A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 5, Episode 7 - The Anatomy of His Passing - full transcript
One month later...In the midst of the family's grief, George must deal with a rabid Sir Richard.
I came back to help you!
- Please, George, you're a fool!
- Leave us alone!
Regina!
I keep trying to tell George.
Sir Richard is out
to ruin the family.
Go through your accounts
with a fine-tooth comb.
Investments, loans, everything.
There are three
accounts on one statement.
Do you know whose money
you've actually borrowed?
Frederick Stern
is completely reputable.
They wouldn't put us
in any danger.
Yes, but do they know?
We should find out.
How long have I got?
Months.
I want to go
at a time of my own choosing.
Absolutely not.
Jack's hospital
meanders along in the past.
I support my husband.
As James would me,
if he were here.
Ah, you must be missing him.
Do you really see his charade
as necessary?
It will help Olivia
announce their divorce
without too many
awkward questions arising.
Her father loathes homosexuals.
Ironic, given his son.
We're going to have a party.
Are we?
On the 15th of next month.
Thank you.
It's always a big day
at the refuge, VP Day.
Victory in the Pacific.
Douglas won't be well enough
to go to them,
so I'll invite them here.
I need your help.
If you're asking what
I think you're asking, I...
I can't.
It's just
so incredibly sudden.
Sometimes the body,
it just gives out, sweetheart.
He was in his element
this afternoon.
He loved
every moment of the party.
The men in their fancy dress.
Oh, his final moments
were so full of joy,
surrounded by the people
who loved him.
For that, we should be grateful.
Small comfort
when all's said and done.
Mother, can I get you anything?
What would you like to do?
Douglas abhorred
maudlin displays.
He rather liked
that quote from Berlioz.
"Time is a great teacher,
but unfortunately
it kills its pupils."
Carolyn, if you could assist
with organizing a memorial
at the refuge
for those unable
to make it to the funeral.
George, if you might
telephone James.
Of course.
He'll want to be here.
Please make clear
I don't expect him
to drop everything
and rush home.
Well, it's high time he did.
I'll speak with
the funeral home.
If you take no issue
with the service
being held later in the week?
As you wish.
If there's anything
I can do for you...
I'll let you know.
If you'll excuse me,
I'll say good night.
Of course.
Excuse me.
Mother?
Yes?
Would you like me to sit
with you for a little while?
What?
No.
You've every reason
to feel the shock of this.
This was hardly unexpected.
Just not today.
No.
You need to keep
a close eye on her.
Yes.
I'm not sure I've ever
seen her like that.
Well, she's just
suffered a terrible loss.
Yes.
He was a fine man.
I think I need
to hold our son.
Yeah. Me too.
It's higher than I'd like.
Must we revisit this
conversation at every upheaval?
Perhaps something
to help you sleep?
Oh!
Douglas says insomnia
is the refuge
of the guilty conscience.
Said.
He was very fond of you.
Yeah, a good bloke.
I'll miss him.
And after everything,
I suppose it makes sense.
His heart giving out
like that.
I'm sure you're right.
What?
Nothing.
If you wouldn't mind.
Yeah, of course.
Oh, thank God you're here.
How is she this morning?
Strip the linen.
- Take the bed to the attic.
- Come and see.
And the equipment
back to the hospital!
What are you waiting for?
This should have been done
hours ago.
S-Sorry, ma'am.
Really, is a little bit
of initiative too much to ask?
Elizabeth,
perhaps we can lend a hand.
Excuse me.
Thank you, Lynette.
That'll be all.
Lynette, take that with you.
What happened there?
- Does it matter?
- I think tea. Anyone?
Yes.
Mr. Bligh? Telephone.
Sir Richard Bennett.
Go ahead.
This new information
makes dealing with him...
A challenge.
But you'll play your hand well.
Richard.
No, this really
isn't a good time, I'm afraid.
George, I heard about Goddard.
It's a terrible shock.
Condolences to all.
I'll pass them on.
Is it jumping the gun
to ask about funeral plans?
Well, that's very kind of you
to think of us,
but, uh, I know you have
more pressing matters.
Well, these are the times
we need our friends
close by, George.
Mother's keen for it to be
a small affair, Richard.
Just family.
Good thing I am, then.
I understand there's to be
a memorial in town
for his city friends,
colleagues.
I'll let you know, shall I?
Oh, bunkum.
I need to come down
to your neck of the woods.
I just snapped up
the local rag for a song.
The Mercury?
And we really should discuss
financing your reelection.
How deep will your pockets be?
Once the funeral's over,
let's meet in town, shall we?
Not getting cold feet
on me, George?
I'll be in touch.
Mother will appreciate
your condolences.
Goodo.
George.
You're back from Canberra.
I-I didn't realize.
- You've read my letter?
- I have.
You believe me now,
why I've returned?
I had a mind to.
Until Richard telephoned.
- I-I don't understand.
- Oh, please, Regina.
No outsiders could have known
of Douglas's death.
Who else could have fed him
such intimate information?
Douglas passed away?
Oh, my.
Poor Elizabeth.
You... You didn't know?
No.
So you don't have someone
feeding you information?
Sir Richard
is the one for spies.
So why is he so very determined
to attend the funeral?
He wants to dance on the grave
and savor Elizabeth's pain.
The malice I told you of.
I urge you
not to underestimate it.
Your financial affairs.
Have you investigated?
- When Parliament rises...
- Be forensic.
Instinct tells me that
somewhere in your accounts
is a road map to his revenge.
You must look...
Please! This is...
It's too much.
I won't take orders
from you, Regina.
Please.
Please trust me.
He's moving faster
than I suspected.
Grandmother?
I made a list of readings
for the service.
The funeral is days away.
Reverend Curtis
wants to dot the I's.
I was thinking
perhaps Matthew 11:28.
"Come to me,
all you who are weary..."
It's hardly your place.
