A Nagging Doubt A Place to Call Home

-Someone wants your book?

-They want me to go down to Sydney

to meet with them.

Give me a kiss.

-I said no!

-No-one says no to me.

SHE SOBS

He won't get away with this.

They'll call you a tramp and ruin your brother's career.

Is Georgie mine?

Of course Georgie is yours. He's our little boy!

Our baby didn't live.

I couldn't tell him.

Livvy, wait. Wait, let me explain.

Explain what?

-What is this?

-I got a little carried away.

We're going on an adventure, aren't we?

Where's my son?

-ELIZABETH:

-A marriage of convenience is easy to say -

it's not always easy to live.

I hope you're very certain that she doesn't expect you to love her.

Oh, Rene. Mon amour, je suis la.

-Why are you here?

-To pay my respects.

Liar!

The fact is, to have a successful political career,

I need someone by my side.

Whatever was between us, George, you're a married man...

-Nothing else matters.

-..and I'm equally unavailable.

We will be together soon, I promise you.

Oh!

Oh!

-GEORGE:

-'To Sarah Nordmann,

'I give devise and bequeath finances held in trust

'on behalf of our unborn child.'

Don't go blaming yourself.

It was my tonic she used, Doctor.

But you weren't to know.

Mixing it with...

A prayer for her immortal soul.

HE BLOWS WHISTLE

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

Rest in peace, lass.

Amen.

Amen.

Oh, Mrs Nordmann, a terrible tragedy!

Poor kiddies, losing their beloved teacher like that.

And her family waiting for the coffin!

For one so young to take a life and then to use...

If it hadn't been your mixture, she would've used something else.

Some of my customers have cancelled their deliveries.

There is nothing dodgy about your stuff.

-It's all been given the all-clear, all right?

-Mm.

Are you sure you'll cope without me?

It's just till Monday.

Good luck.

Bloody awful way to go.

Hard to get out of your mind.

She's in here! Quickly!

SHE RINGS BELL

Anna!

-Still working on your little book. What fun.

-How can we help you?

There are things that need saying best said in your father's absence.

-Shall we say cocktail hour?

-Oh, Regina, we'd really...

No, I insist.

No need to dress.

-Did I hear a "yes"?

-Well, she obviously did.

You know, she's right.

There are things that need to be said.

I'll pick you up round three, I suppose?

I'll walk home. Thanks, Roy.

-Milly got away?

-Yes.

-You're a Godsend.

Looking after the lot of them is a chore.

-How are you holding up?

-I'm managing not to cry, just.

If only I'd done more to help her.

And the children?

-Um, they do say kids are resilient.

-Yes.

There's only one I'm worried about, Emma Carvolth.

She's normally a bright little thing.

Perhaps a nurse...

I'll see what I can do.

And if you need any help?

I knew Milly was miserable.

She and Gordon, her fiance, had some sort of...

But...

I should've seen.

-It's class time.

-Yes. Into the fray.

Don't let them get under your skin.

Come on. Let's go! Quickly!

Hello.

You're Emma, am I right?

I'm Mrs Nordmann. I'm helping until the new teacher comes on Monday.

CHILDREN LAUGH

I wonder if you might tell me where my classroom is?

Please?

So, how are you?

-ELIZABETH:

-Now, be sure to send a wreath.

It's important that the girl's family know

-that others aren't being judgmental.

-It's done.

-Oh, thank you.

Are the police sure it's suicide?

There's some sort of rift with her fiance, apparently.

He's with the air force in Malaya.

How did she do it?

Rat poison with a tonic. Her fellow teacher found her.

That's dreadful.

Puts our troubles into perspective.

Limited comfort, under the circumstances.

Those came from Olivia with this card.

"Don't judge me too harshly."

-Have she and James spoken?

-They're meeting this morning...

-Finally.

-I'm meeting him afterwards.

-Carolyn, her.

-Don't waiver.

How can something society condemns feel so perfect?

Because society lives grey little lives

devoid of any colour.

SHE LAUGHS

That is such an artist's reply!

That's the reply of a man in love.

I should dress.

GEORGIE CRIES Shush, shush. It's all right.

There we go.

All right. All right.

Oh, wish me luck.

Remember, you, me, Georgie, London.

