A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 2, Episode 6 - Auld Lang Syne - full transcript

Just a tick!

I can't. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.
Jack?

Anna Bligh, would you
do me the honour...

I'm engaged!

Keep it.

I won't change my mind.

You've been very good today,
haven't you, little one?

No kicking to disturb Mummy.

I know what you're doing.

And I've told George the worst
that can possibly be told.



Nothing Regina unearths can hurt us
if we weather this.

I don't care what it costs.

Find something that will
rid us of her forever.

Three, two, one!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year.

Well, thank you,
and for coming tonight

You seemed to enjoy yourself.

A brave face is a requirement
lately.

He does make her happy, you know.

George, Miss Adams? James, Olivia?
Young Poletti, Anna?

The choices do rather highlight

my need for a fixed smile.



Gino and Anna.

I can't share your optimism.

What about you?
What does 1954 hold for you?

Well, life goes on.

The thing about wearing a mask

is that you recognise one
when you see one.

Good luck with whatever it is.

Happy New Year.
Goodnight.

Well, watch out
when you come into town.

Doris is busting
to congratulate you.

Oh, I think it's sweet
she's so excited.

Yeah, once she got over
the shock

of Italian lessons leading
to an engagement ring.

What about her shock
at your tales of the party?

'Night.

Happy New Year.

Did you notice?
What?

Whenever I mentioned Carolyn
or the party,

it either went very well and he's too
shy to talk about it, or very...

Or he thinks it's no-one's business,
Doris.

I want romance.
I want him in the family.

I'm making it my business.

♪ I can see

♪ No matter how near you'll be

♪ You'll never belong to me

♪ But I can dream, can't I?

♪ Can't I pretend
that I'm locked in the bend

♪ Of your embrace? ♪

I was thinking...
Mm-hm?

My summer wardrobe's
looking a little sparse.

I might pop up to the city.

I'm not sure I'm ready for crowds.
That's alright.

You've much better things to do
than watch me shopping, anyway.

Well, how about you take Anna?

I think I'd enjoy a day alone.

I may even drive.

What's this,
the new independent you?

My driving skills will ossify
if I'm not careful.

Well, it's our car, it's our money.

Feel free to use them both.

You will be sorry you said that.

Just drive safely.

Goodnight.

You too, little one.

Oh...

Have you slept?
Oh, barely.

You?
Soon.

Oh.

Oh, 1953, my annus horribilis, gone.

On a river of champagne.
It helped.

Look who's made
the New Year's Honours list.

A friend of yours, no less.
Really?

Dame Pattie!

That bash, the one you promised
to throw for Elizabeth Bligh...

If you want something a secret,

I suggest you keep your voice down
while discussing it.

Rather plays into my plans too.

The telephone, ma'am. Lady Swanson.

Oh, thank you, Amy.

Prudence, Happy New Year.
And to you.

How's Andrew?
Well, nursing his wounds.

Have you seen
this morning's 'Herald'?

Pattie Menzies is now Dame Pattie.

Oh, how lovely!

I suspect there's benefit
in it for you.

The party?
Oh.

I rather assumed
that Anna's behaviour

had forfeited me
any chance of a favour.

Oh, my dear, that's between
the young ones.

Now, George can hardly
refuse an invitation

to congratulate
the Prime Minister's wife.

If you're sure...

Well, I restore my social bona fides
and you destroy the Jew's.

Well, sooner is better
under the circumstances.

Mm-hm, then soonest is best.
Within the fortnight, then?

I'll send out invitations
immediately.

I can't thank you enough.
(LAUGHS) It's nothing.

Bye-bye.

Don't make me regret this.

Oh, you didn't wait.

My apologies.

Miss Adams not joining us?
I dropped her at work.

Well, that's why we have Norman.
It's a labour of love.

You old romantic.
And proud to be so.

Olivia's off to the city on Monday
if there's anything you require.

My summer wardrobe
needs replenishing.

Well, you must buy
something very special

for the Swansons' garden party.

Pattie Menzies has been made a dame.
Ah.

Oh.
Dame Pattie.

Prudence is hosting a celebration.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

We're all invited,
and after Anna's disgraceful antics

no-one, George, will add insult
to injury by declining.

Nor you by accepting.

I'm surprised I'm even included.

Some people know the meaning
of the word courtesy.

And naturally Prudence included
Miss Adams in the invitation.

Amy, this oatmeal's a little
underdone this morning.

Jack.

You're back.

Someone had to break the impasse.

I've given you a week.
I've been busy.

I accept that our situation
is complex,

but my kisses aren't that repulsive.

I have a patient.
Unless they're dying...

You were ashen when you fled.

The party can't have
horrified you that much.

Of course not.

So it's not the differences
in our worlds?

No.

Whatever the problem is...
I can't say.

Why not?
I just can't.

