Howard's Way (1985) s06e11 Episode Script

- Can you see Phantom yet? - No, I can't make her out.
Never mind, we'll carry on on this course.
- Aye aye, skipper! - Leo, we're out here to win.
We might be the smallest boat in the race, but with this handicap system and these conditions, we're in with a good chance.
- Are they still holding us? - Yes, but don't worry.
We're pointing higher than they are.
I'll take her in five degrees.
- Harden in the jib.
- Oh, getting technical, eh? You said you didn't know much about sailing.
Well, I've done a couple of Fastnets.
- Now you tell me! - Yeah, I didn't win either of them, though.
Taken over Poelma? But surely Ken Masters couldn't raise that sort of money? Or have I been reading him wrong all this time? Oh, no, Pierre.
It's quite obvious someone is backing him.
Do you have any idea who? No.
We tried every trick in the book to make him come clean.
All we got in return was a knowing smile.
But in all fairness, he did agree to release us from our distribution contract.
That's what we wanted.
Otherwise he'd back us to the hilt.
Hmm.
You know, when Ken makes an offer like that, I get rather worried.
In that case, I shall be on my guard.
- He's asked me to see him.
- Do you know what about? Only that it could be "to our mutual advantage.
" Sounds quite intriguing.
Starboard! Are we gaining on them? Not at the moment, but it's the next leg that counts.
Well, you'd better take it, then.
No way.
You're doing fine.
All right, Lynne, on the next leg I want to clip the end of Calshot Spit.
- Will there be enough water? - With a bit of luck.
By the time we get there, we should have at least a foot to spare.
Good.
Are they still holding us? Yep.
They'll have a hard job taking us now, though.
Let's have the centreboard up a bit, Leo.
- Are you sure this is a good idea? - Yes, it's worth the risk.
By going closer inshore, we'll gain two minutes on this route.
There's the fish-front, all the gunwales.
- And the fiddles.
- Oh, no.
Well, you did ask, Jack.
Yeah, well, you keep that list to yourself, Bill, all right? I don't want young Leo sticking his nose in.
If it'll help, I don't mind coming in early and staying late.
It'd be a shame to do a rush job, just for the sake of a few hours.
Oh, my thinking entirely, Tony! Thanks very much.
OK.
Well, after all, Xanadu deserves the best.
Good lad, that.
Good lad.
Ah, it's in the blood, I suppose.
Oh, come on, Jack! You don't know for certain.
Why don't you just forget it? After all, anybody could've been his father.
Yeah, well, it's a possibility, but I've just got this very strong feeling it's me, what with the dates and all that.
How the hell I'm going to tell Avril and Vanessa I don't know.
- You must be off your head.
- It's the only honest thing I can do, Bill.
Blimey, Jack, you've only been married five minutes, and now you want to tell Vanessa! "Oh, I'm sorry, darling, but I forgot to mention it.
I have a son.
" And how do you think Avril's going to take it? Well, Avril might like the idea of having a younger brother.
All you're doing is thinking of yourself.
And I think you're feeling pretty chuffed with the idea that you might have fathered a son.
That has got nothing to do with it.
Oh, no? Hold her steady for another minute before going about.
Got them.
They're in trouble.
If we keep that buoy to starboard, there won't be enough water.
Go about.
Oh, my God! Robert! Charles is overboard! Bring her about.
Wait a minute, Ken.
Let me get this clear.
You are offering me a seat on the board of Poelma.
- That's right, yes.
- But why? When I took over the Poelma Corporation, the company was on the skids.
And for one reason only.
Every member of the board knew a lot about boats, but no one knew a damn thing about business.
Yes, that much I did manage to find out.
Pierre, apart from being one of the biggest distributors in Europe, you also have personal knowledge of both Relton and Leisurecruise, their strengths and their weaknesses.
We have a craft from both of these companies.
One moment, Ken.
I do hope you're not going to ask me to betray any confidences.
