A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 1, Episode 4 - The Mona Lisa Smile - full transcript

The horrors of the war cast a long, unwelcome shadow over Inverness as Jack heads out around town with Sarah on her first day at work. The past haunts Olivia in a different way. Unable to stop wondering about the woman James admitted to loving in Europe, Olivia searches for any memento he may have kept of her and soon makes the shocking discovery of who the person he loved really is.

I love you so much.
You don't have to say it.

No. No -
I should've said it well before now.

I love you.

James attempted suicide on the ship
the night before we docked.

No.

He's looking for answers.

You have to find a story
he can believe.

The best lie is
a version of the truth.

Before we got married,
I was in love with someone.

All this time
I... I thought it was me!

I want you at the hospital.



And I'll fight to keep you there.

Enough to make her your enemy too?

She saved his life!

And now she threatens to ruin it.

And you repay her
by running her out of town?

I don't want it to come between us.

But it's a risk you're clearly
prepared to take. Go on - get out.

Hi.
Hi.

Jack, good morning.

Morning. Before breakfast?

Yes.

I felt it might be appropriate to
offer an apology for my behaviour
last time we met.

I apologise.

Hello?



But?

Oh, there are no buts.

You made your case regarding
Miss Adams

and while I disagree - strongly -
it is your decision to make.

I will be watching
to see how things proceed.

That sounds like a but to me.

I hope she rewards your confidence,
Jack.

There is nothing worse than taking
a chance on someone who disappoints,
is there?

Good morning.

Sorry about that.

Where were we?

It's a heavy patient load -
you think you can manage it?

I'll let you know if I can't.

I might join you
for the maiden voyage.

I think she's more than up to
the challenge, Doctor.

OK by you?
You're the boss.

I'll be out in a tick.

They'll miss you at the house.

You know what happened?

No, but I know Doris.

So where will you stay?
I'm not sure yet.

You won't give us a second go?

OK.

Well, good luck for today.
Thank you.

So I assume this has
something to do with Elizabeth?

That was her on the phone.

Or do you chaperone
every nurse on her first day?

She called to apologise.

Cross my heart.
She works in mysterious ways.

And yet here you are.
So something about it worried you.

If it happens to get around
that you don't have her blessing,

I want it known
you well and truly have mine.

Then thank you.

I'm sorry I'm late.

In your condition,
morning apologies are not required.

Is everything alright?
Yes.

Now that we're all here,

considering recent events,

I think it's best
we avoid Sarah Adams until
she has a chance to get settled.

What does that mean?
We can't see her?

For the time being.
Eminently sensible.

Whatever you think's best.

You had me running to the station
after her yesterday.

Nothing personal...
Now this!

Drop it.
No, I will not. It's absurd.

You know she's my friend.

She's an acquaintance...
Mother.

Who shot your horse.

You're not helping.

You've made your wishes clear.

That's quite sufficient explanation.

It's not fair.
The subject is closed.

Anna, it is for the best.

For now.

And I'm running late
for the knackery.

Mind if I come?

I'll meet you at the sheds.

I'll just get changed.
See you later, darling.

Excuse me.

Is there some tidal pull
I'm unaware of?

Father!
I know what you're going to say.

Oh, you are just like Grandmother -
refusing to even listen.

There's nothing more to be said.

Do you have any idea
how infuriating it is

to be the only one
not let in on something

but expected to go along with it?

Sarah revealed something
which has caused tension
with your grandmother.

About what?
Anna.

About who?
Anna, please.

It's James.

Well, it's not me, and if she's
telling Grandmother, it isn't her.

You've got nothing to hide,
and she hardly knows Olivia,

so... it's James.

And some things need
to remain private.

Even within the family.

Like his lover in London?

He was so miserable on the ship
I put two and two together.

Does Olivia know?

They discussed it last night.

I believe she's been
very understanding.

She must need someone to talk to.

She'll ask if she does.
I'm going to offer.

Anna, please.
I'm a grown woman.

It's time you stop being
so shocked when I act like one.

The Goldbergs.

Only ones of your lot around.

Their niece Leah has TB.

She's not in a sanatorium?

Well, the things she went through
as a little 'un...

it's best she's treated at home.