I'll leave the list
on your bureau.
Grandmother,
it's all right to be upset.
Or angry.
Or whatever you need to be.
This is where Douglas proposed.
The very spot.
He made you so happy.
- Oh!
- Oh!
Oh, goodness.
It's a beautiful work,
Mr. Gibbs.
When did you find time
to do the sitting?
Ah, I did it when you
weren't looking, Mrs. Goddard.
And that wasn't very easy.
Ah, I knew something was up!
Oh, my darling,
you're wonderful.
♫ Oh, we're going
to the hukilau ♫
♫ Huki, huki, huki, huki, huki,
hukilau ♫
♫ Everybody loves the hukilau ♫
♫ Where the laulau is the kaukau
at the hukilau ♫
♫ We'll throw our nets
out into the sea ♫
♫ And all the 'ama'ama
come swimming to me ♫
♫ Oh, we're going
to the hukilau ♫
♫ Huki, huki, huki, huki,
hukilau ♫
Grandmother.
Not the Matthew.
And no roses in the church.
It's odd, though, isn't it?
He always had roses
in the hospital.
It's the arrangement
that matters,
not the individual blooms.
Mm, poor James
and Miss Olivia,
having to drop everything
and come home.
It's Mrs. Goddard I feel for,
having to wait.
Five days is too long.
My dear Mr. Collins
was blessed and buried
36 hours from his final breath.
Right.
George.
What on earth's the matter?
It's Regina, isn't it?
What has she done?
The two bad years we had...
the strike.
Richard steered me towards
some solicitor's loans
to tide us over.
She... She warned me
to be more forensic.
The accountants
have just discovered
that the firms that issued
those loans
are all owned
by one shelf company.
Richard's.
He can call them in.
He can take Ash Park
any time he wants,
and she's convinced
he's poised to make a move on us
sooner rather than later.
How can you be sure
she's not part of this?
I can't!
But given what she did
for Anna, given that her...
her information is correct...
No, this is Regina
we're talking about.
I know!
And all that she's done,
I know!
You know, I almost
dropped my guard in Canberra
and suffered the consequences.
I'd have to be very certain
about Regina
to allow for that again.
On the other hand,
if I'd listened to her
that day at the car,
we'd be way ahead on this.
You know how I feel.
What if I proceed to judge her
in good faith, and you...
...you be the voice of caution
in my ear.
Bad news, I'm afraid.
A message from Olivia.
She says they stopped
in Darwin to refuel
and have been delayed
by weather.
They won't be able to make
Douglas's funeral.
But it's a comfort, isn't it,
that they'll be here later.
We'd better get going.
Mother?
The simpering.
Pitying looks.
It's too much.
I can't face it.
What are you saying?
You can't not go.
Don't do something
in the heat of the moment
you'll later regret.
Mother, what is it?
Please, tell me.
Well, no one
will force you to go
if you don't want to.
Almighty God, you judge us
with infinite mercy and justice
and love everything
you have made.
In your mercy,
turn the darkness of death
into the dawn of new life.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
In sure and certain hope of
the resurrection to eternal life
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will transform
our frail bodies.
God of mercy, we acknowledge
we are all sinners.
Forgive us for that is past
and help us live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
May God our Father
forgive us our sins
and bring us into
the joy of his eternal kingdom,
where dust and ashes
have no dominion.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Amen.
Just think,
a couple of days ago
we were all here
having a high old time.
Yes, indeed, indeed.
Are you gonna finish that?
Funerals put me off my tucker.
Ah, tell them
what you were saying before.
It's interesting.
Oh, um, where I come from,
we refrain from using
the Christian name
of the person who's passed on,
or we don't
look at pictures of them.
- Is that right?
- Yeah.
- Because of respect.
- Mm.
Yeah, it allows
their spirit to pass on.
We call them Kuminjay.
Kuminjay Goddard.
Well, the things you learn.
I thought you'd be
hanging off the front gate
waiting for James.
Mm. Is it wrong to be excited
at a funeral?
I expect so.
You are a horrible man,
Henry Fox,
but I don't think
Douglas would mind.
He wanted everyone
to be happy, didn't he?
Even if he didn't quite
understand, he never judged.
Mm.
James is coming home.
The men will be going down
to the station soon.
You wouldn't like
to say goodbye?
I'd like to be quiet
for a little while, thank you.
All right.
Goodbye, my love.
- Thank you for coming.
- Thank you so much.
- It was lovely.
- You have a safe trip home.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
At least Mother
made it through the service.
I wonder, should we bring her
out to say goodbye to the men?
Carolyn's with her.
She'll know.
The car! It's them!
James and Olivia.
They're home.
- Shall we?
- Yeah, come on.
Oh!
Oh, my goodness.
It is so wonderful
to see you all.
Elizabeth.
I'm so terribly sorry.
It's wonderful
to have you back, my dear.
- Grammy, it's me.
- It is, my darling.
Olivia.
Let's get you inside.
Come on, Master Georgie.
Cocoa, I think, Lynette.
Livvy! Darling.
Where is James?
Livvy, what's going on?
What's happened?
Let's talk inside.
It's best if I speak
with the family first.
Just tell me he's all right.
He is.
It's better this way.
I have rounds to do
at the hospital.
I'll come and find you
as soon as I can.
Moved?
- Permanently?
- The Riviera?
He wouldn't.
Not without telling us.
Please, let me finish.
This will not stand.
He's abandoning his child.
I beg you, George, everyone,
let me start at the beginning.
We arrived in England
playing roles that would quash
any questions once we divorced.
Despite the subterfuge,
we enjoyed ourselves.
Which is why the trip to see
my brother in Cap Ferrat
seemed a good idea.
James could hardly come home
without visiting William.
But when we got
to the Riviera,
it was as if
it was destined to be.
As if what was destined to be?
His feelings for William.
It's a flight of fancy.