Would I do that? No, no.
No, just give us advice based on your wide experience, that's all.
Even so, I can see that there could be a conflict of interests.
You mean you're thinking of distributing their craft, as well? Everything is possible, Ken.
If that were the case, surely we could come to some agreement about territory? - No point in treading on one another's toes.
- Ah, now I see what you're getting at.
What you really mean is carve it up between us.
Yes.
Yes, that's what I like about you French.
Such a delicate turn of phrase.
- Oh, thank God! - Hello.
- Are you all right? - Yeah, I'm fine.
I think I got my sums wrong.
- Here we are, sir.
- Thank you.
(Women giggling) No, no, come on, girls.
This is supposed to be deadly serious.
The only thing that was hurt was his pride.
- Now the moment you've all - Shh! The presentation.
I've got here the corrected times on handicap, and the winner of the Frere Five Star is Skua, Miss Jenny Richards and Mr Leo Howard.
We did it! Come on, then.
In second place, Entre Nous, skippered by Jonathan Arkett and Sophie Carey.
Tamar.
One of the first boats I ever built.
She's the sister boat to your Proud Lady.
- Been with the same owner ever since.
- I wonder what she's like now.
- When was this taken? - Last week.
- Good Lord! - Old George Thomas came in this morning.
82, he is.
And he reckons now his sailing days are over.
- Wants me to find a good owner for her.
- That's nice.
She deserves it.
Do you know, I remember as clear as yesterday when he first came into my boat yard.
He just told me about the kind of boat he wanted me to build, nothing written down.
And do you know something? We didn't talk money once.
I'm afraid those days are over.
You can't turn the clock back.
No, cos everybody's so damned busy watching it.
Jack, is there something bothering you? Hmm? No.
No, not really.
I think there is.
What is it? Is it me? - No.
- Jack, I'm trying to help.
Yeah, I know you are.
Actually, there is something bothering me.
- But I can't erm I can't tell you here.
- Oh.
Does that mean I'm not going to like it? I'm not so sure that you will.
I'm beginning to get the feeling I shouldn't have asked.
- (TV) Ashmore Surprise is making the break.
- Good! At the post, it's Ashmore Surprise, just ahead of Bridehead.
And two lengths behind, Bob's Your Uncle and Pedal Power, side by side.
- Hello, darling.
- Did you win? - No, no, but Leo and Jenny did.
- Fine.
Jan! Sorry, I've got to rush.
- This is important and it won't take a moment.
- Right.
What is it? I thought you ought to know that Charles Frere's business arrangements are being looked after by a close colleague of yours.
Robert Hastings.
I wonder how many more surprises that man has in store for me.
Bermuda? What the devil are you doing in Bermuda? You were supposed to be in New York.
We changed our plans.
Orrin's sailing in this race here.
I'm going to take some shots of it.
And I've been commissioned to take photos of the island for a top American magazine.
Now Now, listen, Abby.
You are supposed to be out there getting William back, not cavorting around.
For heaven's sake, get your priorities right.
It's OK.
Orrin's father's coming out in a couple of days with his lawyers.
He's going to bring William with him.
And Charles is flying out as well.
Daddy, look, I've got to go.
I'll speak to you later, OK? Bye.
- Goodbye! - Trouble? Not according to Abby.
She's having a whale of a time.
Nevertheless, you look rather worried.
Suddenly, everybody is converging on Bermuda.
Charles, Hudson, attorneys.
You know, I've got a nasty feeling that they're going for an out-of-court settlement.
I'm sorry, Avril.
I think I ought to be out there with her.
Why is that that every time you come into the office, you have to accuse me of something? Probably because you're so damned secretive, that's why.
- Now, I merely asked - No, you didn't ask anything.
You accused.
Now, if I may finish, I merely wanted to know why it was you hadn't told me Charles Frere was a client of yours.
- If you want to take that as an accus - I don't have to take it as anything.
It's no damned business of yours.
