tell me? - Oh, it'll keep.
See you later.
- Hello, David.
- Hello.
- How are you? - Fine.
How are you? - Good.
Come on in.
- Thanks.
Jeremy, Ken.
I'm fine.
Listen, I've got a little job for you.
I want you to find out about a man called David Relton.
Yes, he used to own this yard years ago.
He's just come back from South America.
Very rich, so I hear.
I want you to find out a little bit more about him.
Whether he's kosher.
Yes.
Look forward to it.
Bye now.
Pierre Challon? - (David laughs) Surely you've heard of him.
- Yes, vaguely.
You obviously haven't been reading your society pages, Avril.
At one time he had quite a reputation as a playboy millionaire.
- Yes, I seem to remember the name now.
- (Chuckles) - Why? - He's the man I was telling you about.
The one who wants to distribute Relton boats in South America, Australia and the Far East.
- Whose identity you couldn't reveal.
- Correct.
But now I can, because I've just spoken to him and he'd very much like to meet you.
Great.
He's flown into Malta for a polo match.
The only thing is, he's not going to be there for very long.
- Well, perhaps we could meet him in Malta.
- Well, fine, if that's all right with you.
- Deals like this one don't come up very often.
- No.
Now I can see why you're the head of this company.
Listen, why don't I book a flight for tomorrow, I'll speak to Pierre later on today and then if we had dinner tonight, I could let you know whether it was on or off.
- I'd look forward to that.
- Wonderful.
I'll pick you up at eight.
(Horn) - (Bill) Hey, Tony, didn't you hear the whistle? - I'd like to finish this first, if that's all right.
Suit yourself.
- He's a good lad, that? - He's got a good feel for wood.
Vanessa coming up to the pub? No, she's gone off to see Avril about something or other.
The fuss women make about a wedding.
I wonder if it's all worth it.
Oh, God, you're not still entertaining doubts, are you? Well, it's a big step, isn't it? I mean, it didn't work out last time, did it? Jack, I am going to buy you a pint and then I'm going to examine your innermost feelings.
- Eh? - Come on.
Well, personally, I think this is great.
But it's up to Jan to give the final OK.
But she isn't here.
- Oh, come on, Robert.
- I know, I know, she's got a lot on her mind.
Lynne, I do appreciate how upsetting this business of the will has been for her.
But she cannot go on bringing those worries into the office.
Well, with you two continually sniping at each other, the place is becoming a battlefield.
Lynne, I don't want to be at war with anyone.
The bank have invested half a million.
They've appointed me to look after their interests and I'm damn well going to do that.
- But if Jan insists on fighting my every move - Calm down.
I'm the neutral one, remember? Pity.
I'd begun to hope you were on my side.
I think it's about time I took you out to lunch.
Your maid of honour? Yes, I'd be delighted.
Oh, thank you so much for asking.
Good, that's settled then.
Oh dear.
I suppose everything will be all right on the day.
Dad not pulling his weight? If it were left to Jack, it'd be five minutes in the registry office and then straight into the pub.
Sorry.
Last-minute doubts? Yes.
You see, although I know Klaus would be very happy for me, I, erm I still feel I'm breaking a trust.
Vanessa, you say yourself, Klaus would be very happy for you.
Yes, I know, I know.
Although Jack hasn't actually said anything, I get the feeling he may be having doubts too.
And I get the feeling that your imagination is working overtime.
Perhaps.
(Orrin) Oh, she's easy enough once you get to know her.
And, er, too much time in the office.
(Abby) Thank you.
What's so funny? - Nothing.
- Go on, tell me.
Well, it suddenly occurred to me, strictly speaking and dependent on what you finally decide, right now, you and Leo shouldn't be in the same house.
- What? - That's what it said in the will.
Come on.
Don't worry, your co-executor won't say a word.
I'm glad we had this lunch.
It helps, you know, to talk, clear my mind.
Good.
Does that mean you've come to your decision? A bit nearer, maybe.
- What do you think? - That wasn't part of the deal.
- I said I'd be the listener.
- You must have some thoughts.
- Oh, sure.
I'm crystal clear about what I'd do.
- Well, tell me.
Look, Abby (Sighs) You've got to make this decision on your own.
I don't want to put ideas into your head.
You won't be.
OK.