That's what he's caught up in.
It's much more than that,
George.
His kind, they're thought of
differently there.
And what that meant to him.
Dining with Somerset Maugham
and Noel Coward.
Edward and Wallis Simpson.
To feel so accepted.
You mean to tell me that James
has deserted his family,
his son, for a bunch
of gin-soaked celebrities?
George.
He's staying for love.
He couldn't
tell us this himself?
Being here would have only
made it harder for everyone.
Harder for himself.
He's not here
because he's a damned coward.
- You don't mean that.
- The hell I don't.
He thought this way
would be easier for you.
Your health.
And what of Ash Park?
His life here?
His responsibilities?
If you saw how contented he is.
William has a very successful
design company.
James is helping him
on the business side.
James? Business?
He thought you would
want to telephone.
Did he?
It's the middle
of the night there.
Excuse me.
George.
This is the not the behavior of
the man that I raised him to be.
I've a mind to cut off
his allowance.
Your mother.
Don't speak to him in anger.
The accommodations I made,
and this is how he repays me.
You know that loving children
isn't a quid pro quo
transaction.
You've been a good father
to him, as you are to David.
Mm, and when he abandons me for
some bloody kibbutz in Israel?
It's merely a matter of time
before he deserts me too.
It's the natural way of things.
All boys separate themselves
at some point.
International number, please.
France. Nice.
045471.
But they return in time.
With understanding.
James. Wake up!
It's your father.
It will not do, James.
It will not do at all.
I simply won't stand for it.
And you know full bloody well
that we can't have a proper
discussion on an open line.
Father, I realize
that you're angry,
that this comes
as a shock to you.
To have poor Olivia
do your dirty work?
Left here to try and justify
this appalling
lack of character.
That is enough!
I do not expect you
to support my decision,
but you will respect
that it is mine to make.
No, not when you push
the entire family aside.
Don't think that I haven't
thought about this
long and hard, because I have.
If you could see
my life here...
When you see my life here,
you will understand.
I know it.
These fast friends of yours,
this life you're living,
it's a passing fancy, James,
nothing more.
No, you're wrong.
There is a future here.
Happiness.
Well, shouldn't a father
want what's best for his son?
And what of Georgie, James?
Your son.
What's best for him?
He will be loved
no matter where he is,
by Olivia and all of you
when he is there,
and by me when he is
old enough to travel.
You'd bring a child into that?
What, to a house filled
with joy and laughter?
Who wouldn't want
to grow up like that?
You were given every advantage,
most of which
you've frittered away.
And I am not ungrateful,
but that house,
that life, it suffocates!
I know you understand that.
I hope in time
you find a way to forgive me.
To understand.
I miss you all terribly.
So there's...
...there's nothing
I can say to change your mind?
I'm afraid not.
Very well.
Goodbye.
Apologetic but unrepentant.
Wait until I get my hands
on his skinny neck.
For what it's worth, I am sorry.
Olivia...
Now, you know that you are
always welcome here.
You and little Georgie.
Thank you.
It would be a grave mistake
for you to stay here.
Mother!
I say bravo, James.
Bravo!
At last someone
in this family
has had the courage
to embrace their happiness.
What are you saying?
Well, look at us.
Look at what obligation and duty
have done to our lives.
How I wish I'd walked out those
gates when I was James's age.
How different my life
could have been.
How much more time
I would have had.
Curious indeed that she arrived
without her husband.
Well, it's none our beeswax,
is it?
One trusts there's not
a more European reason.
We can give you a lift home
if you'd like.
No, thanks.
I'm parked 'round the bend.
- Oh!
- You right, Dawnie?
Mm.
Just a cramp.
She's been
off her tucker too.
Ohh. I see.
You see what?
It's too many figs.
Tree out the back's
filthy with them.
Mm.
Very perilous fruit, the fig.
He's the eldest son.
And it means nothing to him?
Look, it's been a long day.
How about we take David
down to the riverbank
while there's still some sun?
I've been a fool.
I've been a blind fool.
You couldn't have foreseen this.
I shouldn't have let James go
and I shouldn't have let
Richard into our lives.
We can't change the past,
but we can look forward.
Yes.
We can look forward.
Why not let him have it?
Richard.
Why not let him have Ash Park?
Why am I fighting for something
that no one else wants?
James may well reconsider.
Mother's right.
Why shouldn't we all be free
to pursue happiness?
It's a terrible blow.
I gave up a life for him.
Career.
Friends.
For him.
I hope he rots
on the stinking Riviera.
Finish the letter.
I'm not even worth
a telephone call.
Henry?
Oh, Henry.
I wrote to him every day.
Every day.
While he was
with someone else.
William was a great love.
I suppose...
...I've come to see that
there is love.
And then there is great love.
Like Elizabeth and Douglas.
But not James and I?
Nor he and I.
Well, yes, yes,
Mr. Fox may well think
that's how
the rosters should be,
but that doesn't make it
any of his business.
I got to go.
I need to talk to you.
If it's about rosters,
then you can...
Who asked you to order
toxicology on Douglas Goddard?
Who asked you to open my mail?
Was it you?
You were close to Douglas.
You know my feelings on that.
Someone wasn't so reticent.
You were the one promoting
a comfortable death.
Which is why
I wanted the report.
I told you that.
Insurance.
Well, you had no cause
to think that's what happened.
You and I both know
that Douglas died too suddenly.
We have a responsibility
to find out what happened.
What, you want to start
an inquisition?
They're a grieving family.
My grieving family.
I've been blackmailed
once before
by a member of your family.
Regina.
A long time ago.
Any number of people had access
to Douglas before he died.
- Friends, men from the refuge...
- Your family.
Anyone could have given him
the phenobarbital.
I'll look into it.
Look fast.
Sarah.
Regina,
what are you doing here?
If the mountain
won't come to Muhammad...
- If you'll excuse me.