- Now you just wait a minute.
Listen to me.
- No, you listen to me.
Did it worry you when Sir John looked after Frere's interests? Well? - The circumstances are entirely different.
- Yes, they certainly are.
My uncle simply looked after Frere's business investments, whereas I look after his personal affairs.
Ah.
- Now, is that clear? - I see.
Any more accusations, or is that your quota for the day? Why didn't you tell me your children were going to turn up at that photo call? Damn it, man, I didn't even know you were married.
I'm not.
I'm divorced.
Besides, I didn't know they were going to turn up, either.
They were supposed to go to their mother for half term, but she then had to fly off to Geneva.
So they told the school they were coming to me.
- And they didn't tell you.
- Exactly.
I see.
- I'm back.
- Did you manage to get the photographs? - I most certainly did.
- Are Mark and Jackie OK? Mmm.
They're being spoiled rotten by the girls in the workroom.
- Good.
- Here we go.
Before and after.
Plus a sworn affidavit by the photographer that no retouching's been done.
- Brilliant.
- Oh, yes.
Yes, these are very good.
Four hours at sea.
What did I tell you? Very good test.
You actually look better in the After one.
Thank you very much.
Now, come on.
What about this venue? What do you think? I think the country club's best, but it's up to you two.
- Robert? - Yes, I agree.
Well, what say you we drive over there this evening, unannounced, and see what their service is really like? - Sneaky.
- Unfortunately, I have the children.
Bring them along, too.
- Are you sure? - Why not? OK.
Well, I must admit, Hector, we did think it was a pretty wild scheme.
Still, pity you didn't manage to pull it off.
Charles, I put my head on the block for you, organising that break-in.
For which I'm duly grateful.
Cheers.
And if you had managed to dislodge Redfern, I'd have done everything in my power to make sure you were the next chairman at Holsgrove.
- Unfortunately, it didn't happen.
- No.
By the way, how's your bid for Relton coming along? Very well.
I've just managed to complete an exchange of shares with Laura Wilde.
Charles, I was talking about Relton, not Leisurecruise.
So was I.
I'll tell you more when I've completed the deal.
What do you mean, Ken's poking round my yard? What does he want? I don't know.
Last time I saw him, him and that girl Jenny were going over the Tamar.
- I thought you ought to know.
- Perhaps he wants to cover it in plastic.
Turn it into a houseboat? Sorry! Afternoon, Jack.
Vanessa, how are you keeping? - Just above water, thank you, Ken.
- Good.
Jack, you've got a boat in the yard, Tamar.
- What about it? - I'd like to buy her.
She's not for sale.
Oh, that's funny.
Bill here said she was.
I think I'll just go and see how Bernie's getting on with that anti-fouling job.
(Jack) Right, Bill.
Erm No, what I really meant, Ken, was, erm She's not your sort of boat, I couldn't sell her to you.
Well, it's not for me.
It's for Jenny.
I'm sponsoring her.
She's doing a round-the-world trip.
Same voyage as Joshua Slocum.
Please, Mr Rolfe.
She's just the boat I've been looking for.
And the fact that you designed and built her will give me enormous confidence.
Ah.
Sail my boat round the world, eh? I don't want to haggle about money, Jack.
Just name your price and we'll shake on it now.
(Chortles) - I'm sorry? Have I said something funny? - No, Ken.
Private joke, that's all.
I think you've just restored Jack's faith in the future.
- Mr Burrage is here to see you.
- Send him in, and bring some tea, will you? - Hector, how good to see you again.
- And you, Laura.
I don't know how you do it.
All that hard work you put in, you still look as beautiful as ever.
- I lead a pure life.
- Oh, such a pity.
Oh, please! So, what brings you here? I thought you spent all your time either running the council or making a fortune for the bank.
Oh, I do sally forth occasionally.
Tell me, are you still keen to diversify? - You know damn well I am.
- Good.
Only, James Brooke's shares in House of Howard are suddenly available.
