Howard's Way (1985) s06e12 Episode Script

(Lynne) Are you coming in? I'll be with you in a minute.
You said that half an hour ago.
(Charles) Uh-huh.
Give me a hand in, will you? Please? (Screams) (She laughs) What the hell are you playing at? I'm trying to stop you from going over and over that paperwork.
I have to be prepared for Hudson.
Yes, but you won't be unless you try and relax, will you? No, I suppose not.
- Come here.
- (Chuckles) - Resign? - (Ken) It's better than waiting to be pushed.
I don't think there's any danger of that, Ken.
You're losing the support of the Leisurecruise board.
Since when? I had lunch with a few of the key members the other day.
- They seem to think you're on your way out.
- I don't know what game it is you're playing - This is no game.
- Just because you have acquired more shares doesn't mean you can influence a board or unsettle me.
I'm trying to warn you, that's all.
It's not only the board at Leisurecruise that are losing confidence.
Some of the directors at Poelma are concerned about this distribution agreement that's coming up for renewal.
That's hardly surprising when you consider who the new managing director is.
I could always try and persuade them not to break the agreement, but I mean, the board at Leisurecruise are losing confidence and if you lost this lucrative deal with Poelma, you could find yourself in deep trouble.
All right, Ken, you've made your position clear.
Now tell me what it is you want in return.
I heard you acquired those House of Howard shares.
Aha, so that's what you're after.
Why do you have to look at everything so cynically? I just happen to think the company has a future.
I'm sure you do.
And of course you had nothing planned.
But if I sell you some of my shares, you'd pledge Poelma's support? If Poelma renew the agreement the contract will run for five years.
But that wouldn't stop you trying to regain control of Leisurecruise.
There I go again - so cynical.
And it's not good for you, Laura.
I'll keep my offer open.
Think about it.
Let me know what you eventually decide.
(Computer beeping) - Hello, darling.
- Gran, what are you doing here? I thought I'd just drop by and see how you were getting on.
I left Thomas with the baby-minder.
Hope he'll be all right.
There.
Missed you at breakfast this morning.
Jan says you've been out and about since crack of dawn.
I've Admiral Redfern to thank for that.
If he's putting you under pressure, just let me know and I'll put him under pressure.
Gran, there's no need to go into battle on my account.
The admiral's not the only one who wanted to see what designs I can come up with.
I wanted to get in early, kick around a few ideas.
- No more than that? - No.
Not apart from having to open up the yard this morning.
Of course, I was forgetting.
It's the gaffer race at Cowes, isn't it? Mm, aren't you also forgetting the town hall, Councillor Harvey? The debate doesn't start for an hour, so there's plenty of time for you and me to talk.
- About what? - Oh, come on, Leo, you know what.
The situation in Bermuda, that's what's at the back of your mind, isn't it? - A little.
- Leo? Oh, all right, a lot.
Your mother and I are worried sick.
We don't think that Charles Frere is the right man to act for you in Bermuda.
Yeah, well, it's too late to be concerned about that.
He's the one who's out there.
Anyway, reaching an agreement is one thing, keeping to it is quite another.
You mean can we trust Abby? (Men shouting) (Horn blaring) (Seagull crying) - Where's Jack? - Just about to ask you the same thing.
He was supposed to be picking up a few drinks and meeting us back here.
Yeah, well, er, soft drinks, were they? I wouldn't have sent him otherwise, Bill.
This time of the morning the pubs aren't open so he can't have got very far.
You hope.
You know Jack as well as I do.
Bermuda? Just for a few days.
I can understand Lynne wanting to support Leo but what about this cosmetics launch? - She'll be back in plenty of time.
- That's very considerate of her.
Robert, don't go on.
I didn't persuade her to go, I didn't want her to go, so let's drop it.
- I'll cover for her.
- You've got enough on your plate as it is.
What about this situation at the bank? At the moment, I'm more worried about Laura Wilde.
Look, this company will survive with or without her shares, but it will not survive without capital.
Precisely.
And I think I may have found a way of obtaining it.
Don't tell me you've decided to accept Charles Frere's offer.
No, that would only create more problems.
Charles Frere is no different from Laura Wilde.
He's not likely to invest in something without wanting total control.
So, last night I burnt the midnight oil and came up with a few figures.
(Chuckles) A few? Yes, I want you to go through them with me before Admiral Redfern arrives.
