Howard's Way (1985) s06e09 Episode Script

(Distant birdsong) (Bell strikes) (Birdsong and distant voices) (Distant engine chugging) Jack? (Birds chirping) - (Car door shuts) - (Man on radio) Four vehicles involved.
- (Knocking on door) - It's RTA, four vehicles.
Can we just sit down and talk about all this? - I didn't come round for talk, Abby.
- Please.
I just want to collect a few personal items - and then I'll be out of your way.
- Five minutes! - It might help you to understand.
- I understand all right.
No, I don't think you do.
I have to protect William's interests.
Even if you end up doing the exact opposite of everything you stood for? Look, Lee, I have turned my back on William for too long.
- What about Thomas? - I'm not turning my back on him.
Neither am I.
I hope it doesn't come to it but if you're going to be unreasonable, - perhaps we'll just let the courts decide.
- Decide what? If the best place for a child is with a mother whose only values seem to be monetary? That's unfair.
- Is it? - You know it is! The only thing I know is I'm not giving up on Thomas.
And if you want to drag us through the courts, then that's fine by me.
Laura! - How are you? - It's none of your business.
I've just heard about the situation with David Relton.
- I'm extremely sorry.
- Are you? How much did you lose again? 300,000? - It's an awful lot of money.
- It may be to you, Ken.
But I shall survive.
(Slurps) - Morning, Jenny.
- You're looking pleased with yourself.
- Yes.
I just bumped into Laura Wilde.
- How is she? Well and truly stung after being let down by Relton.
You should've seen her face.
- And you couldn't help rubbing it in? - Not the way that woman operates.
It's about time she was on the receiving end.
You wouldn't dismiss it so lightly if you were, though, would you, Ken? I was.
But you didn't come out of it as badly as Laura or Avril.
- I could have.
- You still might.
- So I wouldn't gloat if I were you.
- What's that supposed to mean? That fax arrived just after I got in.
You better read it.
It's urgent.
Oh, damn.
That's all I need.
Right.
I suppose we have to take into account this outstanding loan of yours.
I've already taken that into account.
It's here on this separate balance sheet.
- (Clears throat) - Oh.
I seem to recall we agreed interest at - Was it three points above base? - No, one point above base.
Well, I don't want to get into an auction with you, Gerald.
If you maintain I agreed that, I'm happy to stand by it.
You don't owe me anything, Charles.
If you think it was three points, - we'll stick with three.
- Why not split the difference - and call it 1.
5 points? - No, let's stick with three points.
- If that's what you really want.
- Mm-hm.
I'll get my broker to verify the share price at the close of business today.
And my accountant can forward a cheque for the balance.
Thank you.
Assuming, of course, that you honour your side of the contract.
- Well, that goes without saying.
- Yes, quite.
You have had access to a vast amount of confidential information over very many years, so any payment in lieu of your stock options would be on the understanding that you maintain absolute confidentiality.
I don't need a lecture on business ethics, Charles.
No, I would hope not.
We've been friends, as well as business associates, for almost 25 years.
I was hoping that, rather than agreeing to a resignation settlement, you might have reconsidered? No, I'm afraid not.
Even though you misunderstood my motives for disputing the will? - Oh, I don't think so.
- I would never do anything to hurt Abby.
And yet you're willing to deny her and William their rightful inheritance.
I simply don't want to see either of them being used.
Neither do I.
If that means that you think I would use Abby, then you are wrong.
- Am I? - Yes, of course you damn well are.
(Thumps desk) But if you persist in viewing it differently there's nothing left for me to say.
Except to wish you the very best of luck in your future business endeavours.
Thank you.
- Do you know what you'll be doing? - I'm considering several offers.
I assume there's no substance to the rumours about your accepting a position with Relton Marine? I shall be issuing a formal press statement to announce my decision.
- I've no intention of doing so now.
- I see.
Well, I hope you come to the right decision.
Not one that you might regret.
(Beep) - Yes? - Mrs Howard is here.
Ask her to come in, please, Fiona.
I've enjoyed working with you, Gerald.
- Yes.
- Sorry it's had to end the way it has.
So am I.
Keep in touch.
- Jan.
It's lovely to see you again.
- (Door closes) - How are you? - I'm absolutely furious.
- You're sure nothing was stolen? - Nothing.
As far as we know, anyway.
- Tom's designs? - All on computer disc, along with mine.