I see.

It's a grim story.
I'm sure they'll tell it
if they want to.

They thought it was better
for business to lose the 'berg'.

Leah, we have guests.

Hello.

Hi.

Should I stay?
That's up to you.

It's alright, Aunty.

I'll be outside
if you need anything.

Thank you.
Now, just ignore me.

All yours, Sister.

Don't be too tough on her.

Hello.
Hi.

I'm Sister Adams.

But why don't you call me Sarah,

since we'll be seeing
so much of each other?

You're prettier than the last nurse.

Well, you're prettier than my last
patient - just don't tell him that.

I'm getting better, I think.

Slowly.

Well, that's good. I'll take
your temperature first, alright?

You like films, I see.

I wish I could go.

I hate being trapped in here.

Well, it's not forever.

You know, when I lived in London,

I used to go to the pictures
four or five times a week.

Oh, that's a lot.

It's good to forget
the real world sometimes.

Have you seen
'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'?

With Marilyn Monroe? Not yet.

You alright?

M-Marilyn's my favourite.

But I'm not allowed
to put her pictures up.

Aunty calls her a loose woman.

Well, I'll make you a deal.

When it comes out here,
I'll go see it
and tell you all about it, alright?

Just don't tell Aunty.

No talking.

Livy, are you in there?
Yes, I was just, um...

Sorry. Can we talk?

I was just, um...

I was just tidying up.

In my experience,
it works much better

if you come up with the lie
before you get caught snooping.

I wasn't!
Oh, don't be embarrassed -
I'd do the same.

Did you at least get to see
what she looks like?

What do you mean?

I'd be looking for a photo of her
too if I were you.

You knew about her.

I guessed.

I'm not a total twit.

Olivia, I am so sorry.
I didn't at all...
No, perhaps you're right.

You saw what I couldn't,
and I'm his wife.

She must be something, mustn't she?

To have made him love her so.

But he married you, didn't he?

He chose you.

Did he?

Or did he just settle on me
because the couldn't have her?

No, don't say that.
He said she was unsuitable.

In what way?

What could have made him love
someone who was so wrong for him?

I need to see who she is.
Was.

I know James,

and... I can't imagine him
not keeping some sort of memento.

He will have a photo.

Somewhere.

She's getting better.

Do you think?

It's a long road ahead, but she's
optimistic, and that's a good thing.

There are days
when she's not so hopeful.

Well, I am here to help with those.

A small thank you.
Oh.

Strudel.

I make excuses to drop by
just so I can get this.

Should be opening a bakery,
not just sewing.

Well, we never just sew.

If there's anything you need in that
way, it would be our pleasure also.

Grossen dank.

I'm Jewish.

No!

Jewish!

You must join us for Shabbos, yeah?

I would love to.
Oh.

I reckon you made their day.

They made mine.

Ah, so, next is Eve Walker
and her son Colin.

She's eight months pregnant,
he's diabetic.

First, though,
there's someone not on the list.

Lives across the road. He's a mate.
We served together.

Why don't we take him some strudel?

You predecessor
had her problems with him.
Why?

His troubles are mental,
not physical.

He was a POW building
the Siam Railway.

That sort of experience
can break the best of men.

Been in and out of institutions.

He beat the grog -
now he won't leave the house.

It's not really my area.

You have a way with you.

How long since he went out?
Oh, about two months. This is it.

Tried my best to buck him up.

You've been keeping your eye on him,
then?

Drop in every day after work.

Bill? Just me.

He's having a good day - the
wireless hasn't been on for weeks.

Knock, knock!

Jack.

I'll wait for the police.

Uh... you finish your rounds.
I'd rather stay.

I'm fine.

He was your friend.
Take the car. Do your job, please.

Get your stuff! Go!

I always thought your grandmother
would've been a natural
for this kind of work.

She's subtler,
but just as effective.

That said, she was there
when you needed someone.

I wasn't.

I didn't give you the chance.

I meant when your mother died.

I didn't talk with you, Anna...
didn't deal with it.

No more secrets for us.

Hmm?

No more secrets.

Good.

How long have you been there?
I've never seen you
like that before.

Like what?

Like you'd look
if I wake up with you.