A whole new life.

Remember this.

-Lloyd!

-Well, who cares what anyone thinks?

Sometimes, when things upset us, it's good to write things down...

so I would like to spend the rest of today writing down how you feel

about what happened to Ms Davis.

-Ow!

-LAUGHTER

Now you don't have to read it out or show anyone.

It's just for you and me.

And not even me, if you'd prefer.

So you have half an hour.

THEY ALL CHATTER

Quietly! Quietly!

Ow! Stop it, Larry!

I think you need to stay behind.

-Stay behind what, Miss?

-LAUGHTER

I'll... I'll wait here.

I'd kiss you if I could.

Good luck.

No hope?

No.

I still like you, Miss, even if you're keeping me in.

Two more minutes.

-REGINA:

-I accept that you've cast me in the role of wicked stepmother,

but your father and I married for his political career.

I'm asking that you respect our union for the same reason.

-You can't blame me for how I feel.

-Need we talk about blame?

Please, a ceasefire, for your father's sake.

Not your own?

Me, no.

I simply wish to spare him the burden of a spoilt brat

doing what she's always done - assuming everything is about her.

-Hey, hey...

-As I said, a frank discussion.

I will not toady for your approval, Anna.

-It will come in time or it will not.

-It will not.

Regardless, I am asking for a truce.

And if I don't give it?

Please, don't make me go to your father.

How do you think he'll see your refusal?

I imagine he'll see it as the actions of a petulant child.

-Let's go, Anna.

-You could have said all that without dragging us here.

Some things are best said on one's home ground

and this is now my home ground.

Let yourselves out.

And my little novel is going to be published.

Thank you for asking.

-Why now?

-What do you mean?

Well, she's known my attitude for quite some time,

so why this now?

Something's got her building her defences.

Let's go.

-Thank you for coming.

-Father.

-A brandy?

-Please.

How's Grandmother?

Hoping to see you.

I thought a visit, under the circumstances,

-might do more harm than good.

-I understand.

Your grandmother and I have no intention

of judging either of you.

However, we would like to comment.

Of course.

You seem to have given up rather easily.

I gather the fault lies with Olivia?

I bear a good portion of the blame.

But you've put that part of yourself aside.

Thank you.

I left her vulnerable to other things.

Surely there's hope for reconciling?

No.

And what was said of Georgie?

We'll discuss details when our feelings are less raw.

You didn't even canvass him?

-In due course.

-You baffle me sometimes.

I assume Olivia accepts she's not keeping him?

She loves him.

I will not see my grandson raised by some painter

and carried off to London when that inevitably fails.

The courts would never award her custody, anyway.

-We needn't start thinking about that.

-We will, if necessary.

I am happy to see them together,

if she remains here.

You be as cavalier as you wish with your marriage,

but not with Georgie.

-He's my son.

-He is my grandson.

He is a Bligh. He will be raised by us.

Grow a backbone, man!

-CAROLYN:

-It's not a message I enjoy delivering,

but at least it avoids any impossible unpleasantness

between you and George.

Has James summoned the nerve

to tell you he's exploring his own desires?

So, where is Georgie better placed -

with me or peering out of the crib at James and Henry Fox?

Is that the truth?

I left when I found them together.

It's why he's capitulated so easily.

Oh.

Well, don't tell George, please, if James doesn't.

In other words, bear all the shame and part with my son.

That is truly a Bligh solution.

The family takes the shame.

James will be snapped and arranged adulterous tryst.

The divorce will be granted on those grounds

and you will receive a generous settlement.

You will be free to move on to any life you choose.

Without my baby.

I'm afraid so.

What if I fought for him?

Then you would be named as adulterous.

The courts will favour the family.

I'm sorry.

-If you only knew.

-Knew what?

I'll go before I say things I regret.

-ELIZABETH:

-Hello?

What's my prognosis, in your opinion?

I'm not your attending physician.

But you are perusing my chart and showing a good deal more interest

than might be considered usual.

So, your prognosis?

A second attack of this nature doesn't augur well for longevity.

-SHE CHUCKLES

-Thank you.

You have a nice way with the euphemism.

I assume that you're reporting back to James.

My body may be frail, but my perception's are not.

I also assume that the attraction is mutual.