Nobody could've broken into the security system? - Not without knowing the password.
- Besides, the police reckon the computer equipment wasn't tampered with.
So I don't know what the intruder was after.
It just doesn't make sense, does it? Oh, I'm late for that meeting.
Uh if you have any new information - We'll let you know.
- Immediately.
- OK, Avril.
- Bye, Bill.
See you later, Leo.
(Door closes) You don't think we ought to have a word with Tony about it all? Oh, don't start going on about Tony again, please, Bill.
Well, he did leave Jack's party before anyone else.
That doesn't mean he was involved in the yard's break-in, does it? Maybe, maybe not.
But for my money, that makes him a prime suspect.
You know, I never realised your middle name was Sherlock.
Doesn't have to be.
There is something about him - you mark my words.
(Engine starts) (Bells strike) - When was she built? - (Indistinct reply) - How old is she? I'll tell you.
(Jack) Whatever age you are, you're still beautiful.
Well, if it isn't Mrs Rolfe.
- Sleep well? - Very well.
The trouble started when I woke up and discovered you weren't there.
- Didn't you find my note? - Yes, eventually.
Honestly, Jack, I didn't know what on earth had happened to you.
Well, I woke early.
Didn't want to disturb you, so I decided to take a stroll.
To the harbour, again? If you intended spending your entire honeymoon at the harbour, perhaps you should've married a boat.
- Jack, is there anything bothering you? - Why? You seem distant.
Hm.
No reason.
Are you sure? Positive.
Seeing that we're up so early, what shall we do today? Now we're married, I was hoping we could spend some time together.
What about some sightseeing? Away from the harbour.
- Abby has changed.
- Yes, I'm well aware of that.
- Otherwise she wouldn't have left Leo.
- Precisely.
That's why it's so essential now more than ever that Leo protect his and Thomas' interests.
If you're so concerned, why don't you discuss this with Leo? Why Lynne? I just wanted to make an initial approach.
In that case, why didn't you talk to me about it? To be frank, I thought you might be too close to the situation to view it objectively.
And I didn't want you to think I was interfering.
If you are not interfering, what is it exactly you're trying to do? - I'm trying to help in any way that I can.
- Help? How? By driving a wedge between the Howards and the Urquharts? Good God Almighty, my father's already done that.
He knew exactly what he was doing when he drew up the terms of his will.
That's why it's incumbent upon you and me to help Leo in every possible way and make sure that Thomas is protected.
It's our duty as grandparents, don't you think? Leo is perfectly capable of protecting his son's interests.
I think you're absolutely wrong.
If Abby has a family like the Hudsons on her side, then, believe me, Leo is going to need all the help he can get.
- This is no time for recriminations.
- I quite agree.
But we have both lost a considerable amount of money.
And Leo did design the specifications for fitting out the cruiser.
So? That doesn't mean we can be held responsible - for Leisurecruise's debt.
- Not all of it, no.
I don't see how we can be responsible for any of it.
My lawyers do.
And who do they suggest I invoice for the refitting and design costs? - David Relton, I suppose.
- Look, Avril, this is business.
There's nothing personal.
You do understand that, don't you? - Oh, yes, yes, of course.
- Why don't you get in touch with your lawyers and discuss the situation with them? - I intend to.
- Let me know what they say, will you? - All right.
- Good.
I'll be in touch, darling.
Bye.
Goodbye.
- Hello, Gerald.
- Hello, Laura.
- Gerald, how are things with you? - I was just about to ask you the same.
You look somewhat fraught, Laura Wilde.
- Difficult meeting, that's all.
- Yes, I can well imagine.
She has an original way of conducting business.
How was your meeting? I managed to negotiate my resignation settlement.
- How was Charles? - He appeared to be quite amicable.
- On the surface.
- Yes, I don't think he'll be too pleased - when my appointment is announced.
- That's his problem.
Don't get me wrong.
I'm not frightened of him.
Good.
Now you're no longer officially associated with Frere Holdings welcome to Relton Marine.
Any luck with Frere? - No, he's still unavailable.
- Well, keep trying.
What's the point? He obviously doesn't intend accepting a call from you.
- You don't think he's trying to avoid me? - If he wanted to speak to you, he wouldn't have sent that fax declining your business proposals, would he? No, no, I don't suppose he would.
Listen, Jenny, don't mention that fax to anyone, will you? Especially Avril.