Don't worry -
I don't wanna read your diary.

It's not a diary. I'm not a child.

Why are you so angry?

You scared me.

I told you it wasn't a diary.

I've heard of this book.
It's a dirty book.

No, it's just honest.
Some things
shouldn't be written about.

Oh, God - you sound like an old man.

Well, dirty's dirty,
no matter how old you are.

And dirty can be in the mind.
You should read it.
I don't want to.

Well, how do you know it's dirty
if you have haven't read it?

I know what Father Joe would say.
Oh, Father Joe.

This is banned - you can
get arrested for having this.

Where did you get it?

We visited Aunty Carolyn
on the way home

and I took it
when she wasn't watching.

And stealing too.
You shouldn't have this.

Gino! Gino, please!

Don't, Gino!

It's not filth,
despite what they all say.

Why would you read such things?

All it talks about
is what we all feel and do.

Read it, and tell me
you've never had those thoughts.

Never wondered.

Go on, read it.

And if you don't like it,
I'll throw it away.

You promise?
Yes.

I think I'll go for a walk.

You wished to see me?
Yes.

You and James have been sent a gift.

From whom?

Henry Swanson -
a friend of the family.

I wouldn't exactly call him that,

but he has tried to lure George
into politics on numerous occasions.

It's too much.

It is... a very generous gesture.

Oh. Nothing, dear.

He hardly knows James.

Exactly. Well.

"Well" what?

It's a thoughtful gift.

You're being obtuse
because you're still angry with me.

Think about it.

A gift can be just a gift.

Sir Henry is a politician.

Everything he does has a purpose.

The question is what?

Well, I haven't seen Sir Henry since
he wanted me to run for the House.

Perhaps he's gearing up
for another attempt.

No, no -
this is a personal approach,

which suggests his intentions
are personal too.

Let's just have it, Mother.

Sir Henry has a son.
Quite the golden-haired child.

And?

And unless I've misheard,

he is proving an elusive target
on the marriage market.

Perhaps they're looking for
the right girl.

Anna.

Well?

I know now why it's banned.

It's not all like that part.

It's wonderful writing.

Do women really have such thoughts?

Yes.

Do you?

Sometimes.

With me?

Is that wrong?

No.

You do too?

Yes.

There's nothing wrong
with things like that.

See?

It doesn't mean
that we should do them.

Yet.

Yes?

Can't be finished already.

I wanted to check on you.

Well, it's with the police now.

Bill's record's no use now
except to the coroner.

It's not your fault what happened,
you know that?

This isn't a conversation
we should have.

You can't be alright.
You saw that man every day.

No, I didn't.

I didn't see him yesterday.
I was out looking for you.

That was unfair.

I shouldn't have told you.

If it's the truth.

We think we know people, don't we?

So sure of their limits.

Jack...
I'm sure you've got things
to get on with, Sister.

I thought I heard music.

Look what
a friend of your father's sent.

He even included this -
'The Anniversary Waltz'.

"To play every year
on the special day."

Sir Henry Swanson did this?

And his wife. Isn't that lovely?

No?

I just wouldn't have taken him
for the sentimental type.

Your grandmother was the same.
What?

Suspicious.

You all get this look about you.

I'm sorry.

No, you're right. It is.
It's lovely, honestly.

It's just that London
was all politics and favours.

I hoped it would be different here.

London is in the past,
like that woman.

Concentrate on anniversaries
and babies

and not on anything back then.

I'm trying.

Ah, thank you.

Is that what I think it is?

I'm thanking the Swansons
for their generosity.

And are there any intentions
to return the... kindness?

We're inviting them up
for a weekend.

Are we?
We are.

If there's nothing else...

I don't mind Anna
being exposed to options,

but I won't have her bartered.

It's high time Anna took
the next step into womanhood,

and it's my duty to help her.

Bartered!

Dr Duncan.

I was just coming to see you.

Are you alright?

Poor Mr Gregory.
I'm fine.

Are you sure?

Doctor...
Doris!

I'm sorry.

I know I can sometimes
be a little curious,

but I'm honestly
just worried about you.

I'm fine. Really.

Such a shock.

Such a tragedy.

And Miss Adams was with you, I hear.