It's private.

Don't tell me
James isn't the only one.

That's not even funny.

I'm just trying
to make sense of this.

You owe me some sort of explanation.

I can't.

It's too personal.

I see.

I am falling in love with you
all over again, Jack.

I've fallen. There, it's said.

Right.

We're too old to be coy.
You feel it too.

Course I do.

I'll be back Monday.

I hope you're ready to trust.

Happy New Year.
Oh!

We announce ourselves
in polite society.

Welcome home.

Tea?
Later.

I thought you'd had your fill
of the bucolic life.

I'd like to move down here
for an indefinite period,

take over the cottage.

I'd like that very much.
But I insist you stay here.

The cottage is best.

I've developed feelings for Jack

and I'd like a private space
in which to explore them.

Jack Duncan?
Yes.

This is very sudden.

Love often is.

And it is love.

And that's why I want to be here.

Many a woman has tried
with him and failed.

They weren't the right woman.
Oh, Carolyn, he's a country doctor.

Your existence is...

I'm a lot more at home
with a good book

than hanging from
the chandelier of late.

Some consolation.

I don't want to sneak around
behind your back.

For that I thank you.

I'll take possession Monday.

I'd rather you stayed
well out of it.

I will say one thing.

If this might possibly be a whim,
walk away. Now.

He deserves better
than a broken heart.

Was it... anything that I did?

Looking for cause is pointless.
It only adds to the sorrow.

There's no doubt?
No. I'm sorry, Mrs Bligh.

My baby.

Is there someone I can contact,
someone to collect you?

No. No-one must know of this.

Your husband, surely.

I want to tell him myself.

In my own time.

Thank you for your concern,
but I will manage.

It won't be easy carrying
your dead child to term.

You'll need all the support
your loved ones can give you.

Time enough to grieve together
when the baby is born.

Don't add secrecy to your burden.

I expect your discretion
until I say otherwise.

I'm obliged to give it.

I do so reluctantly.

Thank you.

She's just outside.
I won't be a moment.

Oh, the operator has Mrs Standish
in Paris on the line.

Would you like to talk
while I fetch Mrs Bligh?

Oh, there's no need for Mrs Bligh.

Oh, she asked...
Thank you, Amy.

Put Mrs Standish through, operator.

Regina.
George.

What a pleasant surprise.

So, have you discovered anything?

It seemed important to your mother

to be sure of
Miss Adams' background.

It's none of your business.
There are things...

If you want to be welcome
at Ash Park, you'll stop. Now.

There are matters that...
Don't.

And don't telephone again.

I insist you avoid any attempts
by Mother to contact you.

George...
Unless you...

...you want to lose
my friendship forever.

Well, I'd die rather than risk that.
Good.

The Thomas Cook desk.

I wish to book
a plane journey to Australia.

So I am to be forbidden
communication now?

I will not have you
making mischief.

I have done nothing that
I did not consider necessary.

That justification
is becoming very stale.

You sure you're ready for that?

It's good to use my body again.

Doing is good. Overdoing isn't.

This party...
What about it?

Don't feel badgered into going.

Ah.

Yeah, I'll... I'll decide on the day.

Same goes for you.

George Bligh's Jewish nurse -
the knives will be sharpened.

I'm well up to the challenge.

Hello?

Anyone home?

Yoo-hoo!

I was doing my rounds and I thought,
"Oh, that's Miss Anna's horse!

"I must let her know
how thrilled we all are."

Oh, I'm all a-puff.

May I?
Oh.

I can? Oh, how charming,
yet so discreet.

One understands, given that
Gino ekes a living from the land.

I can't imagine a better ring.

As I said to Mr Collins
the day he proposed -

"It's not what you spend,
it's what you feel."

First your father and Miss Adams,
now you.

Yes.

One hears
the social barriers tumbling.

And who knows, perhaps even between

a country doctor and a glamorous
woman of the world, hmm?

Who knows?

I'm not back to badger you
for answers.

Good.

I told Mother I love you.

How'd she take that?

If she hasn't talked to you,
obviously as well as I thought.

But that's not the point.

Do you think I would have braved her
if I truly didn't want you?

Whatever there is to tell,
you'll tell in your own good time.

And I promise I won't let you down.

Wait.

You said at your party that

any woman deserved better
than a compromise.

Testosterone.

Injected twice a week
for the last eight years.

Manhood in a syringe.

Japs took mine.

Tortured me and smashed them
between two stones.

Still keen?

I shouldn't have told you.
Please.

I don't want pity.
It's not pity!

Isn't it?
No.

I'm no bloody use to a woman.

That's pity.

That's self-pity.

This is...

...is sorrow.

It's pain. It's love.

Love me.

This is where I kissed Harry.

Then how do we proceed?

As husband and wife.

As parents.

You're home early.