That fax wouldn't have anything to do with David Relton by any chance? - Why should it? - If you're trying to take advantage of it, - I don't want any part of it, Ken.
- What's put all this into your head? A call came through while you were on the phone to the bank.
That friend of yours, Jeremy, he wants you to phone him as soon as you can.
He thinks he knows where you can get in touch with David Relton.
There is nothing wrong with that campaign.
Except that it has been devised with little or no market research.
I provided the advertising agency with more than enough research.
I wasn't aware you had an advertising background.
I don't but I've been sailing long enough to know there's a gap in the market for our product.
But we are not just targeting the sailing fraternity.
Exactly.
And I don't know if you've read anything in your market-research reports but women don't have to sail to spend time out of doors.
- I had noticed.
- Then give the consumer some credit.
If a cosmetic product provides protection against the elements for a woman who spends a great deal of her time sailing, what's it going to do for a woman who spends an hour on the beach or in the garden? Bravo! I totally agree.
And if our clients do too, we have a very successful product range on our hands.
- Robert doesn't seem to think so.
- No, I believe in the product.
I'm just concerned about the way it's being promoted.
That's all.
I will mention it to the advertising agency and see what they say about it.
After my meeting, I've got a luncheon appointment.
I won't be back until later in the afternoon.
- (Door shuts) - Oh dear.
I really do think you should reconsider the campaign.
Why? I think it's perfect.
Not unless the product range is launched in a fresh and innovative way.
Which it will be, I assure you, Robert.
Well, it's your decision.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Robert, you are always warning me.
We don't seem to agree about anything in business.
The bank didn't put me in to agree but to identify inadequacy.
And you should be very glad I do just that.
Now, if the new regime don't think I'm looking after their interest, then you and I could find ourselves with a few problems.
- Any news of Sir John's successor? - Not yet.
I might after lunch.
I have a meeting with a contact who could provide interesting information.
- (Phone rings) - Who now? Yes, Jan Howard.
What? - Yes, I'll be right there.
- Where are you going? We are supposed to be having a meeting about production costs.
Production costs can wait.
My mother can't.
It may not seem like it now but you did the right thing breaking up with him, Abby.
It depends.
If Leo has a case for custody of Thomas.
Not once the Hudson attorneys have been appointed.
We'll let them deal with it the way they dealt with William's custody.
They took instructions from my father.
I told you before, I never wanted to prevent you from seeing William.
There's one thing I don't understand.
Why did you ask your father for help? - I didn't.
He offered.
- I thought you didn't trust him.
- I don't.
- Why do you let him get involved? He's probably trying to use you now you're co-executor of Edward's estate.
Has it ever occurred to you that I might also be able to use him? Look, now that Frere's disputing the will, it wouldn't hurt to have a man like my father on our side.
You hope.
There's no one better to line up against Charles Frere, Abby.
He won't back off without putting up a hell of a fight.
He's not the only one.
Then come with me to the States and we can discuss it with Dad's attorneys.
If you don't like the way they plan to conduct the case, - we can always appoint someone else.
- When are you leaving? I've got two tickets booked on the 9 o'clock flight tonight.
Honestly, Mother, what a fright.
Thought I'd be on a diet of bread and water for years, did you? I didn't know what to think when I got that phone call.
How do you think I felt when I was arrested? "Helping the police with their inquiries" is hardly being arrested.
- Considering the documents the police found - What documents? Well, some documents were stolen at the Mermaid Yard containing, apparently, details of my stand against the redevelopment of the yard last year.
- No way did you keep any documents.
- I didn't.
That's what's so confusing.
But I don't understand.
What did the police want from you then? They just wanted me to throw some light on the subject.
It's all most unpleasant.
Someone somewhere wants to make trouble for me.
And I can't for the life of me think why.
(Jack) There you are.
(Vanessa) That is lovely.
(Jack) That's fine, yeah.
Give it to the lady.
(Jack) There you go.
(Vanessa) Thank you.
- Get yourself a drink.
- Wait a minute, Jack.
Let me get a photograph of you by the stall.
- Oh, no, let me take one, will you? - Oh, OK, I've got a better idea.
- Would you, please? Thank you.
- (Jack mutters) - Round here.
- All right, yeah.
OK, just there, that will be fine.
Oh, come on, Jack.
Smile, for heaven's sake.
Thank you very much indeed.
Thank you.
- Jack, don't look so miserable.