I see. Yes. Well...

If a cuppa would help,
you always knows where to find me.

Hi.

Rugged first day?

Oh, baptism by fire.

Doris is around
chewing the ear off the patients,

but I think she's here to see you.
Oh.

Might have to
slip out the back door.

Sister Adams.

Alma, dear, perhaps a moment alone.
No worries.

Good luck.

Mrs Collins.

A dreadful day.

I hope you don't judge our sleepy
little town on one misfortune.

And perhaps you might extend
the same indulgence to me.

If I overstep the mark, if indeed I
did, I promise never to do so again.

I cannot see you homeless.

I have a room. Thank you.
At least for now.

Indeed, indeed -
with Mr Briggs, I hear.

Ah, well, I suggest nothing,
of course, but others may.

I'm happy with the way things are.

Perhaps on a day like today,
it's better to forgive and forget.

I'm sure.

Sister...
I am sure.

I see.

Well, no-one can say I didn't try.

I only hope that tongues
less charitable than mine

don't make you regret your decision.

If you ask me, he's definitely
buttering you up for parliament.

Why didn't he do it
when he asked you before?

Oh, I'll leave that life to those
with the stomach for doubletalk
and hypocrisy, I think.

Sir, could I have a moment?

Of course.

Well, if you ask ME, I think
you're all being very cynical.

The wedding gift was a token
between equals, nothing more.

I hope you manage more civility
when they come to visit.

They're coming here?

Is that such a surprise?

I remember you saying
you couldn't stand Mrs Swanson.

"Prudence."

You said
her name said everything about her.

You, miss,
should not be listening at keyholes.

Ah, but you did say it.

Oh, short but sweet.

Grandmother's been caught out.

George?

Lord Gregory was found dead
this morning.

Crazy Bill?
Oh, Anna.

That's what people call him.
That's no excuse.

He used to work for us.

How did it happen?

Uh, Norman didn't have the details.

Such a terrible waste.

I thought it best not to say
too much in front of James.

I'll take him aside.

Well, perhaps
seeing the hurt this causes

will steer him away from any more
foolish thoughts of his own.

Perhaps.

Oh, Jack will take it very hard.

He found the body, apparently.

Will you order me the car,
please, George?

Where are you going?
Now. Please.

Sarah?

Not quite.

What are you doing here?

Asking you the same question.

Bill's body stunk of it.

Four years and not a drop.

Then this.

Well, he gave up, Jack.

I hope you haven't.

Tell me you haven't.

Came home from the institution
last time fixated on this ritual.

We'd sit...

every night,
the bottle between us.

Bill wanted
to stare his demons in the eye.

They finally consumed him.

Only when I wasn't here.

You want to walk that same road?

I won't watch it.
So go!

And let you sit
in a dead man's house,

feeling guilty about something
you couldn't prevent?

It was his ritual.

The poor man is dead.

You think we did this just for him?

Huh?

Jesus! You're bloody mad!

I pulled you to your feet once.

I literally dragged you
out of the gutter.

And I am damned if I will let
self-pity pull you back down!

You think that's what this is?
Then what is it?

I saw what the war did to you.

And I see you now.

Go home
and you grieve your friend...

like the man you are now...

not the man I saved you from.

We commend Bill Gregory to you,
Lord,

though he strayed
far from the flock.

We hope in your forgiveness
his sin can be overlooked

and his soul come to rest at last.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,

you have given us hope
of the Resurrection to eternal life.

In your keeping are all those
who have departed in Christ.

We here commit the body
of our brother to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,

dust to dust.

If looks could kill, they'd be
digging your grave right now.

I assume
she was behind this happening.

That's what they're saying.

She really is
a study in contradictions.

Very disappointing turnout,
Mrs Bligh.

But understandable,
given how he died.

It was very good of you to come,
Mrs Collins.

Some may think differently

but I believe what you did
was very fine indeed,

seeing him buried
in hallowed ground.

I don't understand.

Wh... I'm sorry. I thought...

We assumed...

Perhaps not.

Good day.

I'm proud of you, Mother.

I simply did what was required.

The good reverend looked
as though he'd swallowed a lemon.

Well, Bill Gregory
is properly at rest.