As long as it's clear that these are my thoughts.
Yeah.
Well The way I see it, Thomas isn't going to suffer.
Leo will provide for him and he'll be able to see him.
- No, I've got to have both my boys with me.
- OK, whatever.
But as far as William's concerned, he's going to inherit Sir Edward's multimillion-pound empire and probably my father's as well.
Now, when he comes of age, he may decide he wants nothing to do with it.
You don't know that.
Neither do I.
But personally, I don't feel I have the right to make my son's mind up for him.
It's got to be his decision then, not mine here and now.
I'd find it very difficult to live with myself knowing I'd deprived William of that choice.
But that's just the way I see it.
Yeah.
(Door opens) Oh.
Hello, Tony.
- What are you doing here? - Er, I heard the phone ringing.
I came in to answer it.
- Oh.
Who was it? - I don't know.
It stopped as soon as I got to it.
- Well, in future, just let it ring, will you? - Right.
- Jeremy? - Ah, right.
Thanks a lot.
Jeremy, Ken.
Really? Me, suspicious? No.
No, just checking him out, that's all.
Right, thanks a lot, Jeremy.
- David Relton? - Yes.
Yeah, anybody who's got addresses in both Buenos Aires and Rio must be worth a bomb.
This is good.
It's all tying up.
You are going sailing.
And where the hell have you been? Well, that's a different greeting from, "Thank you for all the flowers, David.
" - We were supposed to be having lunch.
- Yes, I'm sorry.
I was busy.
- With Avril? - What is this? - You had dinner with her the other night? - Yes.
She wanted to discuss a project.
- Well, why the hell didn't you tell me? - Because it is nothing to do with you.
Business before pleasure, always.
Hm? Yeah.
Well, just so long as you keep it that way.
Hey.
Don't tell me you're jealous.
Well, no, of course I'm Well, maybe just a bit.
(Chuckles) There's no need.
How many times do I have to tell you, Laura? You are the only one.
Yeah, but you don't know for sure, do you, Jack? If he was on the nick, he'd have been after the petty cash.
All I am saying is, I found the boy in here and he had out his own personnel file.
- Well, what would he want that for? - How do I know? - You check on those references he gave you? - No.
No, I haven't.
Well, in that case, I will.
He's in the study, sir.
Mr Urquhart, sir.
(Sighs) Charles, we have a site meeting in Southampton in half an hour.
I have a call through to New York.
Bill Shepherd.
- Your father's lawyer? He won't help you.
- Depends on what I offer him, doesn't it? I need to know exactly what my father was planning.
Look, Charles, for God's sake, get your priorities right.
If the Southampton project falls any further behind, we're going to lose millions.
(Phone) Yes? - Oh, thank you.
- I'll go alone.
- I'll join you later.
- Don't bother.
- Well, David, what do you think? - Yes.
It's a nice little boat.
- Well, at that price it's unbeatable.
- I'm sure.
And what's it all got to do with me? Pierre Challon.
Avril told me.
- That was meant to be in strict confidence.
- Oh, come on, David.
Relton make that boat.
I want to be part of this distribution deal you're setting up.
Well, I'm not so sure.
I'd be grateful if you could manage it.
- That's a great deal of money.
- Well, look on it as a introduction fee.
Well, Pierre does tend to value my opinion, and, er as you say, it is a fine little boat.
I'll fix a meeting.
(Ken) Good.
No, I didn't know that.
That's very interesting.
(Laughter) (Jan) Well, thanks for letting me know.
All right, keep in touch.
Bye.
Robert? What kind of game are you playing? If I knew what this was about, I might answer.
That was Sir John Stevens, phoning from Zurich.
Ah, so that's where he's got to.
What did he want? Why didn't you tell me you'd been elected to the board at the bank? Well, I've merely been proposed.
Nothing's been confirmed yet.
- Besides, what difference would it make? - Come on.
At least we'd have a friend at court.
Look, this business stands or falls on its balance sheet and nothing else - facts and figures, not on favours from a friend.
But you must have known about this for several days.
You've been holding back on this, and all the while, you've been pressing me into a decision about this marketing design.
Now, I find that very worrying, Robert.
What other secrets are you holding back? - Hi, Jack.
- Oh, hi.
Nice to see you.
Hey.
You're not doing a moody on me, are you? No.