Are they, now? Right, name your price.
If the Hudson's are hoping for an out-of-court settlement, Abby will give it to them, providing she ends up with both the kids.
That's not going to happen.
Just remember, right now Thomas is in your custody.
That reminds me, what security arrangements have you made? Security? What are you talking about? I think till this is all settled legally, it would be a good idea if Thomas moved into Highfield.
At least there he'd be looked after day and night.
No way.
Thomas is going to be brought up like any other normal boy, and certainly not like a prisoner.
- It would only be for a short time.
- No.
Very well, it's your decision, but you're being very unwise.
I don't think you understand how high the stakes are.
- Back to money again.
- Leo, you're being unfair.
Am I? Listen, Lynne, I don't give a damn about these multi-million pound deals.
Or even William, for that matter.
All I care about is my son.
Well, then, why don't you go out there yourself? Because I'd only end up getting into a slanging match with Abby.
All right, let me make a suggestion.
You obviously don't trust me, so supposing Lynne came out to Bermuda with me.
At least there she can keep an eye on things, make sure I don't sell you down the river.
- What do you think? - I'd be very happy to.
- But I may not be able to do much.
- No, fine.
It'd be a great idea.
Good.
Well, that's settled, then.
So, we'll both fly out there tomorrow, hmm? Oh, well, that's great! God, I crew for you in the Old Gaffers race.
Yeah, well, with all the loving care you've put into it, you deserve it.
Oh, that's just brilliant.
It's just that I love wooden boats.
They're special.
Each one's got their own personality and character.
- Yeah, just like people.
- Yeah.
Well, if Xanadu's going to be in the race, I'd better get back to work on her.
Thanks.
- Night, Tony.
- Night.
- Fancy a jar? - You know something, Bill? That lad even thinks like me.
Oh, come on, Jack.
He thinks the same as all of us do in this yard.
You can't see it, can you? I mean, it's either that or you don't want to.
I know one thing.
I don't want to see you hurt Vanessa or that boy, just because you think you might be his father.
How would it hurt him to know the truth? Blimey! If I were his age, I wouldn't want to be told that you were my father.
- How old were they when you got divorced? - Nine and ten.
Yes, I know.
Of course, you can't really tell, but they seemed to take it all right.
It's a pity it had to happen at all.
But the way things were between us, well, I suppose it was the lesser of two evils.
- Difficult.
- Huh, yes.
Lisa's an accountant.
She couldn't wait to get back to work.
Two years, and she'd built up a thriving business in the City.
I had my nose hard at the grindstone, too.
So there we were, ploughing out our separate furrows.
Suddenly, we were strangers.
I just couldn't see it happening.
I must have been blind as a bat.
When it comes to relationships, most workaholics are.
Well, all it did for me was to prove how little I know about women.
So I decided to steer clear of that sort of situation if I could.
And how did you feel about coming to work with me? - That can't have been easy for you.
- Oh, I don't know about that.
Although in the beginning, I did find you far too pushy and rather obstructive.
Oh, thanks very much.
Sorry.
That wasn't very tactful, was it? No.
Honest, though.
Oh, I promised the kids a dance.
- Disco? You? - Yes.
And why not? Now, this I must see.
Come on.
# I say, love me, hold me # Love me, hold me, cos I'm freel Ken, it's half past seven.
Oh, I am sorry.
Have an early evening.
Well, if that's all right, then? And thanks for everything.
I always knew you wouldn't let me down.
I never break my promises to my friends.
Or enemies.
Jenny, congratulations.
It was a very fine race.
Thank you very much, Mr Frere.
Well, I didn't think she had a hope in hell of winning.
Still, funny things happen in a race, don't they, Charles? Hmm? Oh, just put that down to a bit of over-confidence.
- It won't happen again, I assure you.
- I was referring to Poelma.
So was I.
I assume it was Hudson who backed you.
I'll let you into a little secret.
No, it wasn't Hudson.