- I won't keep you long.
I hoped that you might have
returned from Canberra
more open to accepting me,
once you read my letter.
I didn't bother.
I tore it up.
It was important.
George told me that
you promised David was safe.
What else is there to say?
I accept that you have
George's confidence,
but mine, it's not relevant.
Let's just leave it at that.
I was hoping
that once you understood
what happened with René...
René?
I know what he meant to you.
Your marriage,
your shared faith.
It wasn't René
who pulled the trigger.
It was me.
It wasn't René.
And I didn't do it
with any malevolence or intent.
I came across them arguing,
George and René.
René was very agitated.
Put the gun down!
Put the gun down!
I tried to take the gun,
there was a scuffle,
and in the confusion
it went off.
I never believed
René shot George.
Believing and knowing are
too very different things.
That's why the letter
was so important.
I'm serious about making amends.
This is my way
of proving it to you.
Are we gonna talk about this
anytime soon?
You're in the family way,
aren't you?
Doris ain't the only one that
can put two and two together.
Don't be angry.
I just... I didn't know
how to tell you.
I know how you feel
about more little ones.
And with Emma off our hands
in a few years...
I'm closer to Douglas Goddard's
age than yours.
Who knows how long a man's got?
Well, rather a short time
with you...
...and our bub
than a long time with neither.
Maybe a little bundle of joy
just what the doctor ordered
right about now, eh?
It's half shock,
half blessing, isn't it?
No.
It's all blessing, Dawnie.
It's all blessing.
And you think it was me?!
- I have to ask.
- Do you?
If there was to be
a proper investigation...
Whoever did it deserves a medal.
Look, I don't want this
getting out of hand.
Henry's ready
to bring in the police
which, actually, is his duty.
If that's everything.
Caro.
Don't you dare
mention this to mother.
- They weren't happy faces.
- No.
Did you check?
Oh. Yes. Everyone who
signed out phenobarbital.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
You saw Douglas
before you went to Canberra.
That's right.
Anything I should know?
I have to ask.
Someone did.
Perhaps a man from the refuge
brought it to the party.
You know what we're doing,
don't you?
Avoiding the obvious.
We were escaping from some
action against the Germans,
and there was a field
we had to cross.
Two shots sounded, and she fell.
Her name...
Her name was Nesse.
Her Resistance name... Simone.
She was a good friend.
A good fighter.
I couldn't move her.
And she couldn't bear the idea
of what the Nazis would do to
her if she was captured, so...
She begged me.
To look into the eyes of someone
you care for so much...
...and be asked
to take their life.
What did you do?
I did it.
How could I not?
I helped Douglas.
May God forgive me enough
to allow us to meet again
in the afterlife.
You have to tell the truth
about that afternoon.
No, there's...
I can't. There's too much
turmoil in this house.
- I can't.
- At least tell Henry.
His respect for you
will be the only thing
that stops him
from calling in the police.
Because if he does,
the strength of your beliefs
may make you immune
from inquiry,
but not the men of the refuge.
It was Douglas's choice,
and I will not have
any of the men from the refuge
crucified for it.
One of whom clearly loved
Douglas enough to help him.
You knew he had the means.
Not until the end.
Was it his doing alone?
It was Douglas's choice.
I see no need
to take it further.
So now we're just to pretend
that nothing untoward
has happened.
I'll see to it that my friend
destroys the carbon.
Thank you, Henry.
I'm very grateful.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have
some preparations to make.
- Take off!
- Oh!
Oh, it's comforting, isn't it?
The resilience of children.
What have you told Georgie?
That Grandpa Douglas
has gone to visit the angels
and Daddy is on holidays
with a school friend.
Is that wrong of me?
Oh, where's the harm
in protecting them
from unhappiness?
Darling,
Mother's about to leave.
- Oh, she didn't say.
- She's asking to see you.
Over here!
Now, you keep your eye on him.
- Yes, of course.
- Thank you.
Oh! How did we go?
Did we take off everywhere?
Surely this isn't
all you're taking.
I'll pack up some things
tomorrow and send them on.
I'm taking all that I need.
How much does one need
for a visit to the city anyway?
Haven't you heard?
It's not a visit.
I've decided that some things,
some memories,
are best left behind.
I'm not yet strong enough
to return to our home.
Prudence has offered hers.
She's away, so it'll be perfect.
And Anna will stay with her
for as long as Mother needs.
You will come back
and see us soon?
Or we can come to you.
I am so very grateful
for your understanding.
Perhaps I could
travel with you, Mother.
- Help you you get settled.
- You have fussed quite enough.
And I've appreciated it.
Grandpa Douglas!
Thank you
for the most wonderful day.
It was too much for you.
I shouldn't have done it.
After our wedding day,
this has been the happiest day
of my life.
And... And to see the men.
Oh, my God, Lizzie, you've
no idea what that meant to me.
And to them.
- What is it?
- Let me...
Here, let me help you.
- No.
- It's all right.
No, no, leave me.
You know, Lizzie...
...we've come
to that sweet and perfect day.
The most perfect day
for me to take my leave.
Don't you think?
What's in that bottle?
But I can only go
with your blessing.
Not yet.
Not now.
I'm being selfish, I know,
but we have more time.
You are the first real happiness
in my life.
And you for me.
But my poor old body's done for.
I can't manage anymore.
Can't you see it's hopeless?
Give it to me.
No, no,
I can't have you involved.
Before I change my mind.
But... But your fingerprints.
I'll get rid of it.
Ohh, Lizzie.
I love you so much.
Please, let's kiss now.
You know what I'd like to hear?
Chopin.
"Tristesse."
It's on the table.
Don't mind me if I...
...doze off.
I wish I was coming with you.
I'll be waiting for you
when you do.
Goodbye...
...my love.
Oh, Douglas.
Douglas.
My darling.
Best thing for it,
Mrs. Goddard.