No, just thinking.
You've been doing a lot of that today.
Jack If you had any doubts about the wedding you would say, wouldn't you? - That means you have.
- Me? Good Lord, no.
- You? - I wouldn't have proposed if I had, would I? No, I suppose not.
Just thought I'd ask.
- Fifty million pounds.
- What? - Nothing.
Just trying to regain your attention.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
It's just interesting to see how well those two are getting on together.
- I wonder.
- Pity I didn't bring my crystal ball.
Now, Slocum's boat The Spray.
What's this idea of yours? Build an exact replica and retrace his voyage around the world.
But he's already done it.
I think you're missing the point, Ken.
I don't know what you're worrying about, darling.
They only went out to lunch together, for God's sake.
What's wrong with that? I just don't like it, that's all.
Lynne is quite grown-up.
She's perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
Besides, we don't know that there's anything going on.
Oh, no, it's not that.
No, you've got the wrong end of the stick.
I'm not worried about them.
It's my business I'm worried about.
I don't trust Robert, OK? Why is he seeing Lynne behind my back? - Come on, Jan - No, no.
Right from the start, he's made things difficult for me.
Examining every last detail.
He He creates problems.
I see.
So you're afraid that Robert may be using Lynne against you.
I don't know.
I don't know what he's up to.
(Turns off television) - Interesting? - Hm.
Difficult.
I need these new measurements to feed into the computer tomorrow.
Which is obviously more important than us.
I know what I want.
For us to get married.
It's simple.
End of story.
- So whatever I say will be influenced by that.
- But it's not that simple.
You said you had to decide this on your own.
I agreed to step back.
- Yeah.
- Well, that's what I am doing.
I'm sorry, Abby, you can't have it both ways.
Ah.
Er, do you mind if I watch the news? I'm going to bed.
- Are you coming? - No, I'll be a while yet.
I'll probably be asleep.
Sorry.
- What? - Well, I obviously came in at a bad time.
The will? Yeah.
I told her she had to reach a decision on her own.
I think you're being very wise.
Now it's up to me to make sure Charles doesn't interfere.
- David, it is so good to see you.
- And you too, Pierre.
Won't you introduce me to your beautiful companion? With pleasure.
Avril Rolfe, Pierre Challon.
- Monsieur Challon.
- Pierre, please.
Avril, hein? The month of spring.
- You were very wisely named.
- Thank you.
I apologise for not meeting you at the airport, but I am working to such a tight schedule.
We have the match tomorrow and this morning was the only time I could practise.
- How many ponies did you bring with you? - Only three.
- Avril, I have an idea.
When do you fly back? - Hopefully later on this afternoon.
In that case, I will alter my appointments.
I have got an option on a new partner for my distribution range.
Perhaps you would give me the benefit of your expert advice? - Certainly.
- Bon.
We will have lunch at my hotel and talk business, if that is agreeable.
Yes, perfectly.
- Au revoir.
- Au revoir.
Bye.
Busy man.
If you're looking for Avril, Laura, you're wasting your time.
She may not see you, Ken, but don't worry, she'll see me.
I doubt it.
She's in Malta.
- What? - With David Relton.
I saw them at the yacht club last night.
Can't beat a touch of the old romance, eh, Laura? Go to hell, Ken.
Run your own errands.
Oh, grazie.
Merci.
So, David, what have we got, hein? Well, so far One, formation of new company, Relton Challon.
Two, use of all Challon distribution points and personnel.
Three, stocking of the whole range of Relton boats in Rio, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo.
Four, two pilots to contribute L500,000 towards the setting up of the new company.
That's it, nice and simple.
Well, Pierre, are you happy with that? - Your hand, Avril.
- Oh.
Now we have a deal, hein? Hey, Paul.
- Monsieur.
- Merci.
- What's this? - A certified cheque for my quarter of a million.
Oh, but there's no need.
I mean, the lawyers have to set up the Avril.
Once Pierre has shaken hands on a deal, that is his bond.
Well, I'm sure.
But I wasn't meaning to suggest Business should be a matter of mutual trust, hein? Now, if you will excuse me, I will see if the boat is ready.
Paul (Sighs) Oh dear.
What have I done wrong? What have I said to offend him? You're not saying he was expecting my cheque for a quarter of a million here and now? Avril, just because he does business that way doesn't mean you have to follow his example.