- Really? - Really.
- So you got my message, then? - Hmph! Well, why else would I be here? - Know what I want to talk about? - Oh, I've a shrewd idea, yes.
- Have a seat.
- Thank you.
- Would you like a drink? - No, thanks.
Leo, I do hope you don't mind my going out tonight.
Gran, you've been stuck in this house night after night.
Time you had an evening off.
So long as you don't sit here brooding about what might or might not happen in Bermuda.
Will you stop worrying about me, Gran? - Hi, go right on in.
- Oh, thank you, Leo.
- Evening, Kate.
- Hello, Francis.
- I say, that's very fetching.
- I've had it for years.
- You should wear it more often, Gran.
- That's right.
Takes me back to the days when I knew you first.
The belle of the ball! I had quite a crush on her, you know, Leo.
- Francis! - Truth be known, I still have.
- Don't talk such nonsense.
Have a drink.
- No, we haven't time, really, thank you.
Right.
See you later, Leo.
I doubt that.
After dinner I'm taking you on a conducted tour of all the local roadhouses.
Roadhouses? You're in a time warp, my lad.
All right, an alcohol-free pub crawl.
How's that? He's witty with it.
- Have a nice evening.
- I'm sure we will.
Good night.
- Bye, darling.
- Bye.
(Baby wails) Nice timing, Thomas.
(Explosions and stirring music on TV) Aw! Right, Jack.
You've had your dinner, your coffee, you've got your Scotch.
So talk to me.
Jack, you have had all evening and you haven't said a word.
Yes, well, er I've been waiting for the right moment.
Jack, trust me.
This is the right moment.
Yes, but er You er - You're not going to like it.
- Oh, do stop waffling.
Right, right.
Now, you know all about Eileen and me.
It never really worked out, we separated several times and Jack, you don't have to go over all that again.
Yes, but it happened during one of these separations.
She took off with Avril, on her school holidays, and I took on a secretary.
She was called erm Helen Brown.
Well, the affair only lasted a month.
I never saw her again.
- And now she's come back? - No, no.
Unfortunately, she died some years ago in a motorcycle accident.
But her son's here, working in the yard.
- Young Tony? - Yeah.
And I reckon I'm his erm father.
Oh.
Well, is that all you've got to say? "Oh.
" Well, what do you expect, a round of applause? Have you spoken to him about this? No, but I shall have to.
- You're shocked, aren't you? - No! Well, yes, I suppose I am.
No, no, just thrown a bit, that's all.
Jack, are you absolutely certain he's your son? There's no doubt about it.
(Knock at door) Damn it.
Who the hell's that? - Jack, can I have a word? - Can't it wait till morning? No, it's urgent.
All right, come on in, then.
Go on through.
- Evening, Vanessa.
- Hello, Bill.
Well, what is it, then? - It's a bit private.
- Oh, right.
I'll erm I'll clear up.
Jack, I've erm Jack You haven't told her yet, have you? - I was in the middle of it when you arrived.
- Oh, hell.
I knew I should have told you before.
- Told me what? - About Tony.
Fact is, you're probably not his father at all.
Oh, come on, Bill.
I know you mean well, but I've checked the records and all that, the dates.
- And it all fits.
- I know.
It also means I could have been his father.
- What? - Yeah.
Remember, I was the one that persuaded you to take on Helen in the first place.
You mean you were er 'Fraid so.
Well, I'm sorry, Jack.
I know I should have told you before, but Well, I knew you'd be upset.
(# Synthesiser disco music) - Come on.
- Very good! - Come on.
- No, please! Oh, all right.
You bully! - Did your dad teach you to dance? - No.
- No? - What did you say? - (# Chris De Burgh: Lady In Red) - OK, kids.
Thanks.
Thank God that's over.
This is more my type.
May I? # I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight # I've never seen you shine so bright # Mm-hm-hm # I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance # Hi.
Abby.