Doesn't give us much time.
I've arranged a meeting for ten o'clock.
I see.
All right.
But first I want you to take a deep breath and tell me very slowly exactly what you have in mind.
Well, if you keep this up you'll finish me off by the tenth.
I wouldn't bet on it.
Well, even if the golf doesn't improve my handicap, the fresh air and exercise should do some good.
- You may take that one over there.
- OK, thanks.
Come on, you didn't bring me out here for the good of my health.
I wanted to discuss this, er, settlement your father's attorneys were suggesting.
Don't worry, I reckon Charles'll jump at the chance to settle out of court.
- I wouldn't be too sure about that.
- He's in a no-win situation.
Why else would he agree to sit round a negotiating table? If you read that as a sign that Charles is acknowledging he doesn't have a case, you're very much mistaken.
I reckon an offer of 50 million might help him to acknowledge it.
I very much doubt it.
Not with everything else that's at stake.
- Fluke.
- Yeah.
Gerald Charles isn't the only one with something at stake.
I know how much this means to you and Abby, but I know also how much it means to Charles.
And that's why it's essential that you go in fully prepared.
We are.
Well, I just hope so.
Abby means more to me than anything, and I don't want to see her end up getting hurt.
You're lecturing the wrong guy here, Gerald.
We're on the same side, remember? I care about Abby too.
I hope so.
You've got that for the hole.
Wait a minute.
Orrin! Hurry up, I've been all over the place looking for you.
Abby, I thought you were gonna stay in the clubhouse.
No, we got a phone call, we've got to go back.
- What kind of a phone call? - Hurry up! Right, Tony, grab hold of those.
Right, OK.
- Jack, where on earth have you been? - I got delayed.
Yeah, we know that.
What happened? Well, I'll tell you both about it later.
Right, let's get a move on, otherwise we'll miss the start.
We've been saying the same thing waiting for you.
- I'm here now, so what's the problem? - Jenny isn't here.
Why not? Because we sent her into town looking for you.
Well, that's not my fault, is it? Jenny knows, like any other crew member, there's a penalty for being late.
Jack, we can't just leave her.
No? You just watch.
Tony, get that jib up.
Stand by to cast off, Bill.
Well, er, there are advantages in floating a company on the unlisted securities market, but there are also disadvantages, Jan.
Such as? Well, for a start you'd be accountable to shareholders.
With the situation the way it is at the bank at the moment I can't be in a worse position than I am now.
That would depend on the trading price of our shares.
Oh, come on, Robert, you know as well as I do that a company with the track record of House of Howard is bound to attract interest, especially with our new line in cosmetics.
Then there's the question of cost.
You're going to have to think in terms of at least L200,000 to finance a flotation.
Alternatively, Jan, you could raise capital privately.
What, from someone like Charles Frere? I think I stand a better chance of retaining control with shareholders.
Always provided you release only a minority shareholding onto the market.
Do you think you can persuade the board to go along with it? I can try.
You'll certainly have my vote, and I presume Robert's.
Of course.
Why don't we sound out the others at the board meeting this afternoon? Agreed.
No doubt Robert will let you know how we get on.
- Thank you.
I'm very grateful for your help.
- My pleasure.
Louise.
- Goodbye, Jan.
- Goodbye, Francis.
You still don't think I'm making the right decision, do you? Oh, I think it's worth looking at all the options.
I just want you to be aware of the risks, that's all, Jan.
(Phone) Jan Howard.
Jan.
You're a difficult woman to get hold of.
Been trying to get through all morning.
- Er, I've been in a meeting.
- How about lunch? Why? Something important I need to talk to you about.
Well, gotta hand it to the old man - he's consistent.
Never changes strategy, always arrives early trying to catch everyone off-guard.
I think he's succeeded.
But just remember to watch everything you say, and don't give him another opportunity.
- Are you OK? - Mm.
- How are you feeling? - Excited.
I'm a bit nervous.
I just I waited so long for this.
William! William! Hello, William.
(Robert) Come on, big fella.
If I could help in any way, I would.
Working with Ken closely as you do, you must have access to information.
- Marketing Skua.
- What about his plans for Leisurecruise? If he has any, he certainly hasn't confided in me.
And you have no idea where he's getting his backing from? No, none whatsoever.
Don't you think you ought to try and find out? You know how ambitious Ken is.
I'm sure he's not only interested in taking over Leisurecruise.