It is.

Is that why Olivia left?

Partly.

I see.

It was never my intention to cause harm.

Sit down, Mr Fox.

Should the seemingly inevitable transpire,

James will need a friend.

I forced him to marry once,

I shan't do it again.

I count on you to teach him what I imagine you already know.

How to be as you are whilst avoiding scandal.

I think that's the best we can hope for now, isn't it?

Gawping does not become you, Doctor.

REGINA: I appreciate your keen observations, Mrs Collins.

As wife of the member to be,

there's only so much I can keep up with.

Anything you could glean on this new police sergeant, for instance.

I hear he's rather charming

and I do hope people aren't gossiping too much

over this poor girl's suicide.

-DORIS:

-How lovely.

A lady such as yourself offering to help me with my little task.

Oh, I'm glad to.

SHE CHUCKLES

I must go, I'm afraid.

Good night.

I worked out what's been niggling at me.

What's that?

Well, all the children have written how much she loved them.

Milly was found in the classroom.

She would never have let them find her like that.

She did, but.

If she killed herself.

What if she didn't?

I know what you're saying.

There's only one problem, though -

she hadn't an enemy in the world.

-Are you sure?

-No-one would want to hurt her.

No. She was...heartsore.

I should've seen how bad.

-Sorry. I didn't mean...

-It's best left there. I...

All right. Come on.

Come on.

What time is it?

You countrymen are always up with the larks.

One of the benefits of being in town.

How was your night shift?

Interesting.

Order us breakfast. I'm going to shower.

HE RINGS DOORBELL

Coming. WATER RUNNING

Good morning, sir.

Put it over there.

Breakfast for two, sir. I hope you enjoy it.

Presumptuous pup.

I'm sure he imagined some high-class floozy

who serviced you mercilessly.

It's not his place to imagine anything.

I'm sure he's seen it all.

Well, perhaps not all.

I have a good mind to report his smirk to the management.

Lesson number one -

when you've something to hide, don't initiate a fuss.

Quickest way to have questions asked about your doings

is to draw attention to them.

You make it sound like school.

With your grandmother's blessing.

As I said, interesting night.

-I'm looking for Mrs Bligh's room.

-Yeah, just at the end on the left.

Thank you.

HE KNOCKS AT DOOR

-SHE EXHALES SHARPLY

-At last.

-Oh, thank you.

-Um...

Oh, they're beautiful.

How are you feeling?

Better by the day.

Did Henry report our conversation?

What made you see it?

The increase in time spent away.

The look in your eyes when he's mentioned.

Echoes of things I experienced with your grandfather.

It doesn't disgust you?

I'll never truly understand it and I worry for you...

..but I know you won't be happy with another sham marriage

or with celibacy.

Does my frankness shock you?

Yes, it does.

I love you, Grandmother.

It's a changing world, my darling.

Let's see how many changes I can accommodate.

HE CHUCKLES

-Perhaps suggest that to Father.

-Oh!

THEY LAUGH

-Bye!

-Publish or perish!

-Mwah!

-TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

SHE LAUGHS

How do you feel about it - the book?

Oh, I'm trying to get used to it, you know?

She's changed it a bit.

-Well, you're a good man.

-Well, sometimes.

SHE SIGHS Have I missed the train?

Oh, it must've been early.

Parcel for my husband.

Wretched rail.

It's good to see you, Jack.

Regina! Excuse me. Regina!

-Could I have a word with you, please?

-Don't tell me.

An opportunity for spousal gallantry.

I'll say it for you.

Do anything to upset Anna and you'll have me to deal with.

And you will, too.

Anna is more than capable of looking after herself.

You forget I was the dirt-poor Italian

who took on Mrs Bligh and won.

-Your point?

-I can beat you, too.

It's a shame we're at odds.

We've both fought for love and...we're both ready to defend it.

We'd make better friends than enemies, Gino.

We've got plenty of cows on the farm.

We don't need any more.

Signorina.

Rose!

Rose!

I bought a new lipstick the other day.

I think it might suit you far more than it suits me.

Come here.

Lovely.

See how pretty you are?

Take it, I insist.

Thank you, Mrs Bligh.

There's just one little thing I need you to do for me.

CAROLYN: Coming!