Daddy! What are you doing here? Well, I thought you might need some help.
- Now listen, Abby, we've got to talk.
- OK, come on, get on.
You'll have to hurry up.
- Why? - Put this life jacket on.
- No, I don't need a life jacket.
- It's rough out there.
- Yes, but it's very calm here.
- But I'm taking photos of the race.
- What race? - I told you, this thing Orrin's doing.
He's out in the bay now.
OK, Jim, out to Mangrove Bay.
Well, you've had all night to think about it, so what have you both decided? Well, he came to Tarrant to find out about his father.
Yeah, and we reckon the only right and proper thing to do is to tell the boy.
What are you going to tell him? That you're both his father? Vanessa, he's mature enough to realise that his mother might have had one or two affairs.
Yes, but will he welcome a constant double reminder of that fact? The America's Cup! When did all this happen? Well, up until now we've been keeping a low profile.
Admiral Redfern has kindly consented to head the consortium that I have set up.
We're talking of a British entry, of course.
And how do your fellow countrymen view that, Pierre? National boundaries are fast disappearing.
Anyway, as I intend to extend my business interests in this country, it seems only fair that I should make a contribution.
- And where's the boat to be built? - Hopefully here, at Relton.
- Great prestige, Avril.
- You don't have to sell me on that point.
Wonderful.
And the mould? Ideally, the Mermaid Yard.
But Time is very short.
We can't afford any delays.
I see.
I take it you don't want my father in control? Frankly, no.
But Pierre has a suggestion.
From what I've seen of his work, I think Leo would be the right man for the job.
- Would you agree? - Yes, I would.
But I can't see my father being very happy about that.
Hello.
What's happened to Grace Darling? Jenny is down the yard, fitting out the new boat I've just bought her.
Oh, what a generous gesture.
And tax deductible, of course.
You know, Ken, as the new managing director of the Poelma Corporation, this office doesn't do a great deal for your image, does it? Oh, don't worry.
I shall soon be moving.
- Far, I trust? - No, into your office.
Oh, really, Ken! You must try and get a grip on your imagination.
You may have got Poelma, but Leisurecruise is definitely not up for grabs.
Now, could you be serious for a moment, please? Try me.
You have a few shares in the House of Howard.
Now, it just so happens I have some spare cash available and they look like a good buy.
If they're so good, why should I get shot of them? Ready money, Ken.
It's my guess you're still short of that commodity.
You may have acquired Poelma, but not without the financial backing of someone else.
And you'd dearly love to know who.
Now, I don't know what your game is, but the answer's no.
I'd pay you over the odds for your seven per cent, Ken.
Oh, you have been doing your homework, haven't you? And all for nothing.
Oh, well, don't say I didn't make the offer.
Laura! - What are you up to? - Just out for a morning's shopping.
Right, I've got all I need here.
It's going to be good.
You must have a special filter in that camera of yours.
All I can see are storm clouds.
Don't spoil it.
It's a very good job.
That's a first class magazine.
No, Abby, it's a sop to keep you occupied, take your mind off things.
What are you talking about? It came direct from the agency.
They asked for me.
Of course they did.
They were told to.
While I was waiting for you, I did a bit of reading.
Small print at the bottom of the page.
Hudson Publishing Incorporated.
Whose idea was it that William should be here? Robert Hudson's.
Another distraction he's dreamed up.
Look, you'd better face up to it, Abby, Hudson isn't on your side.
Charles isn't on your side.
You're on your own.
Orrin's on my side.
Is he? Sorry, I'm saying all the things you don't want to hear.
I need a drink.
- Well? - I told him you want to see him.
Me? - It's both of us.
- Yeah, I implied that.
- I didn't tell him what it was all about.
- No.
- Erm When's he coming over? - Tea break.
Well, I I don't know about you, Bill, but I could do with something a bit stronger.
Make mine a large one, will you, Jack? I don't understand how this could have happened without my being told.