What, he's set his sights on Relton Marine? Nothing would surprise me.
Look how he came out of nowhere to take control of Poelma.
That needn't concern you, Laura.
Poelma was ripe for takeover.
- What does Pierre say about all this? - I haven't discussed it with him.
I hear he's been elected to the Poelma board.
Yes, so he told me, but that's his business, not yours nor mine.
Nevertheless, I would have thought that a man with Pierre's influence could have discovered where Ken's backing was coming from.
I don't think Pierre is interested in getting into a power struggle between you and Ken.
No, but, erm I'm sure he would be open to persuasion.
He's arriving from Paris this afternoon.
Why don't you discuss it with him yourself? I'm not so close to Pierre as you are, Avril.
I keep my personal relationships quite separate from business, Laura.
Pity.
You know, we've been friends a long time.
I was hoping I could count on your support.
If I could help in any way, I would.
No, you say you would, but when it comes down to it, when I really need your support, it's just not there, is it? Xanadu! Mr Rolfe! Mr Rolfe! (Robert laughs) Well, it's good to see you, Orrin.
And you, sir.
Your, uh, mom and I expected you on the weekend.
Abby and I decided to leave for Bermuda early.
Uh-huh.
And you let me down.
I called, left a message.
I wasn't expecting a message.
I was expecting you and Abby.
I had a party arranged.
Guests were real disappointed when you didn't show.
By the time we'd seen the attorneys in New York I don't want excuses, Orrin.
You make arrangements with me in the future and you better make damn sure you stick with them.
You understand me? Yes, sir.
Good.
Now, what's all this I hear about the boat race? Oh, it was a pushover.
Well, you didn't let me down there, my boy, huh? (Chuckles) I thought about him every day, about our meeting, what I'd say, and I'd try to explain myself.
Come on, darling, don't get yourself so upset.
What have I done to him? Poor little boy doesn't even know his own mother.
- He will, he will.
- (Sniffs) He just didn't recognise you, that's all.
Just give him a bit of breathing space.
Ah, we've got company.
Let's go welcome Charles.
Take a break, Sally.
Come on, big fella, there's someone your grandpa wants you to meet.
Charles, how's it going? I'm fine, thanks.
Good seeing you again.
- Orrin.
- Charles.
- Lynne, how are you? - Fine.
Lynne, I don't believe you've met Orrin's father.
- No.
- That's for sure.
I'd never forget the face of such a beautiful girl, Charles.
Lynne Dupont, Robert Hudson.
- Nice to meet you.
- Pleasure's all mine, Lynne, I assure you.
And how are you, young man? I don't suppose you remember me, do you? (Laughs) Well, don't take any offence at that, Charles - he doesn't recognise his own mom and dad.
Isn't that something? I can never figure out what goes on in the kid's mind.
You know, he's been away no time at all, and he just treats 'em like total strangers.
(Laughs) I bet I know what you'd like - how about a piggyback ride from your dad, huh? Come on.
There you go.
(Orrin) Nyyyoww! Nyow! I was sorry to hear about Sir Edward, Charles.
News came as a hell of a shock.
Yes, it was a hell of a shock to us all.
I'm sure he'd be real upset if he knew the trouble that will of his has caused.
Oh, let's not kid ourselves, Robert.
My father knew exactly what he was doing when he drew up his will.
You know that as well as I do.
Well, Edward was always one for stirring things up, I'll give you that.
(Laughs) Good friend, but a hell of a troublemaker.
- He liked to think so.
- Well, I I hope we don't have to give him that opportunity now.
We're all intelligent people, Charles.
There's no reason why we can't work something out without having to rely on attorneys to do it for us.
I'm perfectly willing to give it a try.
Just can't guarantee the end results, that's all.
Hmm.
Yes, interesting.
Er, you'd better send her through.
Thank you.
Hmm.
(Footsteps) Oh.
Hello, I'm Brigitte Dupont.
I've come to see Jan Howard.
How do you do? I'm Jan's business colleague, Robert Hastings.
How do you do, Mr Hastings? Would you care for a seat? No, no, thank you, I wanted to see either Jan or Lynne.
Well, I'm afraid Jan has popped out for a luncheon appointment.
- But if I can help in any way - I very much doubt that, Mr Hastings.
This is a personal matter concerning my son, Claude.
And to follow I'll have the salmon, please.