- Hm? - Am I? I'm not.
- Yes, you are.
You sure there's nothing bothering you? - No, no, no, I'm all right.
Come on.
- (She sighs) Jack, you seem as if you have something on your mind.
Hm.
Really? - Do you want to talk about it? - (Clock strikes) Uh no.
- But I should.
- So there is something? Yeah, I should've um I should've mentioned it before.
Well, what is it? Come on.
I'll tell you over lunch.
All I asked was why you decided to leave Mr Rolfe's party afore anyone else.
- No need to fly off the handle about it.
- I'm sick and tired of these accusations.
Calm down, Tony.
Mr Sayers isn't accusing you of anything.
Not directly.
But you know what he's getting at.
- Oh? What would that be? - That I was involved in the break-in.
I didn't mention the break-in, did I, son? You did.
If you must know, I left the party early because I had to meet my girlfriend.
That's all I wanted, a civil answer to a civil question.
I don't know why you've got it in for me, Mr Sayers.
I don't mind if my work isn't up to scratch.
But it is.
- I never said it wasn't, did I? - Then stop having a go at me.
- I mean it for your sake.
- Is that supposed to be a threat? I'm warning you.
If you don't stop having a go at me, I'll complain to Mr Rolfe.
I've had enough.
- Am I interrupting? - No, just a few personnel problems.
I better have a word with him.
If that lad doesn't start treating people with respect I will have a go at him.
Then he'll have something to complain about.
Bill, wait a minute.
Why don't you let him cool off? Maybe you should too.
You might get along if you talk after lunch.
I wouldn't hold your breath on it.
I'll be at the Jolly Sailor if anyone wants me.
- OK.
- I'm sorry, Lynne.
- You've caught me on a bad day.
- It's all right, Bill.
- So what are you up to? - I was in the area.
Thought I'd stop by and see if you'd made plans for lunch.
- No.
Why? - You have now.
- Tell us when my table's ready.
- Certainly.
- Well, Robert, good to see you again.
- And you.
I was sorry to hear about Sir John's resignation.
He didn't resign, Francis.
He was pushed.
Any idea who was responsible? I was about to ask you the same question.
I have no idea at all.
Gratefully, I was away from it all, abroad on business.
But that doesn't necessarily isolate a senior member of the board.
- Well, it's isolated this one.
Sit down.
- Thank you.
I was hoping you might have had some advance warning on the new chairman.
I don't think you need worry too much on that score.
- You know who it is? - I know him very well.
Decent sort of chap.
Cheers.
Cheers.
(Jack) Vanessa, wait a minute.
Let me try and explain.
You've already explained.
It's just a pity you didn't before.
- I found out on the eve of the wedding.
- You still should've told me.
I didn't want to spoil your big day.
So you let me believe everything was all right, knowing my brother was responsible for Avril and Laura losing all that money.
Look, Vanessa, try and not get yourself so upset.
Really? You do surprise me.
I must confess I have a kind of sneaky admiration for him.
- What, Ken? - Hm.
No one can say he doesn't try.
You're not considering doing business with him, are you? I said I had a sneaky admiration for him, I didn't say I trusted him.
- That doesn't answer my question.
- Naturally, I declined his proposals.
What about my proposals? Do we move in on the Poelma Corporation or not? - When the timing's right.
- Ken may not be the only person to recognise the company is vulnerable to a takeover bid.
We live in a free-market economy.
If somebody else competes, I'll compete.
Yes, but the outcome may not necessarily be a foregone conclusion.
Even for a businessman with your reputation.
All right.
What's your point? The point is that Gerald knows - of our plans for Poelma.
- I'm well aware of that.
If Avril were interested in a takeover, that might give her an unfair advantage.
If Gerald were to accept our offer of a position, then yes.
I have it on very good authority that he already has.
Gerald Urquhart now sits on the board of Relton Marine.
How could you exchange wedding vows knowing you were deliberately keeping that from me? Listen, Vanessa.
I was only doing it for your benefit.
Leave me alone, please, I need to think.
To spend some time on my own.
(Lynne) Remember the first time we sailed to Bishop's Point and back? How could I forget? Dad certainly had an uphill struggle teaching us to sail.
Come on, Lynne, you were a natural.
I was the one who couldn't wait to get my feet back on dry land.
Dad was right, you know.
There's nothing like getting out to open sea.
- Yeah, you can't beat it.