Hope that's good news for my wallet.

I restrained my worst impulses.

I'm desperate for a cup of tea.

How are you? How is everyone?

Let me know when
the caterers arrive.

Oh, keep an eye on Cook
with the champagne.

Yes, ma'am.

Top it up with the champagne.
Oh, must you?

I need an early start if I'm to deal
with the bores you've invited.

You're up to something.

That is rather the pot
calling the kettle black.

Well, we'd best not dally
if we're to be punctual.

Now, James, are you sure
you're feeling up to this?

Have to face the world sometime.
Excellent.

9:30, in the sitting room?

- Ooh, synchronise watches. Attention.
- I heard that, miss.

I am so lucky to have a leave pass.

You're awfully quiet, Olivia.
Am I? Oh.

Our first appearance
in Sydney society together.

Lavender and lace
and boring small talk.

Are you sure about this?

The way Anna describes it,
who could resist?

You just want an excuse not to go.
How did you guess?

Excuse me.

Well, I for one
am looking forward to it.

Remind him he said that

when he's being bored witless
by dreary society dames.

We might be pleasantly surprised.

And you have a lovely day at home.

Is it just me
or has Olivia been odd?

She's had this strange
fixed smile on all week.

She has a lot on her mind.

Their problem's not one
that's solved overnight.

I suppose it is that.

Do you think they'll divorce?

I think she'll do anything
to make sure they don't.

I'd be thoughtful in her shoes too.

Part of me wanted to say
absolutely not,

but I can't lock myself away
forever.

I do worry about my memory.

The treatment's left me
with some blanks.

I hope I don't run into somebody
I know and just stare at them.

Are you sure you want to go?

Whatever's right for you.

Hey.

Are you positive?

James...

You can't do it, can you?

I mean, us.
No.

No, of course I can. We can.

Then what?

We will make it work.

The three of us.

What?

I'm sorry.

We will step out as a family.

I'd like that.

You've got that look in your eye.
What look?

You've never been one
to allow a slight to go unpunished.

I agree what Anna did to you
is outrageous,

but try to avoid
your baser instincts.

Of course, Mother.

We couldn't have Dame Elizabeth
unsettled, could we?

What's it to do with Elizabeth?

She put me in a position
to be humiliated.

It's unfair to blame others.

The girl was simply being foolish.

She knew exactly what she was doing
and she sniggered while she did it.

Well, it's a good thing
she declined the invitation, then.

Yes.

What are your intentions?

As yours. To be the perfect host.

Ah.
Go easy with that.

Don't fret, Mother.

To us.

Ah, Miss Adams, more than punctual.

I wanted a moment alone.

Today is obviously designed
to see me out of my depth.

Well, I'm sure you'll make of it

whatever your social skills
will allow.

I will.

If Regina's already discovered this,
I apologise for the repetition.

My husband was well connected
in Parisian literary circles.

Gide and Malraux were our friends.
We mixed in all manner of society.

If you spent less time fighting me
and more time knowing me,

you'd know there's nothing today
that might throw me off kilter.

It's a lovely morning.

I'll wait outside.

Darling Pattie and I were together
at Fintona Girls' of course.

Pattie Leckie she was called then.

Oh, it's Elizabeth Bligh's party.

Her son's brought
his working-class Jewess.

Quite the scandal.

Elizabeth darling!

Oh, and Olivia!

Mwah!

James.

George. This must be your fiancee,
I presume.

Sarah Adams.

Thank you for inviting me,
Lady Prudence.

Lady Swanson. My husband is a knight
but I have no title myself.

Oh, you'll capture
these social subtleties with time.

They're becoming increasingly
irrelevant, aren't they, with time?

She's no wilting violet.
I'll see her out of her depth.

James and Olivia, there's no need
to feel discomfort because of Anna.

I hope you don't mind
my monopolising your lovely wife.

I need a barrier against

the simpering eligibles
Mother's invited.

How have you been since Christmas?
Sir?

Thank you.

I couldn't help myself.
She deserved it.

She was being a snob.
So it seemed.

It came out in a way
I didn't intend.

Some time together perhaps
before the guest of honour arrives?

Introductions.
Excuse me.

Although I can't imagine there'd
be anyone here that you'd know.

Stop! Stop, stop, stop, stop.

He's there.

If they're doing what I think they're
doing, let's leave them to it.

Maybe they're not.
Maybe they are.

Maybe we should.

Nothing has to happen
that you don't feel ready for.

Most men wear trousers.
I hide behind them.

Don't.

No?

Yes?

I wanted this...
I dreaded it for years,

letting someone see.

I want to give you
so much more than I can.

I want to give you all of myself.

Kiss me.

Lower.

This is the first family invitation
I've been able to say no to.

How does that
make you feel?

Free.

Like Anna Poletti.