Yes, me too.
Thank you.
- Thank you very much.
- (Ken) Cheers.
Well, Ken, you said you had something you wanted to discuss with me.
Yes, I've been trying to get in touch with you for days.
I can't seem to find the spare time.
My business has really taken off in a big way.
Yes, so I've heard.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
How are things with you? - Fine, fine.
- Are you sure? I heard the bank was thinking of pulling the plug.
Oh, I wouldn't have put it in those terms exactly, Ken.
But you are going through a rough patch? I'll survive.
I know what it's like, Jan, I've been there, so if I can help in any way I'll bear your offer in mind, but I can cope.
That's why I put you into business.
So, in a way, I feel responsible for any problems you're having.
Do you? Why, yes, otherwise you'd still be in a home hoovering, ironing and wondering what to cook for dinner tonight.
Don't tempt me.
Sometimes there's nothing I'd like more.
Especially with a bank on your back.
Quite.
Other times, you must regret not marrying Sir Edward.
No.
Why should I? Well, with all those millions you could tell the bank or anyone else to go to hell.
- You don't need money to do that, Ken.
- I know.
Makes life a lot easier, though, doesn't it? God, if I knew he was worth all those millions I would have even considered marrying him myself! (Laughs) Well, I'm sorry he didn't ask you.
Yeah, so am I.
Oh, you are incorrigible, Ken.
You're a very, very special lady, Jan.
Despite his wealth, he didn't deserve you.
- Neither did James Brooke, for that matter.
- Ken, please.
Jan, you know what you mean to me.
So, if you ever want anything I shall be here, like I've always been.
How are we doing, then? About four minutes ahead of the Red Goose.
- We should be in with a good chance, then.
- We should be.
Would you like a drink, Kate, before we order? No, thanks, I'll just have some wine with the meal.
How about champagne, then, as it's a special occasion? So you keep on saying, Francis, but you haven't told me yet what it is that we're supposed to be celebrating.
Er, Chris, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, please.
Well, now, Kate after Sylvia died, to fill the void I I threw myself into my various business interests, travelling all over the world, with a certain modest success.
But business isn't everything, and at times I was bloody lonely.
And then, er, one day back here in Tarrant I ran into an old friend whom I'd known for 50 years and never forgotten, and I found that she was on her own too.
So, it it occurred to me that that er, that - I shall have to think about it, Francis.
- What? Oh, I'm sorry.
What was it you were trying to say? Well, I'm afraid you've rather thrown me, Kate.
I wasn't even down on one knee yet.
I'm sorry.
It has come as rather a shock.
Well, it's a shock to me too.
Look, I didn't expect an answer right away, I know you want time to think about it and discuss it with you family, but I am asking you to marry me, Kate, if you can be bothered.
(Beeping) Jenny.
What are you doing here? I thought you'd be halfway down the Solent by now.
- So did I.
- Hey, what happened? Jack got delayed in Cowes, so I was sent to chase him up so he wouldn't miss the start, and he didn't - I did.
I thought I might as well come back and see how things were getting on with Spray II.
Yeah, well, you won't miss the boat here.
We're right on schedule.
Good.
So, another couple of days and you'll be off.
Assuming Ken doesn't withdraw his sponsorship.
Oh, with the kind of PR he'll be getting around the world? I don't think you'll have anything to worry about there.
No.
- I was thinking - Look, Leo, about Sorry, after you.
I know what you must be going through, what with Abby and everything, and well, how vulnerable someone can be on the rebound.
- I know I certainly was.
- You've been there too? Not exactly.
But there was someone special once.
Then I discovered he was married.
- I'm sorry.
- So was I.
Took me a long time to get over that one, and I didn't have a child to consider.
Well, then you'll understand why, erm (Chuckles) why I need time too, Jenny.
That's what you were trying to say earlier? I just don't think we should rush into anything.
Who knows, when you're back from this trip and the situation with Thomas is sorted out, maybe things'll be different, easier for both of us.
What? I was going to suggest exactly the same thing.
Handles well, doesn't she? Beautifully, just beautifully.
Responds even to the slightest touch.
Yes, she certainly appears to.
Why don't we head back to the office, sort out the paperwork, then if you've got time before your next appointment, there's something I'd like to discuss with you.
And you're absolutely sure the rights to the perfume are unencumbered? Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have considered going ahead with the subsidiary.