Does a heavy heart
the world of good.
Thank you, Raymond.
- Please, George, you're a fool!
- Leave us alone!
Regina!
I keep trying to tell George.
Sir Richard is out
to ruin the family.
Go through your accounts
with a fine-tooth comb.
Investments, loans, everything.
There are three
accounts on one statement.
Do you know whose money
you've actually borrowed?
Frederick Stern
is completely reputable.
They wouldn't put us
in any danger.
Yes, but do they know?
We should find out.
How long have I got?
Months.
I want to go
at a time of my own choosing.
Absolutely not.
Jack's hospital
meanders along in the past.
I support my husband.
As James would me,
if he were here.
Ah, you must be missing him.
Do you really see his charade
as necessary?
It will help Olivia
announce their divorce
without too many
awkward questions arising.
Her father loathes homosexuals.
Ironic, given his son.
We're going to have a party.
Are we?
On the 15th of next month.
Thank you.
It's always a big day
at the refuge, VP Day.
Victory in the Pacific.
Douglas won't be well enough
to go to them,
so I'll invite them here.
I need your help.
If you're asking what
I think you're asking, I...
I can't.
It's just
so incredibly sudden.
Sometimes the body,
it just gives out, sweetheart.
He was in his element
this afternoon.
He loved
every moment of the party.
The men in their fancy dress.
Oh, his final moments
were so full of joy,
surrounded by the people
who loved him.
For that, we should be grateful.
Small comfort
when all's said and done.
Mother, can I get you anything?
What would you like to do?
Douglas abhorred
maudlin displays.
He rather liked
that quote from Berlioz.
"Time is a great teacher,
but unfortunately
it kills its pupils."
Carolyn, if you could assist
with organizing a memorial
at the refuge
for those unable
to make it to the funeral.
George, if you might
telephone James.
Of course.
He'll want to be here.
Please make clear
I don't expect him
to drop everything
and rush home.
Well, it's high time he did.
I'll speak with
the funeral home.
If you take no issue
with the service
being held later in the week?
As you wish.
If there's anything
I can do for you...
I'll let you know.
If you'll excuse me,
I'll say good night.
Of course.
Excuse me.
Mother?
Yes?
Would you like me to sit
with you for a little while?
What?
No.
You've every reason
to feel the shock of this.
This was hardly unexpected.
Just not today.
No.
You need to keep
a close eye on her.
Yes.
I'm not sure I've ever
seen her like that.
Well, she's just
suffered a terrible loss.
Yes.
He was a fine man.
I think I need
to hold our son.
Yeah. Me too.
It's higher than I'd like.
Must we revisit this
conversation at every upheaval?
Perhaps something
to help you sleep?
Oh!
Douglas says insomnia
is the refuge
of the guilty conscience.
Said.
He was very fond of you.
Yeah, a good bloke.
I'll miss him.
And after everything,
I suppose it makes sense.
His heart giving out
like that.
I'm sure you're right.
What?
Nothing.
If you wouldn't mind.
Yeah, of course.
Oh, thank God you're here.
How is she this morning?
Strip the linen.
- Take the bed to the attic.
- Come and see.
And the equipment
back to the hospital!
What are you waiting for?
This should have been done
hours ago.
S-Sorry, ma'am.
Really, is a little bit
of initiative too much to ask?
Elizabeth,
perhaps we can lend a hand.
Excuse me.
Thank you, Lynette.
That'll be all.
Lynette, take that with you.
What happened there?
- Does it matter?
- I think tea. Anyone?
Yes.
Mr. Bligh? Telephone.
Sir Richard Bennett.
Go ahead.
This new information
makes dealing with him...
A challenge.
But you'll play your hand well.
Richard.
No, this really
isn't a good time, I'm afraid.
George, I heard about Goddard.
It's a terrible shock.
Condolences to all.
I'll pass them on.
Is it jumping the gun
to ask about funeral plans?
Well, that's very kind of you
to think of us,
but, uh, I know you have
more pressing matters.
Well, these are the times
we need our friends
close by, George.
Mother's keen for it to be
a small affair, Richard.
Just family.
Good thing I am, then.
I understand there's to be
a memorial in town
for his city friends,
colleagues.
I'll let you know, shall I?
Oh, bunkum.
I need to come down
to your neck of the woods.
I just snapped up
the local rag for a song.
The Mercury?
And we really should discuss
financing your reelection.
How deep will your pockets be?
Once the funeral's over,
let's meet in town, shall we?
Not getting cold feet
on me, George?
I'll be in touch.
Mother will appreciate
your condolences.
Goodo.
George.
You're back from Canberra.
I-I didn't realize.
- You've read my letter?
- I have.
You believe me now,
why I've returned?
I had a mind to.
Until Richard telephoned.
- I-I don't understand.
- Oh, please, Regina.
No outsiders could have known
of Douglas's death.
Who else could have fed him
such intimate information?
Douglas passed away?
Oh, my.
Poor Elizabeth.
You... You didn't know?
No.
So you don't have someone
feeding you information?
Sir Richard
is the one for spies.
So why is he so very determined
to attend the funeral?
He wants to dance on the grave
and savor Elizabeth's pain.
The malice I told you of.
I urge you
not to underestimate it.
Your financial affairs.
Have you investigated?
- When Parliament rises...
- Be forensic.
Instinct tells me that
somewhere in your accounts
is a road map to his revenge.
You must look...
Please! This is...
It's too much.
I won't take orders
from you, Regina.
Please.
Please trust me.
He's moving faster
than I suspected.
Grandmother?
I made a list of readings
for the service.
The funeral is days away.
Reverend Curtis
wants to dot the I's.
I was thinking
perhaps Matthew 11:28.
"Come to me,
all you who are weary..."
It's hardly your place.
I'll leave the list
on your bureau.
Grandmother,
it's all right to be upset.
Or angry.