You're still a Bligh.
I'm not the Bligh I thought I was.

I wonder what
my real father's surname is.

Ask your mamma.

Do you think you ever will?

Ask about him?
Mmm.

I didn't want to add
to Father's burdens.

But he's happy with us now
and he has Sarah.

He does.

So?

So if the party goes well...

...I'll tell him.

It's so hard trusting anyone.

But you did.

I understand now why it meant
so much to you to learn about Anna.

It's a miracle to me.

So are you.

Was it how you remember?
Being with you?

More beautiful.
Hardly.

To me you are.

You?

It's as intense, in a different way.

Yeah.

I never thought
I'd have this again either.

How are you bearing up?
I'm fine.

Although I do wonder what
all these people would think

if they knew what
I'd just been through.

I know. That's why I asked.

Your wife's been commandeered.
I'm glad she's enjoying herself.

She's not the only one.

Sarah and I won't be
returning with you.

I thought we'd stay in town for
the night to celebrate her success.

Smugness is most unbecoming, George.

I separate them into
the simpering, the whimpering

and the just plain desperate.

Whatever Anna was,
she was none of those.

I should get back to James.

You will, but first...

Yes?

I'm going to be presumptuous.

You've been lying about James

from the first time I ran into you
at the hospital.

I know a troubled marriage
when I see one.

I want you to know
that you can trust me.

You've only family in Australia,
no friends.

If you ever need a good friend...

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I'm not prying.
Oh, I know.

There is something dreadful
I have to tell James.

I don't know how to.

I'm... I'm just terrified that...

...I'll lose him.

The one thing I salvaged
from that debacle with Anna

is an affection for you.

Any help in any way.

It's the baby.

Dame Pattie, Mr George Bligh.

Congratulations, Dame Pattie.

I had the pleasure of meeting
Sir Robert last year.

How nice, young man.

I see you've met my fiancee.
She's charming.

It's a compliment.

And I concur, Louis.

I was recently unwell

and I have nothing but admiration for
the nursing profession, Miss Adams.

How is your local hospital in...?
Inverness.

A great change from London, I'm sure.

Yes, it's quite charming,
actually.

Oh, he won't notice I've been crying?

Just say it's the glare.
Nothing you've said goes any
furth

I might steal this one
off you, old man,

now I have no other prospects.

Well, you'll have
a fight on your hands.

I should hope so.

You disappeared.
Oh, Andrew needed a shoulder.

Your eyes are red.

Oh, it's the glare.

You're spending an awful lot of time
with Olivia Bligh.

She's a very good friend of Anna's.

I wanted to prove
there was no ill feeling.

I did my best.
Oh, you did.

I threw her together with anyone
who could raise her hackles

and she put them in their place
as charmingly as she did me.

And now there's
Pattie's seal of approval.

Yes.

So?

I suspect check, if not checkmate.

Well...

Miss Anna?

Miss?

Miss?

I was napping.

Mrs Standish has arrived.

She's in Europe.
She's in the sitting room.

Does she know I'm here?
I said that I wasn't sure.

You can't find me.

Get dressed.

Shouldn't you at least say hello?

She'll want to know about Andrew.
I'm not in the mood.

Thank you.

Is that a car?

Oh, that's just, uh, one of
the workers' vehicles, ma'am.

Can I bring you anything else?
No, thank you, dear.

Before you go, your brother...

Yes, ma'am?
And Mr James.

Yes?

There's no need to feel awkward.

I'm a woman of the world
and privy to all family secrets.

So tell me, how is
the unfortunate matter proceeding?

The party was a great success
for you at least.

I have rather restored
my social credibility.

Ah, yes. Thank you.

And you mustn't be
a stranger, George.

Whenever you're in town...
Thank you for a splendid day.

It was a pleasure.
Yes, it was.

We were both surprised, I think.
I think we were.

Lovely to see you so recovered.
It's good to be amongst company.

Oh, and all the very best
for your confinement.

We had a marvellous time.
Ah. 'Bye, then.

Thank you.
Don't tell him.

But I...
Not yet.

I've had a thought.

I'd love to visit again,
once the dust has settled.

You'd be most welcome.

Say nothing until we've spoken more.

I apologise for
my earlier suspicions.

You behaved impeccably.
I did, didn't I?

(Nat King Cole's
"When I Fall In Love" plays)

♪ It will be forever

♪ Or I'll never

♪ Fall

♪ In love

♪ In a restless world

♪ Like this is

♪ Love is ended before it's begun

♪ And too many moonlight kisses

♪ Seem to cool
in the warmth of the sun

♪ And the moment I can feel that

♪ You feel that way too

♪ Is when I fall in love

♪ With you. ♪

You're sure?
Absolutely.

You'd have known last week if George
hadn't forbidden communication.

And she has no idea?
None at all.

Isn't it delicious?

You've won.