- It offers a different perspective.
Which I think you and Abby might need right now.
I tried bringing Abby out to talk but it didn't work.
Perhaps she didn't want it to.
Could be.
She's changed.
I just don't know who the hell she is any more.
Well, if you think she might put up a fight for Thomas' custody, I don't think it would hurt having a man like Charles Frere on your side.
I still don't understand why he wants to help me.
I'd have thought he'd side with Abby.
Not if she doesn't do what's right for his grandson.
- William's also his grandson.
- In name, yes.
But look who's bringing him up.
Orrin's parents.
William's more of a Hudson.
Thomas is different.
Would he stay that way under the influence of Charles Frere? I've compiled a breakdown of manufacturing costs.
- Good.
- And summarised the sales forecasts.
But I don't want to inundate you with too many facts and figures.
After overseeing such a diverse operation as Frere Holdings, I've developed a capacity for retaining rather a large volume of information.
And you're not operating at full capacity yet.
- No, not yet.
- I'll get you some more reading material.
This association that Relton has with Poelma is basically, what? - A distribution agreement? - Yes, basically.
They have sole European rights to our entire range.
If you've got a copy of the agreement, I'd like to go over the small print.
Sure.
Any particular reason? Well, working closely with Charles has given me access to a great deal of inside information, put me in a very awkward position.
I've signed contracts, agreed to one of confidentiality.
It's all right.
You don't need to explain.
I understand totally.
However, putting all question of ethics aside, I think you'd make a pretty inspired guess as to who else is interested in Poelma.
- Charles.
- Hm.
That's why it's important that we go over any agreements Relton may have with the company.
All right.
But top of my list of priorities is this Pierre Challon situation.
I'm afraid he does have a case against Relton for illegally trading on his company's name.
- Will Charles capitalise on all this? - I wouldn't be at all surprised.
It's an ideal opportunity to lobby shareholders against you.
- That's what I was concerned about.
- Unless, of course, you can persuade Pierre Challon to drop his lawsuit.
Well, we'll soon see.
He's flying in from Paris today.
We have a dinner engagement.
I'd like you to join us.
Damn! I take it there's no luck tracing David Relton.
Neither address checked out.
Again.
Why don't you pass on the information to the police? I don't happen to have their number in Rio.
The Tarrant police.
Or does that friend of yours Jeremy - have something to hide? - He's not on the best terms with them.
What about you? You don't have anything to hide, do you? - Don't start that again.
- You were trying to do business - with David Relton.
- And I was taken in.
A man of your experience should've seen it coming.
David Relton certainly saw me coming.
And Laura and Avril.
Now, where the hell is that marketing report? Oh.
Thank you, Jenny.
Oh, if only that deal had been legitimate.
We could've exported to South America, Australia as well as the South of France.
- We could've been really on our way.
- Bang goes my sponsorship, I suppose? You'll get there.
Just be patient.
(Phone rings) Hello, Ken Masters Enterprises.
Hold on a moment.
I'll see if he's available.
It's Abby Urquhart.
She wants to speak to you urgently.
Abby Urquhart? What the hell does she want? - So how long will you be away? - About a week.
You could've picked a better time, you know.
If we didn't have to rearrange the production schedule to complete that cruiser of Pierre Challon's, maybe we wouldn't have such a heavy workload.
All right.
There's no need to rub it in.
Isn't there? We are off-loading the cruiser at half price.
- So you're in no position to criticise.
- I'm not concerned about Challon.
I'll negotiate a settlement with him when I see him tomorrow.
It's Charles.
- What's Frere got to do with it? - If you and Abby get involved in a wrangle over Sir Edward's will, that could affect our business with him.
We don't need Frere to move in on Poelma.
Frere Holdings is a powerful organisation, Orrin.
Maybe.
But it's nothing compared to the Hudson organisation.
I'm meeting Charles on my way to the airport.
I don't think you'll find he'll pose us any problems, Laura.
Here you are.
I've been looking for you everywhere.
- Feeling better? - Hmm.
Sorry.
I just needed to spend some time on my own.
I should apologise for not telling you earlier.
You were only doing what you thought was right.
And I've got to do what I feel is right too and reimburse Avril and Laura the money they've lost.
Come on.
You can't be responsible for your brother's actions.
Perhaps not.
How could David do that to anyone? I don't know.
Why don't you try and forget it till we get back? Jack, I think we should go back early.