Of course you should have been told, Jan, and as Chairman, I apologise.
But I'm afraid all these changes at the bank, of which I am one, have created a certain hiatus.
But with respect, Admiral, as James Brooke has defaulted on his loan, the shares that the bank hold as collateral should first have been offered to Jan.
- Exactly.
- And I'm quite sure they will be.
This morning I had the pleasure of instructing Hector Burrage to sort the whole thing out and report back to me.
- And in the meantime, I'm left in limbo.
- Not for long, I assure you.
Which brings me to another point.
How would you pay for these shares? - Ah, well, at the moment I have no idea.
- I see.
You see, what worries me, Jan, is that given the bank's already considerable investment in your company, I don't believe - do you, Robert? - That the new board will extend her personal borrowing.
Hmm.
Well, in that case, I shall stand as Jan's guarantor.
And if that won't do, I shall put up the money myself.
- Erm Robert, you don't have to do this.
- No, I know I don't have to.
But I believe in you, Jan, and I'm damned if I'm going to stand by and watch you go under.
- You wanted to see me, Mr Rolfe? - Erm Yes, Tony.
Sit down.
- Have I done something wrong? - Erm No.
No, no, no.
It's just this business of when you went through the files.
Oh, that.
No, I won't do that again, I promise you.
Yeah, but you were trying to find out who your father was, correct? Well, yes, but I won't do it again.
I'm finished with all that.
No.
No, no, just hold on a minute.
Er Mr Sayers and I have had a chat, and we realise how this is important to you.
- Right, Bill? - Erm Right.
- No, not any more.
- A young man has the right to - What do you mean, not any more? - I've been doing a lot of thinking about it.
I've come to the conclusion Well, I reckon it's better for me, not knowing.
I don't follow.
Well, over the years I've sort of romanticised about what he'd be like and who he could be.
If I met him, I'm bound to be disappointed.
But thank you very much for being so concerned, both of you.
It's much appreciated.
Thanks.
So, what was it you wanted to see me about? (Jack) Huh? Oh, yes.
Well, Mr Sayers and I are very pleased with the way you've settled in, and we've decided that you should have some extra pay in your packet.
Oh, that's great.
Thank you, thanks very much.
- Off you go, then.
- Right, thanks.
Bloody marvellous, eh? All that heart searching, and he doesn't want to know about it.
- That's not the point, though, Jack.
- What isn't? What Tony thinks.
The point is, we were prepared to do the right thing.
That's what's important.
Yeah, yeah, I suppose you're right.
Perhaps it's all for the good we didn't tell him.
But we'll never know, Bill.
We'll never know.
Aha! So you're back.
Did the Admiral enjoy his tour round the factory? - Yes, he was quite impressed.
- Good.
- Let's hope he can persuade the board.
- Ah.
You know that's no longer necessary.
Robert? You didn't have to make that offer, you know.
I know.
I made it because I wanted to.
If you wanted to reconsider, I would understand.
- I don't.
- Are you sure? Absolutely.
Thank you.
No, thanks.
OK, maybe Abby was set up.
Maybe I was, too.
But we decided on our game plan long before we left New York.
Yeah, but the point is, who has drawn up the agenda? As far as we know, Charles and Hudson might have already reached an agreement.
Now that we're executors, Orrin and I have got an awful lot of power behind us.
Last time I met Hudson, I was unprepared.
Now, whether it's New York, Bermuda, anywhere, we're ready for him.
Abby, Hudson won't be the only person that you'll have to face.
I know.
And if Charles doesn't go along with what we want, he's going to be very sorry.
- We? - Orrin and I agree on this.
Yes, sir.
Abby's got my 100 per cent backing on all of this.
Oh.
Oh, I see.
Well, I don't really see what point there is in me being here, then.
It doesn't mean we don't want you to stay on.
Does it? No, sir.
We'd greatly appreciate any advice you could give.
I think you can start off by being a little less complacent.