And you've checked the deeds of assignment? My lawyers did, yes.
Look, I cannot see how Claude's mother could possibly lay claim to any of the rights.
She has, and obviously feels she has grounds.
Then she is obviously mistaken.
No, you are the one who is mistaken, Jan, for taking it all so lightly.
Look, I'm not, I just don't see the point in jumping to conclusions until I've had chance to speak with Brigitte myself.
- There must be some explanation.
- Well, you'd better come up with one because if you are in dispute with Brigitte Dupont there is no way that I am approaching the board on a flotation.
If they decide against it, I'll have to go somewhere else.
Assuming the bank allows you to do so.
They may have shares in the House of Howard but I'm still the person who runs it.
Yes, but your reputation is not the only one on the line, remember.
Oh, how could I forget, with you constantly reminding me? Well, if you don't like it, Jan, you're on your own.
Thank you.
(Clears throat) Charles, you might consider the terms of the will wholly unreasonable, but if Edward wanted William to inherit the bulk of his estate, legally there's not a damn thing you, me or anyone else can do about it.
Not according to my lawyers.
- What do you think about it, Gerald? - It doesn't matter what I think, does it? I'm not the one contesting the will, am I? But you practised law, didn't you? I am here merely to consider my daughter's and grandson's interests.
But if you wish me to give a view, legally the only grounds for having the will contested or revoked would be either that Sir Edward was of unsound mind when the terms and conditions of the will were proposed, or that he was subject to pressure from a third party.
And there's no way that was the case.
Tell me, Robert, have you ever questioned why my father wanted the Frere and the Hudson empires to merge? Or perhaps you were the one who suggested it, were you? Even if I did, there's no way I could have put any pressure on your father, Charles, if that's what you're getting at.
Edward had the reputation in the business world as being as stubborn as a goddamn mule.
And as for being unsound of mind, heh, he was closing shrewd business deals right up until the moment he died.
You don't have to convince me.
Why don't you save it for the courts? Or maybe if you'd listened to our proposals, we wouldn't have to go through the courts.
What are you after? A payoff? No.
I'm not interested in any kind of payoff you might have to offer.
However I would be interested in any shares that my father held in any joint venture with Frere Holdings - for those I'd be willing to pay top price.
What if those shares weren't for sale, Charles? Then I'll have to resort to legal proceedings.
And if you do want an out-of-court settlement, you're gonna have to take into consideration Sir Edward's other great-grandson, Thomas.
How much are we talking about there, Charles? We've been authorised by Thomas's father to waive all claims to any inheritance, subject to satisfactory custody arrangements.
(Charles) Precisely.
You can tell Thomas's father my son isn't for sale.
The best place for Thomas is with me.
The same applies to William.
Now why don't you sit down, young lady, and listen to what Charles has to say? - Take your hand off me.
- We're only going to settle this amicably if there's a little give and take on both sides.
She said, take your hands off her Dad.
You're wasting your time listening to anything he has to offer, Charles.
She's right.
He doesn't call the shots any more - we do.
And as executors of Edward's estate, we're willing to deposit L50 million in any bank account in the world that you care to name, to settle this.
The offer is non-negotiable.
As is Thomas's custody and any shares in Frere Holdings.
You have 24 hours to think about it, otherwise the offer's withdrawn, and we'll see you in court.
You too, if we have to.
Orrin? Better go try and talk some sense into them, Gerald.
I think someone already has.
Well, you heard what she said, Charles.
You have 24 hours.
Otherwise it would appear that we've all had a wasted trip.
(Door opens) Ah, Pierre.
I missed you.
Surprised you had time.
So many meetings.
Well, I can assure you business wasn't exclusively on my mind.
I wish I could say the same thing.
But, er, with all this paperwork on my desk Then I'll just have to sit quietly and watch you clear it all.
And if I don't, you may have to go to the prize-giving of the gaffers race on your own.
Or I could always invite another guest.
I'm sure someone like Laura Wilde would be available.
And what exactly is that supposed to mean? When I arrived back from Paris, I stopped by at Leisurecruise.
- Yes, I saw her myself this morning.
- Did she say anything about Poelma? Yes, as a matter of fact.
No doubt she tried to get support from you too.
In a charming sort of way.
Well, don't fall for it, Pierre.
She's feeling extremely threatened at the moment.
She's convinced that Ken Masters is preparing the ground to ease her out of Leisurecruise.