Or whatever you need to be.
This is where Douglas proposed.
The very spot.
He made you so happy.
- Oh!
- Oh!
Oh, goodness.
It's a beautiful work,
Mr. Gibbs.
When did you find time
to do the sitting?
Ah, I did it when you
weren't looking, Mrs. Goddard.
And that wasn't very easy.
Ah, I knew something was up!
Oh, my darling,
you're wonderful.
♫ Oh, we're going
to the hukilau ♫
♫ Huki, huki, huki, huki, huki,
hukilau ♫
♫ Everybody loves the hukilau ♫
♫ Where the laulau is the kaukau
at the hukilau ♫
♫ We'll throw our nets
out into the sea ♫
♫ And all the 'ama'ama
come swimming to me ♫
♫ Oh, we're going
to the hukilau ♫
♫ Huki, huki, huki, huki,
hukilau ♫
Grandmother.
Not the Matthew.
And no roses in the church.
It's odd, though, isn't it?
He always had roses
in the hospital.
It's the arrangement
that matters,
not the individual blooms.
Mm, poor James
and Miss Olivia,
having to drop everything
and come home.
It's Mrs. Goddard I feel for,
having to wait.
Five days is too long.
My dear Mr. Collins
was blessed and buried
36 hours from his final breath.
Right.
George.
What on earth's the matter?
It's Regina, isn't it?
What has she done?
The two bad years we had...
the strike.
Richard steered me towards
some solicitor's loans
to tide us over.
She... She warned me
to be more forensic.
The accountants
have just discovered
that the firms that issued
those loans
are all owned
by one shelf company.
Richard's.
He can call them in.
He can take Ash Park
any time he wants,
and she's convinced
he's poised to make a move on us
sooner rather than later.
How can you be sure
she's not part of this?
I can't!
But given what she did
for Anna, given that her...
her information is correct...
No, this is Regina
we're talking about.
I know!
And all that she's done,
I know!
You know, I almost
dropped my guard in Canberra
and suffered the consequences.
I'd have to be very certain
about Regina
to allow for that again.
On the other hand,
if I'd listened to her
that day at the car,
we'd be way ahead on this.
You know how I feel.
What if I proceed to judge her
in good faith, and you...
...you be the voice of caution
in my ear.
Bad news, I'm afraid.
A message from Olivia.
She says they stopped
in Darwin to refuel
and have been delayed
by weather.
They won't be able to make
Douglas's funeral.
But it's a comfort, isn't it,
that they'll be here later.
We'd better get going.
Mother?
The simpering.
Pitying looks.
It's too much.
I can't face it.
What are you saying?
You can't not go.
Don't do something
in the heat of the moment
you'll later regret.
Mother, what is it?
Please, tell me.
Well, no one
will force you to go
if you don't want to.
Almighty God, you judge us
with infinite mercy and justice
and love everything
you have made.
In your mercy,
turn the darkness of death
into the dawn of new life.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
In sure and certain hope of
the resurrection to eternal life
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will transform
our frail bodies.
God of mercy, we acknowledge
we are all sinners.
Forgive us for that is past
and help us live each day
in the light of Christ our Lord.
Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
May God our Father
forgive us our sins
and bring us into
the joy of his eternal kingdom,
where dust and ashes
have no dominion.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Amen.
Just think,
a couple of days ago
we were all here
having a high old time.
Yes, indeed, indeed.
Are you gonna finish that?
Funerals put me off my tucker.
Ah, tell them
what you were saying before.
It's interesting.
Oh, um, where I come from,
we refrain from using
the Christian name
of the person who's passed on,
or we don't
look at pictures of them.
- Is that right?
- Yeah.
- Because of respect.
- Mm.
Yeah, it allows
their spirit to pass on.
We call them Kuminjay.
Kuminjay Goddard.
Well, the things you learn.
I thought you'd be
hanging off the front gate
waiting for James.
Mm. Is it wrong to be excited
at a funeral?
I expect so.
You are a horrible man,
Henry Fox,
but I don't think
Douglas would mind.
He wanted everyone
to be happy, didn't he?
Even if he didn't quite
understand, he never judged.
Mm.
James is coming home.
The men will be going down
to the station soon.
You wouldn't like
to say goodbye?
I'd like to be quiet
for a little while, thank you.
All right.
Goodbye, my love.
- Thank you for coming.
- Thank you so much.
- It was lovely.
- You have a safe trip home.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
At least Mother
made it through the service.
I wonder, should we bring her
out to say goodbye to the men?
Carolyn's with her.
She'll know.
The car! It's them!
James and Olivia.
They're home.
- Shall we?
- Yeah, come on.
Oh!
Oh, my goodness.
It is so wonderful
to see you all.
Elizabeth.
I'm so terribly sorry.
It's wonderful
to have you back, my dear.
- Grammy, it's me.
- It is, my darling.
Olivia.
Let's get you inside.
Come on, Master Georgie.
Cocoa, I think, Lynette.
Livvy! Darling.
Where is James?
Livvy, what's going on?
What's happened?
Let's talk inside.
It's best if I speak
with the family first.
Just tell me he's all right.
He is.
It's better this way.
I have rounds to do
at the hospital.
I'll come and find you
as soon as I can.
Moved?
- Permanently?
- The Riviera?
He wouldn't.
Not without telling us.
Please, let me finish.
This will not stand.
He's abandoning his child.
I beg you, George, everyone,
let me start at the beginning.
We arrived in England
playing roles that would quash
any questions once we divorced.
Despite the subterfuge,
we enjoyed ourselves.
Which is why the trip to see
my brother in Cap Ferrat
seemed a good idea.
James could hardly come home
without visiting William.
But when we got
to the Riviera,
it was as if
it was destined to be.
As if what was destined to be?
His feelings for William.
It's a flight of fancy.
That's what he's caught up in.
It's much more than that,
George.