SHE GASPS Get out!

-Leave! Now!

-Oh, calm down.

Listen, I hear rumblings about your nephew's marriage.

I just want the good oil before I tackle George.

That is none of your affair!

Relax.

If your dubious virtue was in any danger,

you'd be on your back already, moaning for more. I...

..just want confirmation, that's all.

James and Olivia have separated.

It is the family's business.

There'll be no separation.

You can't stop it.

I can do what I want...

You know that.

Mr Poletti.

Rose.

I brought something for you.

It's dinner. I heard Mrs Poletti's away.

Thank you.

-Mrs Bligh didn't...

-Mrs Bligh doesn't know.

Don't get yourself into trouble.

You were kind to me...that night with the baby in the barn.

It's a thank you.

It's fine.

There's one other thing.

I was wondering maybe, on my days off...

..could you teach me Italian? I could pay you.

I want to go there one day - Rome.

-Really? Roma?

-You can dream, can't you?

-OK.

-Thank you!

-And, uh, no charge.

-Oh, but I can...

-No, no, no, no. That's the deal.

Maybe I could find you a good Italian husband in the bargain.

-Maybe you can!

-SHE CHUCKLES

I don't care how you manage it, but until the election

and for a good few months after, happy families.

They're not my choices to...

..to make.

I don't want a messy Bligh divorce all over the newspapers

as you're coming into the home stretch.

-Fix it.

-I would prefer a change of tone.

Don't be so bloody sensitive.

-It's good practise for parliament.

-HE CHUCKLES

You're not going out to play? EMMA SNIFFLES

What is it? EMMA SOBS

You didn't write anything yesterday about Ms Davis.

We can talk about it, if you like.

It's all right. It's all right. It's going to be all right.

It's not, Miss! It's not!

I killed her!

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY, WHEEZES

It's all right, Emma. Just breathe deeply.

I've given her something for the asthma.

Well, even if it just helps her sleep -

she hasn't been.

Have you any idea why she might feel responsible?

She came home cross the day they found Ms Davis.

She'd been kept in

and it meant she couldn't go to a birthday party.

Other than that...

When she heard, she went pale as a ghost.

I just thought she was sad.

-You can go in.

-Oh. Thank you, Doctor.

I should get back.

Um... Are you going to call the police?

Not yet.

The new sergeant's pretty gung-ho. Better she doesn't wake up to that.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-ANNA:

-Hello? It's me!

Oh, my darling!

Oh! Opening night of the Ice Capades.

Those skaters know how to put it away.

I'll just drop this and run, otherwise I'll be late.

Wish me luck.

I'm sure they love what you've written

-or they wouldn't be seeing you.

-I hope.

-Go!

-Yes.

-We'll talk later.

-Fingers crossed.

Oh, God!

TELEPHONE RINGS

Dr Duncan.

OVER PHONE: 'It's me. Uh, Anna's arrived.

'I was wondering...'

I know I should be here for her and Mother, but...

I'm missing you.

What do you think about my coming down?

Mother will understand, don't you think? Should I?

Are you all right?

Of course.

I'm just nervous about letting Mother down.

Excuse me, Doctor. Emma's awake. I think you should come.

OK.

Uh...

look, get here as soon as you can.

I love you.

DIAL TONE

Evidently, Doctor, the poor little thing got it all wrong.

Thank you.

-WHISPERING:

-We're going to find out what it is.

She thinks cos she said "I hope you die" to Ms Davis

that she wished it on her and made it happen.

You silly duffer. Oh, sweetie.

You mind if I...?

Emma...

..no-one's...no-one's thoughts can make somebody die.

In books, maybe. Not in the real world.

I'm a doctor, I know.

They said she was unhappy. She wasn't, but.

-Ms Davis?

-She was real happy.

She died because I wished it upon her.

-HE SIGHS

-How do you know she was happy?

-The letter.

-What letter?

The one that she opened when she was keeping me in.

Kids. Here you go. That's a boy.

-What did Emma say?

-It's very strange.

She reckons Milly Davis opened a letter that...

Sergeant, this is Mrs Nordmann.

Nordmann? Yes. I've heard about you.

We have a search to do. Would you mind stepping outside, please?

Sergeant, all Milly's things I sent to the family.