That's what counts.
Yes.

I'll meet you at the car.

George.

Sarah.

How are you?

Good, thank you.

I hope you don't feel we've
put you out with the milk bottles.

Not at all.

I'm relieved to hear that.

I hope my revelations the other day
didn't cause too many problems.

No, quite the opposite.

It seems to have
brought James and I closer.

Well, that is good news -
on a day we could do with some.

Well, I suppose I should be going.

I suppose so.

Now that you're settled,
I wonder if I might pay a visit.

After all, you do have my dog,

and I'd like to know
that he's recovering.

Well, I'm sure Lucky would be
delighted to see you.

At any time.

I imagine the church building fund
is looking pretty healthy.

Oh, let's just say the reverend
came to understand

that Bill deserved no less.

Considering what he sacrificed
for his country.

And you?

Fine.

Sarah's been a help.

Help, wherever it comes from,
has its value at times like this.

I am here for you too.
You know that?

Amen.
Amen.

Good Shabbos.
Good Shabbos.

Good Shabbos.
Lovely Shabbos.

Here you are.

Call if you need anything.

Thank you, Aunty.

Can we have a moment, please?

Oh, of course.

I brought you something.

Don't worry - I asked your aunt.

She said it was alright.

It's beautiful.

There's a thing called 'television'
in London now.

It's like going to the pictures
at home.

Soon you'll be able to
watch Marilyn from your bed.

Won't that be something?

But I like going to the pictures.

Maybe when I'm better,
we can go together.

I'd like nothing more.

Make sure you come and say goodbye
before you leave.

Even if I'm asleep, say goodnight.

Of course I will.

Promise.

Leah's very special.

Ja, she is.

For years, she seemed so frail.

Then the X-ray man came.

The TB in her lungs.

From her time in the cellar.

She was hidden from the Nazis
for years.

That suffering,
and still so optimistic.

Her parents?
Taken.

Gone.

Hmm.

Who can find the words?

I know.

But we assumed you... you were here
during the war, safe.
No.

Well, we don't mean to bring up
any bad memories.

Of course.

I was in Ravensbruck.

Two years.

You survived.

A part of me did.

Oh, James,
I won't be joining you for dinner.

If you could pass on my apologies.
Yes.

Grandmother.

I want you to know
that Bill Gregory's death

has made its point with me.

I don't want you worrying.

Good.

I'm glad.

Because I wouldn't fight
for YOUR place in hallowed ground.

Moral cowardice deserves no reward.

Ah, George.
Where are you off to?

Out.

Oh, I had word
from Prudence Swanson.

They'd love to visit.

Just the two of them?

She suggested they bring their son.

How nice.

Anna.

Of course.

Come in.

Dinner?

Soon.

Anna...

James.

Always make your own decisions.
Do you hear me?

What's going on?
Nothing.

Just... if there's something that you
want, you really want, or... someone,

be brave.

Make your own decisions.

Andrew Swanson?

Who knows? Maybe he'll be a catch.

But if not...
Don't worry.

I won't do it.
Good.

At least one of us
should have what they truly want.

Didn't come out right.

You know I'm mad for Livy.

About Livy...

Yes?

Help her. This isn't easy.
I know that.

You have told her everything?
Yes.

Of course. We're fine.

It might help if she could
put a face to whoever it was.

I very much doubt that.

Stay out of it.

Please.

Time to go down.
I'm almost ready.

You been having
a sentimental moment?

I was just looking through
our wedding photos.

What are we having for dinner?

I don't know. Lamb?

I've eaten more sheep
since we arrived

than I have in my entire life.

I yearn for a plate
piled high with venison.

Can you get venison in Australia?

It was a wonderful day.

Yes, it was.

I'll see you downstairs, shall I?

I won't be a moment.

It's taken me eight years to
speak of the things I did tonight.

And how do you explain to those
who can't even imagine such things?

I've had the opportunity before.

Strange. I'm not sure why
I finally felt able to.

Time.

Perhaps.

Bashert?

Fate.

Belonging somewhere again.

Thank you.

Bye.

It's rather late to be here,
isn't it?

What can I do for you?

If you ever need the ritual...

you just ask.

You never have to
face your demons alone.