His kind, they're thought of
differently there.
And what that meant to him.
Dining with Somerset Maugham
and Noel Coward.
Edward and Wallis Simpson.
To feel so accepted.
You mean to tell me that James
has deserted his family,
his son, for a bunch
of gin-soaked celebrities?
George.
He's staying for love.
He couldn't
tell us this himself?
Being here would have only
made it harder for everyone.
Harder for himself.
He's not here
because he's a damned coward.
- You don't mean that.
- The hell I don't.
He thought this way
would be easier for you.
Your health.
And what of Ash Park?
His life here?
His responsibilities?
If you saw how contented he is.
William has a very successful
design company.
James is helping him
on the business side.
James? Business?
He thought you would
want to telephone.
Did he?
It's the middle
of the night there.
Excuse me.
George.
This is the not the behavior of
the man that I raised him to be.
I've a mind to cut off
his allowance.
Your mother.
Don't speak to him in anger.
The accommodations I made,
and this is how he repays me.
You know that loving children
isn't a quid pro quo
transaction.
You've been a good father
to him, as you are to David.
Mm, and when he abandons me for
some bloody kibbutz in Israel?
It's merely a matter of time
before he deserts me too.
It's the natural way of things.
All boys separate themselves
at some point.
International number, please.
France. Nice.
045471.
But they return in time.
With understanding.
James. Wake up!
It's your father.
It will not do, James.
It will not do at all.
I simply won't stand for it.
And you know full bloody well
that we can't have a proper
discussion on an open line.
Father, I realize
that you're angry,
that this comes
as a shock to you.
To have poor Olivia
do your dirty work?
Left here to try and justify
this appalling
lack of character.
That is enough!
I do not expect you
to support my decision,
but you will respect
that it is mine to make.
No, not when you push
the entire family aside.
Don't think that I haven't
thought about this
long and hard, because I have.
If you could see
my life here...
When you see my life here,
you will understand.
I know it.
These fast friends of yours,
this life you're living,
it's a passing fancy, James,
nothing more.
No, you're wrong.
There is a future here.
Happiness.
Well, shouldn't a father
want what's best for his son?
And what of Georgie, James?
Your son.
What's best for him?
He will be loved
no matter where he is,
by Olivia and all of you
when he is there,
and by me when he is
old enough to travel.
You'd bring a child into that?
What, to a house filled
with joy and laughter?
Who wouldn't want
to grow up like that?
You were given every advantage,
most of which
you've frittered away.
And I am not ungrateful,
but that house,
that life, it suffocates!
I know you understand that.
I hope in time
you find a way to forgive me.
To understand.
I miss you all terribly.
So there's...
...there's nothing
I can say to change your mind?
I'm afraid not.
Very well.
Goodbye.
Apologetic but unrepentant.
Wait until I get my hands
on his skinny neck.
For what it's worth, I am sorry.
Olivia...
Now, you know that you are
always welcome here.
You and little Georgie.
Thank you.
It would be a grave mistake
for you to stay here.
Mother!
I say bravo, James.
Bravo!
At last someone
in this family
has had the courage
to embrace their happiness.
What are you saying?
Well, look at us.
Look at what obligation and duty
have done to our lives.
How I wish I'd walked out those
gates when I was James's age.
How different my life
could have been.
How much more time
I would have had.
Curious indeed that she arrived
without her husband.
Well, it's none our beeswax,
is it?
One trusts there's not
a more European reason.
We can give you a lift home
if you'd like.
No, thanks.
I'm parked 'round the bend.
- Oh!
- You right, Dawnie?
Mm.
Just a cramp.
She's been
off her tucker too.
Ohh. I see.
You see what?
It's too many figs.
Tree out the back's
filthy with them.
Mm.
Very perilous fruit, the fig.
He's the eldest son.
And it means nothing to him?
Look, it's been a long day.
How about we take David
down to the riverbank
while there's still some sun?
I've been a fool.
I've been a blind fool.
You couldn't have foreseen this.
I shouldn't have let James go
and I shouldn't have let
Richard into our lives.
We can't change the past,
but we can look forward.
Yes.
We can look forward.
Why not let him have it?
Richard.
Why not let him have Ash Park?
Why am I fighting for something
that no one else wants?
James may well reconsider.
Mother's right.
Why shouldn't we all be free
to pursue happiness?
It's a terrible blow.
I gave up a life for him.
Career.
Friends.
For him.
I hope he rots
on the stinking Riviera.
Finish the letter.
I'm not even worth
a telephone call.
Henry?
Oh, Henry.
I wrote to him every day.
Every day.
While he was
with someone else.
William was a great love.
I suppose...
...I've come to see that
there is love.
And then there is great love.
Like Elizabeth and Douglas.
But not James and I?
Nor he and I.
Well, yes, yes,
Mr. Fox may well think
that's how
the rosters should be,
but that doesn't make it
any of his business.
I got to go.
I need to talk to you.
If it's about rosters,
then you can...
Who asked you to order
toxicology on Douglas Goddard?
Who asked you to open my mail?
Was it you?
You were close to Douglas.
You know my feelings on that.
Someone wasn't so reticent.
You were the one promoting
a comfortable death.
Which is why
I wanted the report.
I told you that.
Insurance.
Well, you had no cause
to think that's what happened.
You and I both know
that Douglas died too suddenly.
We have a responsibility
to find out what happened.
What, you want to start
an inquisition?
They're a grieving family.
My grieving family.
I've been blackmailed
once before
by a member of your family.
Regina.
A long time ago.
Any number of people had access
to Douglas before he died.
- Friends, men from the refuge...
- Your family.
Anyone could have given him
the phenobarbital.
I'll look into it.
Look fast.
Sarah.
Regina,
what are you doing here?
If the mountain
won't come to Muhammad...
- If you'll excuse me.
- I won't keep you long.