You mean he was? Forget it.
He's just a little upset.
Oh, great.
That's a fine way to start a partnership.
Does he imagine that I write out cheques for L250,000 just like that? I don't know.
Perhaps he thought you'd have the bank telex a transfer or something.
(Sighs) Well, don't let it worry you.
Let him wait.
I mean, he's shaken hands on a deal, I don't think he'll back out now.
What the hell are you doing? That is my private file.
It seems like this is the only way I can find out what's going on around here.
Why didn't you tell me about this deal with Charles? I will tell you what I want when I want.
Now get out of here and leave me alone.
A little advice, Laura.
You don't want me as an enemy.
Neither does Charles.
You bastard! She's beautifully made, Pierre.
Certainly performs very well indeed.
Your opinion is much appreciated.
David? David? Can we go back? Anything wrong? I need to make a phone call.
Pierre? It's William that's the key, you know.
William? Yes, William.
Imagine if my father's business empire were to merge with that of the Hudsons'.
It might help if you concentrated a little more on what is happening to Charles Frere Holdings rather than speculating about the future.
(David) Well, I'm glad you approve of Pierre's boat.
(Avril) Yes, it's marvellous.
(David) I'm sorry I'm not coming back with you, but, well, the chance of a game tomorrow is too good to turn down.
(Avril laughs) - Sure you don't mind? - Of course not.
- Oh, erm, David? - Mm-hm? - I just wanted to thank you for all your help.
- Oh.
And advice.
I think I did the right thing.
I'm sure you have.
Come on.
So, I'll see you soon.
Have a good flight.
Oh, and, er, give my apologies to Jack.
- What for? - Missing his stag night.
- He'll survive.
- (Laughs) - Bye.
- Bye.
(Men singing) # Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag (Bill) Pack it in! Jack! - (Singing stops) - The party's over.
- # It's time to call it a day - I don't feel too well.
With what you've put away tonight, I'm not surprised.
- Come along now, gents.
Time to go home.
- Oh, come on, Arthur.
Come on.
Give us another one All you're getting tonight, Jack, is some black coffee.
Arthur.
Arthur.
Oh, Arthur, here.
Right, we're on our way now.
You prop the door open, eh, and I'll get him out.
Right, then.
Oh, great.
This is all I need.
Gentlemen, I believe we have planes to catch.
Always a pleasure to do business with you, David.
(Both laughing) - How was London? - Busy and noisy.
Fiona, send in some tea, would you, please? - Meeting go well? - Yes.
Yes, fine.
- I went on to see my solicitors.
- Oh? - About the will.
- Oh no.
- You surely didn't imagine I would let it rest? - I rather hoped you would, yes.
Goes to show how little you really know me.
When it comes to your father, I know you only too well.
(Sighs) Damn it, Charles, when he died, I thought we'd see an end to all the time and effort you've wasted over all these years fighting him.
- But no, the battle must go on.
- Yes.
And it continues to surprise me that you refuse to see how important it is.
I'm well aware that his estate is worth over half a billion pounds.
That is hardly worthy of you.
If you contest this will, believe me, you will lose.
- Not according to my solicitors.
- No, because win or lose, they'll grow fat.
The only grounds you would have would be that he was of unsound mind or that he made the will under duress, and neither applies.
I mean, he made ample provision for Polly in his will and he left you the estate.
You haven't got a hope in hell.
And what about Abby in all this? I will not allow Abby to be used in as a pawn in a power game between you and your father.
I am thinking of her.
Good God, she's Leo's common-law wife.
No court would uphold a demand that she should leave him.
- It is not a demand, it is a proviso.
- Don't split hairs.
I'm sorry, I can't allow you to interfere.
Allow? You seem to forget that she's my daughter.
Who just happens to be co-executor to a fortune.
I suggest you think twice before you say any more.
Now you listen to me, Charles.
As far as Abby and I are concerned, we are father and daughter.
Now, when it comes to business, you can push me around just as much as you want, but I will not allow you to manipulate Abby.
I am not manipulating her, I'm trying to protect her.
- Oh, really? - Yes.
And I will damn well pursue whatever course I choose! With or without your permission.
Then you can do it without me.
My resignation will be on your desk first thing in the morning.