I don't see what good it would do.
If we go back today, tomorrow, next week, the problem will still be there.
Listen, Vanessa, this is our time.
No one else's.
So let's make the most of it while we can.
Hm? I suppose you're right.
Yeah.
I just can't understand why you object.
I can't understand why you're so keen for him to be involved.
For Leo's sake.
And Thomas'.
And what about yours? You were close once, remember? I have told you before that has nothing to do with it.
I hope so, Lynne, for your sake.
He let you down very badly once.
Don't give him the opportunity to do it again.
- Mother! - I don't trust the man.
I had a meeting with him this morning, and nothing he said convinced me - that his offer was genuine.
- All he wants to do is help his grandson.
Does he? And I suppose the fact that a great deal of money is at stake has nothing to do with it.
Yvonne, I really Robert.
I have just come from an extremely long meeting with the new chairman of the bank.
Ah, Francis, how are you? Well, thank you.
Good to see you again, Pierre.
- And you.
- Pop them on the back seat, will you? - I hear congratulations are in order.
- It seems so.
They couldn't have chosen a better chairman.
I look forward to doing business with you.
One of my first tasks will be to review the interest rates of our principal clients.
So don't get too enthusiastic.
Hop in.
I was under the impression you wanted to discuss a business proposition.
- I do.
- What's my father's estate to do with it? That depends, Charles, on whether you still intend disputing his will.
I was hoping you might've had second thoughts.
- Why should I? - Let's just say it could destroy a good friendship between the Hudsons and Freres.
Your father and mine may have enjoyed a good friendship, Orrin.
I realise we've had our differences over the years, Charles, but Well, I'm willing to put it all behind me if you are.
Well, that's very generous of you.
And as a sign of good faith, I'm also willing to forget information which could prove embarrassing to you.
Do you know, that sounds almost like a threat.
Oh, no threat.
Just a gesture of friendship.
(Charles scoffs) I'd hate to see another investigation into Diacra Holdings.
- You have nothing on me, Orrin.
- Sir John Stevens did though, didn't he? I wonder if that had anything to do with him being forced to resign from the bank.
I'm sorry but I really don't follow you.
If you lay any claim on Edward's estate and any question on Diacra Holdings came up in court, you could lose a lot more than just a case, Charles.
Fiona, Mr Hudson is just leaving.
Show him out, would you, please? OK.
If that's the way you want to play it, fine by me.
But just don't say you haven't been warned.
(Door opens) (Door slams shut) You know, all in all, it was a very good day, actually.
I think I'm going to get on very well at Relton.
A drink? No, thanks.
What about Charles? Oh, I can deal with him.
I know how his mind works.
- Unlike you.
- What's that mean? You know, Charles could be a very formidable opponent.
Do you really think it's wise to embark on this trip? It can't hurt to hear what the Hudson attorneys have got to say.
- I can always arrange legal advice.
- Yeah, but I'm quite capable.
- I hope you are.
- I know what I'm doing.
Don't worry.
I'll try not to.
(Tuts) But I won't guarantee it.
Look, you will phone and let me know how you are getting on? Yeah.
- What time is Orrin picking you up? - He isn't.
I'm taking a taxi.
I've got a dinner engagement at seven.
Why don't I drop you off on the way? - There's no need.
- What about Thomas? Everything's arranged.
Kate, I'm so sorry.
How good to see you.
- How are you? - A little annoyed.
How are you? - About to be taken to task, I see.
- How right you are, Francis.
Do you mind if I have a drink first, steady the nerves? - I suggest you make it a double.
- As bad as that, eh? My usual, please, Alan.
What for you, Kate? (Mediterranean accent) Would Madame care to taste the wine or shall I pour? I think Madame can trust her husband's judgment.
Especially after bringing his wife to such a beautiful spot.
It is, isn't it? What about the servants? - Perfect.
- Ah.
There you go.
Thank you.
Now you sure you're all right? Absolutely.
- You've forgotten all your problems? - I had until you happened to remind me.
Well, getting away from it all can work wonders.
Now, how about a toast? To what? Us.
Our new life.
Any problems, we're bound to overcome if we face them together.
All right.
To Mr and Mrs Jack Rolfe.
To Mr and Mrs Jack Rolfe.
So you see, Mr Challon, Miss Rolfe was an innocent victim, like yourself.
Rather than a perpetrator of any fraud.