I hoped that you might have
returned from Canberra
more open to accepting me,
once you read my letter.
I didn't bother.
I tore it up.
It was important.
George told me that
you promised David was safe.
What else is there to say?
I accept that you have
George's confidence,
but mine, it's not relevant.
Let's just leave it at that.
I was hoping
that once you understood
what happened with René...
René?
I know what he meant to you.
Your marriage,
your shared faith.
It wasn't René
who pulled the trigger.
It was me.
It wasn't René.
And I didn't do it
with any malevolence or intent.
I came across them arguing,
George and René.
René was very agitated.
Put the gun down!
Put the gun down!
I tried to take the gun,
there was a scuffle,
and in the confusion
it went off.
I never believed
René shot George.
Believing and knowing are
too very different things.
That's why the letter
was so important.
I'm serious about making amends.
This is my way
of proving it to you.
Are we gonna talk about this
anytime soon?
You're in the family way,
aren't you?
Doris ain't the only one that
can put two and two together.
Don't be angry.
I just... I didn't know
how to tell you.
I know how you feel
about more little ones.
And with Emma off our hands
in a few years...
I'm closer to Douglas Goddard's
age than yours.
Who knows how long a man's got?
Well, rather a short time
with you...
...and our bub
than a long time with neither.
Maybe a little bundle of joy
just what the doctor ordered
right about now, eh?
It's half shock,
half blessing, isn't it?
No.
It's all blessing, Dawnie.
It's all blessing.
And you think it was me?!
- I have to ask.
- Do you?
If there was to be
a proper investigation...
Whoever did it deserves a medal.
Look, I don't want this
getting out of hand.
Henry's ready
to bring in the police
which, actually, is his duty.
If that's everything.
Caro.
Don't you dare
mention this to mother.
- They weren't happy faces.
- No.
Did you check?
Oh. Yes. Everyone who
signed out phenobarbital.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
You saw Douglas
before you went to Canberra.
That's right.
Anything I should know?
I have to ask.
Someone did.
Perhaps a man from the refuge
brought it to the party.
You know what we're doing,
don't you?
Avoiding the obvious.
We were escaping from some
action against the Germans,
and there was a field
we had to cross.
Two shots sounded, and she fell.
Her name...
Her name was Nesse.
Her Resistance name... Simone.
She was a good friend.
A good fighter.
I couldn't move her.
And she couldn't bear the idea
of what the Nazis would do to
her if she was captured, so...
She begged me.
To look into the eyes of someone
you care for so much...
...and be asked
to take their life.
What did you do?
I did it.
How could I not?
I helped Douglas.
May God forgive me enough
to allow us to meet again
in the afterlife.
You have to tell the truth
about that afternoon.
No, there's...
I can't. There's too much
turmoil in this house.
- I can't.
- At least tell Henry.
His respect for you
will be the only thing
that stops him
from calling in the police.
Because if he does,
the strength of your beliefs
may make you immune
from inquiry,
but not the men of the refuge.
It was Douglas's choice,
and I will not have
any of the men from the refuge
crucified for it.
One of whom clearly loved
Douglas enough to help him.
You knew he had the means.
Not until the end.
Was it his doing alone?
It was Douglas's choice.
I see no need
to take it further.
So now we're just to pretend
that nothing untoward
has happened.
I'll see to it that my friend
destroys the carbon.
Thank you, Henry.
I'm very grateful.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have
some preparations to make.
- Take off!
- Oh!
Oh, it's comforting, isn't it?
The resilience of children.
What have you told Georgie?
That Grandpa Douglas
has gone to visit the angels
and Daddy is on holidays
with a school friend.
Is that wrong of me?
Oh, where's the harm
in protecting them
from unhappiness?
Darling,
Mother's about to leave.
- Oh, she didn't say.
- She's asking to see you.
Over here!
Now, you keep your eye on him.
- Yes, of course.
- Thank you.
Oh! How did we go?
Did we take off everywhere?
Surely this isn't
all you're taking.
I'll pack up some things
tomorrow and send them on.
I'm taking all that I need.
How much does one need
for a visit to the city anyway?
Haven't you heard?
It's not a visit.
I've decided that some things,
some memories,
are best left behind.
I'm not yet strong enough
to return to our home.
Prudence has offered hers.
She's away, so it'll be perfect.
And Anna will stay with her
for as long as Mother needs.
You will come back
and see us soon?
Or we can come to you.
I am so very grateful
for your understanding.
Perhaps I could
travel with you, Mother.
- Help you you get settled.
- You have fussed quite enough.
And I've appreciated it.
Grandpa Douglas!
Thank you
for the most wonderful day.
It was too much for you.
I shouldn't have done it.
After our wedding day,
this has been the happiest day
of my life.
And... And to see the men.
Oh, my God, Lizzie, you've
no idea what that meant to me.
And to them.
- What is it?
- Let me...
Here, let me help you.
- No.
- It's all right.
No, no, leave me.
You know, Lizzie...
...we've come
to that sweet and perfect day.
The most perfect day
for me to take my leave.
Don't you think?
What's in that bottle?
But I can only go
with your blessing.
Not yet.
Not now.
I'm being selfish, I know,
but we have more time.
You are the first real happiness
in my life.
And you for me.
But my poor old body's done for.
I can't manage anymore.
Can't you see it's hopeless?
Give it to me.
No, no,
I can't have you involved.
Before I change my mind.
But... But your fingerprints.
I'll get rid of it.
Ohh, Lizzie.
I love you so much.
Please, let's kiss now.
You know what I'd like to hear?
Chopin.
"Tristesse."
It's on the table.
Don't mind me if I...
...doze off.
I wish I was coming with you.
I'll be waiting for you
when you do.
Goodbye...
...my love.
Oh, Douglas.
Douglas.
My darling.
Best thing for it,
Mrs. Goddard.
Does a heavy heart
the world of good.
Thank you, Raymond.