According to the Poelma board, he has other ambitions too, Avril.
So you're going to have to watch him closely.
Otherwise Laura Wilde won't be the only one struggling to survive.
The same might apply to you.
(Beeping) (Knock) Admiral Redfern, good to see you.
And you, Masters.
Sorry I'm late, I was at a board meeting.
- That's all right.
Come on through.
- Thank you.
I telephoned reception just in case you had a problem finding the place.
No problem at all.
I saw the building the moment I arrived.
Yeah, this is only temporary office space.
I'm in the process of finding new premises.
Problem is finding somewhere large enough.
Please, please, sit down.
Thank you.
Now, I'm thinking in terms of, ooh, about 200,000 feet.
No doubt you're thinking in terms of the bank providing the funds? Oh, no, the company has all the capital backing it requires.
As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of placing funds with the bank.
This investment I've just acquired, well, it could be a substantial sum.
Well, that's good news.
That's not to say I wouldn't want to raise extra capital, if needed.
Anything particular in mind? I'm considering a few opportunities, yes.
Hmm.
Well, when you can be more specific, perhaps I can be of some assistance.
I think also I could be of some assistance to you.
Do you remember those documents the police found a while back, the ones stolen from the Mermaid Yard? What about them? I had a phone call from a contact of mine earlier on.
I think I might be close to discovering who was behind it all.
That makes two of us.
Vanessa, how far ahead of Red Goose, are we? She's catching up on us.
Within quarter of a mile.
Oh.
Bill! Set the other staysail.
Aye aye, Jack.
Good night, Colin.
Night, Paul.
(Knocking sounds) I hear you had quite an afternoon.
Yes.
Only a few more days and she should be ready.
Turned out well, then, missing the race.
In many ways it did.
I, um suppose you've still got quite a few last-minute preparations.
My list seems to get longer and longer.
I don't suppose you'd have time for us to go for a drink? Much as I'd love to, Leo, no.
Well good night, then.
Good night.
Leo? I mean, I don't leave for a few days.
I should be able to make time.
Well, I could always arrange for a baby-sitter, book a table for dinner.
I mean, if you'd like me to, that is.
I'd love you to.
Yeah, no wonder.
Probably be the last decent meal you'll get for a long time.
Oh, don't remind me! I'm really sorry that things worked out like this, Charles.
Yes, so am I.
- Nice meeting you, Lynne.
- And you.
Don't forget I'll be in New York for a few days if you want to discuss anything before you head back to England.
- I'll give it some thought.
- Do that.
I mean it, Charles.
If you and I stick together, maybe we can talk some sense into those two kids.
Especially that son of mine.
If he and Abby think they can take on someone like you and me, Charles, they need to be taught a goddamn lesson.
Yes, quite.
- I'll keep in touch.
- Look forward to it.
- Goodbye, Lynne.
- Bye.
(Taxi door closes, engine starts) You're not seriously thinking of siding with Robert Hudson? No.
I don't trust him any more than I do Abby and Orrin.
- Or even Gerald, for that matter.
- Then what's the point of stringing him along? He could be useful - if he's genuinely broken away from Orrin, that is.
I don't think there's any doubt about that.
I'm not so sure.
Could I speak to Lynne Dupont, please? Dupont.
Yes.
Oh, I see.
Erm No, no, I'll phone back later.
Thank you.
Bye.
(Door opens) Oh, Robert, it's only you.
Yes.
Why, were you expecting someone else? No, I don't expect people after office hours.
Well, I think you should lock the door if you're going to be working late.
Yes.
- How did you know I was still here? - Oh, process of elimination.
I went to your home, you weren't there.
I (Sighs) I wanted to see you, I wanted to apologise.
- There's no need.
- Oh, yes, there is.
I've been selfish.
I'm always about my career my reputation.
I've been so preoccupied with myself, but what about you? I mean, you've built up this business from scratch and no one - not me, the bank, anyone - wants to see it fail.
Least of all you.
What are you trying to say? Fail? What happened at the board meeting? No, we're over the first hurdle there.
Francis and I managed to convince the board that House of Howard is ready to be floated.
- That's terrific! - Well, so far, so good.
Providing we can resolve this situation with Brigitte Dupont.
Well, I've tried her hotel twice but she hasn't come back yet.
Well, I think we should try again.
We've got to sort it out.
Yes, I know.