May I ask just exactly how much money you lost? L250,000.
And David Relton was entirely to blame.
No doubt you'll be influenced by your own legal people but personally, I would refrain from entering into any litigation.
Miss Rolfe didn't deliberately set out to illegally trade on your company's name.
In the circumstances, it was perfectly natural for her to assume you'd be doing business together.
In future, I assume, you won't assume anything, Miss Rolfe.
It's never been my policy to rush into a business decision.
In future, I shall be extra careful.
I'm sure we can all learn from the experience.
It's ironic.
If I'd only known of your distribution networks in Europe, we may have considered doing business without David Relton intervening.
You are not tied in with a European distributor? I've recently been examining the Poelma Corporation.
- You obviously know of them.
- We do indeed.
According to a reliable source, a takeover bid is imminent.
That's why I've declined from entering into negotiations.
In that case, perhaps we still might have an opportunity of doing business together.
Perhaps.
(# Lively piano music) Thank you.
Have you any information as to who's behind this takeover bid? A gentleman by the name of Charles Frere.
Ah.
I see you obviously know of him too.
- We know his organisation well.
- Extremely well.
- And? - I think you were wise to withdraw from negotiations with Poelma.
If he's successful in his takeover, there's only one person who'll benefit.
Charles Frere.
He's an extremely astute businessman.
He'll need to be.
According to my source, he could face a takeover bid of his own.
Thank you.
(# Classical piano music) Chairman of the bank, that is a turn-up.
Congratulations.
- I do wish you'd let me know.
- It was only confirmed a few days ago and I couldn't say anything to anyone ahead of the official announcement.
- When's that going to be? - Tomorrow.
So, why are you telling me today? Because I regard you as a special case, Kate.
I always have.
Thank you.
Jan's been worrying herself sick about all these stories about boardroom battles.
At least after tomorrow, we'll have a friend at court.
If Jan's business is viable, I shall support her.
I should hope so too.
Otherwise, you'll have me to contend with.
Not only you but also my fellow directors at the bank.
Until I settle in, I shan't know what support to expect from any of them.
You've gone very quiet, Kate.
Francis you don't think that anyone on the board could possibly wish to discredit you, do you? Why do you ask? It's just that there was a break-in at the Mermaid Yard while you were away.
That's what I wanted to talk to you about.
The police have found documents concerning my stand against the redevelopment of the yard.
What's been worrying me is that, well, - they could implicate you.
- I don't see how, Kate.
Remember, I gave you no information about the development business.
Merely a clue to enable you to make an inspired guess.
That's exactly the point.
I kept no record of my inspired guess.
Did you make a record of our conversations? Certainly not.
So you are saying that the documents the police found are false? There can be no other explanation.
And I've been racking my brains as to who on earth would want to do such a thing.
(Ken) Your call came as quite a surprise.
(Abby) It would to a lot of people.
Uh, nobody knows about this meeting.
I hope I can count on you to be discreet.
I always am.
What is it exactly you wanted to see me about? I understand you've done a bit of business in the past with the Hudsons.
I may be missing something here but what's that got to do with you? And you've had dealings with Laura Wilde and Charles Frere.
I mean, you know them quite well.
So? While I'm in America, I have something I'd like you to do for me, Ken.
- Can I get you another drink? - No, thank you.
So if you can persuade Leo to accept my offer how do you think Jan will react? That depends if she ever believes your offer is genuine.
I think that's very unlikely judging by the way she was with me this morning.
She's only trying to protect Leo and Thomas.
You can't blame her for being mistrustful.
Does that mean you still have doubts? I see.
Why are you still here then? I can't really explain why.
Having both lost our fathers recently, perhaps I thought I'd find a kindred spirit.
I don't know.
If that is the case, Lynne, don't waste any sympathy on me.
My father didn't have even half the qualities of Tom Howard.
You must have some feelings for him.
Oh, yes, I do.
Anger, resentment even pity, strangely enough.
Sometimes, just an awful kind of emptiness.
Look at him.
Sir Edward Frere.
International business tycoon, elder statesman of industry, respected throughout the world.
The epitome of success.
Ha.
As a father, a complete failure.
I'm sorry.
Oh, don't be.
You obviously are.
I just don't want Thomas to miss out the way I missed out.
Weren't there any good times? I can remember the good times that you and I spent together.
That's all in the past, Charles.
Is it? - I think I'd better go.
- Please don't.