If you get caught in the crossfire between Charles and Hudson, this newfound confidence of yours could be shattered for good - Dad, will you just calm down? - No, I bloody well won't! Apart from anything else, it's an insult.
Here am I, with a lifetime's experience, and you hand over this project to a boy who's only just learned to wipe his He's not building the boat, he's just overseeing it.
And what are you going on about? How many times have you told me you're fed up with building moulds? That is not the point.
It's the whole principle of the thing.
I'm surprised you didn't ask him to design it.
- Now you're being stupid.
- And you are being devious and underhanded.
Avril, I am in charge of that yard.
And you dared to go ahead without consulting me first? - It's just not on! - Oh, isn't it? Well, let me remind you that Relton now own the Mermaid Yard.
Oh.
Oh, yeah, yeah, rub that one in.
Yeah, the worst thing I ever did in my life was to sell out to someone as devious as you.
Call me what you like.
Whether you agree it or not, I'm putting Leo in charge of that project.
Oh, are you? Well, you listen to me, my girl.
If you think I'm going to sit back and knuckle under, then you've got another think coming.
- Ah, Jack, how are you? - You can tell that to your Frog friend, as well.
I assume you've just told him? Yes.
- Avril, I've just heard from my father - Pierre, can it wait? - I've got a lot to get through, so unless it's - No, no.
It's not that important.
Á bientôt.
- Hello.
- Oh, hi.
- Ah, Ken not about? - No.
What are you doing? Getting together stuff for your voyage? - No, I've just had this lot taken out.
- Why? Not good enough? No, it's not that.
When Slocum sailed, all he had was a sextant, a compass and a tin clock.
- I want to see if I can do the same.
- What happens if you fall ill or hit trouble? Simple.
I either come through it or I don't.
Well, right now, I wish I was coming with you.
I'm firmly anchored here, though.
Hey, cheer up.
I wasn't looking for pity.
It wasn't pity that I was feeling.
Give him a couple of days.
He'll get over it.
He doesn't like change, that's all.
It's a habit people have, hanging onto the past.
Like an old coat, you may not like it, but it fits.
- Luckily, my father does not think like that.
- Oh? Yes.
Tonight is by way of a celebration.
You see, today I came of age.
I do hope you're not going to tell me you're only 21.
Over the years, my father has gradually given me more and more control of the business, all the time testing me.
But today he has finally retired and handed over the reins to me.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
I particularly wanted to celebrate this with you, Avril.
I'm very flattered.
Because the way that certain events are shaping will, I hope, bring us closer together in the future.
- I don't think I quite understand.
- Given time, you will see.
And now, shall I order coffee? Well, actually, I make rather good coffee at home.
And I have a very fine Armagnac.
Thank you.
Two rum punches, please.
- Can I get you anything? - No thank you.
What the hell are you doing here, Gerald? - I came to see fair play.
- Did you, indeed? - Is Abby around? - She and Orrin have gone out for the evening.
I left a message for her.
Yes.
Yes, she got it.
They decided that they didn't want to see you.
Oh, they did, did they? Oh, she's well and truly under Orrin's influence.
I rather thought she might be.
Look, Charles, the sooner you realise that no one is seeking your help, the better it'll be for everyone.
Thank you.
A little word of warning, Gerald.
I've come here for a very good reason.
And if you get in my way, you're going to get trampled on.
- Keep the change.
- Thank you, sir.
(Door closes) Jack! Where the hell have you been all night? Out.
Out in the clean, fresh air.
Yeah, well, I can't say I blame you after Avril had the cheek to give that project to Leo.
No.
Best thing that could have happened to me.
Oh, come on, now.
You don't have to pretend to me.
Listen, Bill.
I've finally come to my senses.
I don't have to take this sort of treatment any more.
And certainly not from my own daughter.
OK, if she wants to play the big boss, then let her.
But now she can do it on her own.
Me, I'm out.
Jack, you know you don't mean that.
Don't I? You just watch.