Look, I don't see how she could possibly have a claim.
Claude left everything to Lynne.
Well, I hope you're right, otherwise we've really got problems.
The second prize goes to Muskoka.
Congratulations.
And finally, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the overall winner's trophy for this year, which will, I'm sure, find an honoured place at the Mermaid Yard.
The winner is Xanadu, skippered by the proprietor of the Mermaid, Mr Jack Rolfe! - (Cheering) - Thanks very much.
Thank you very much.
(Cheers) Well, thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for participating in this event.
That concludes the presentations for this year.
(Applause) - Well done, us! - Yeah, right.
- I reckon it's penalty time, don't you? - As long as our skipper does.
Oh, right.
What's everyone having to drink, then? Please, Jack, allow me.
No, no, no, there's only one person in the chair tonight.
Arthur? - The chair? - It's tradition.
Come over here, I'll explain to you.
Well done, Jack.
Only don't start drinking out of it, otherwise you'll be in the chair all evening, or flat on the floor.
(Jack) There we are, Bill.
Fill that with champagne.
- What are you going to have? - I shall have a horse's neck.
- Avril? - Er, I'll have a horse's neck too.
And Pierre? Un cou de cheval? Ah, but of course.
Er, Chris, three horse's necks and one Scotch and soda, please.
Well, now Avril and Pierre seem a bit friendly, don't they? With an extremely beautiful daughter like Avril and an attractive young man like Pierre, that's hardly surprising.
What, you think there's something going on between them? You have remarkable insight.
- Gin and tonic? - Yep.
Pint of bitter and a gin and tonic, please.
Yep, with you in a minute, Jack.
Right, now the race is out of the way, I think you have some explaining to do.
- Do I? - Yes.
At least to poor Jenny.
If it weren't for you, she wouldn't have missed the race.
No, no, I don't suppose she would have.
- What happened? - Well I noticed a yard for sale in an estate agent's window, so I decided to pop in for a few more details.
They've been building in wood for years, none of your high-tech stuff.
It's only a small place but, by God, Vanessa, it's got some potential.
You're not seriously thinking of leaving the Mermaid are you? Now, don't mention anything to anyone until I get a few more details.
But I think the time has come for us, Vanessa, to move on.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of the way you handled yourselves.
- Did you see the look on their faces? - Especially the old man's.
Yes, well, I can understand your exuberance but I think it's a little early to celebrate.
I know how businessmen like Charles and your father operate.
Maybe Gerald's right, Abby.
Everyone who's taken on Dad in the past has had one thing in common - they've lost.
He'll be the only to lose this time if he tries to prevent me getting custody of William.
And if Charles is still intent on disputing the will, he's gonna lose as well.
Yes, well, I'm sure we all share your hopes and aspirations, darling, but I really do think that we ought to formulate some kind of strategy.
I already have, weeks ago.
(Lynne) Why are we even going to New York if you don't think Hudson's genuine? (Charles) For two reasons.
Firstly, as long as he has custody of William, he's the one pulling the strings.
And secondly, I think it's quite possible that he's after Frere Holdings.
(Lynne) What makes you think that? Well, by the way the shares have been moving lately, someone is.
How long are we going to be in New York? I've got to get back for the cosmetics launch.
I know.
I'll arrange a flight for us out of New York, you'll be back in plenty of time, I promise you.
OK.
What do you think Leo's chances of winning this custody battle really are? I'll promise you one thing - I'll fight it every inch of the way.
That doesn't answer my question.
Well, it won't be easy.
Right now, Abby and the Hudsons have an awful lot on their side.
Would it help Leo if William and Thomas weren't the only ones in contention over your father's will? They are the only ones in contention, so there's no point speculating.
But as Sir Edward's only son, what would happen if you had another child of your own? Well, that would alter things considerably.
You're not? Yes, I am.
Thank you.
- Laura.
- Brigitte! How are you? - Very well.
Lovely to see you again.
- And you.
Champagne? I'd love some.
So how did everything go? Well, I haven't actually spoken with Jan Howard yet.
I wanted to ensure all the arrangements were satisfactory.
Quite satisfactory.
I deposited the payment in your Paris account this afternoon.
Not that I do not trust you, Laura darling, you understand.
The thought never crossed my mind.
- But I have made contact.
- And? Relax, Laura darling.
I think you will find everything will go exactly to plan.
Á notre santé.
Cheers.