Actually, I found a letter.

It was slipped inside the detention book,

addressed to Milly. It's...

Oh! The...

The engagement was back on.

Perhaps you're right.

She said someone probably did it.

Did you, now?

Well, I just couldn't see Milly risking the children

finding her like that.

It makes sense if you think about it.

You're a real Miss Marple, aren't you?

I'm just trying to help.

Yeah.

Miss Griggs.

It seems you have an issue with me, Sergeant.

Your husband shot George Bligh, right?

-I don't see what that...

-It's all right, Jack.

That was proven to be an accident.

And this was a suicide...until it wasn't.

I hear you're a Communist, too.

I've got a few issues with you, actually,

but they'll keep.

Constable.

-So, Miss Bligh...

-Oh, please, call me Anna.

Well...I'm Mr Cowan.

As your editor,

I shall be wanting to maintain a professional distance.

Are you saying that...?

I have no doubt we'll be publishing you.

You're a very talented young woman.

Thank you. I just...

I'm so glad that you like my story.

Ah. Well, yes. Your story - that's another matter.

Oh, I'm sorry. I don't understand.

Your manuscript proves you can write.

Your subject matter, however...

Readers aren't interested in the dago experience.

I beg your pardon.

"Tender Vines, the story of a wealthy young woman

"forgoing privilege to marry an Italian farmer."

It strains credulity as well as readers' sympathies.

Mr Cowan, that's my own story.

You are a lady,

a member of Australia's squattocracy.

I have a contract here for a different work entirely

to be written about your world by someone who's lived in it.

There's a signing fee and guaranteed publication.

You could be the next Henry Handel Richardson.

It's a generous offer.

But, of course, if you wish to seek advice...

You're not interested in what I've written.

Your talent, yes.

Your subject matter, no.

You must remember it wasn't that long ago

we were fighting the dagos.

Dagos.

That's my husband you're talking about.

Rose!

I trust Gino appreciated our gesture.

He's taught me a few words already.

Buongiorno. Come stai?

It means, "Good morning. How are you?"

You'll be quite the Italiana before you're done.

I suppose you think me a scandalous fool.

Well, perhaps less so,

not having had what you said to him translated.

Best not. Trust me.

Well, there are other publishers.

-Perhaps Sir Richard might advise on the way forward.

-No.

His connections to publishing are tenuous.

He owns newspapers.

Anna would rather succeed on her own merits, wouldn't you?

-I hope to, but if Sir...

-There. Good.

Is anything wrong?

I'm simply missing Jack.

I hope neither of you mind if I head back to Inverness,

see if the campaign needs a hand.

GEORGIE CRIES

You know what I really can't resolve?

Not one of them has taken my feelings into account.

A decision is made and it's a fait accompli!

-OK. OK.

-It is just so damned unfair!

After all that I have suffered for them, they think they can just...

Look, you have to admit, he would be well looked after.

Ash Park, a Nanny, his father.

This isn't a decision they can make.

-Darling, I think they can.

-No.

It's an unpalatable truth.

Truth? SHE CHUCKLES

We'd all buckle under the weight of that.

Me most of all.

You want the truth?

James isn't Georgie's father.

-But you said...

-I didn't give birth to him.

After my first attack, I interfered

to try to force my values, my increasingly outmoded values,

on you all.

My motive was love.

The outcome was unfortunate, so this time I...

I want to use my reprieve to see you all happy.

Happily yourselves.

I like this new grandmother.

Mm. I do, too, rather.

And what about you? Mr Goddard?

No. With my prognosis, no.

-Well, shouldn't you at least...?

-No, he thinks I rejected him.

Best left that way.

Oh!

Now, you know, I think your mother was wrong about Sir Richard.

Will you fetch me my book? It's in my top drawer there.

I thought you weren't interfering.

-SHE EXHALES SHARPLY

-Only to the good.

-Mm-hm.

Ah, yes.

You're not...shocked?

-I am un-shockable.

-HE CHUCKLES

James was in no position to deal with a stillborn.

You can see, I...

I did it...for love.

I understand...

..but they may not.

Your actions were outrageous, Olivia.

There was a sense to them at the time.

-Perhaps less so now.

-Mm.

Lloyd...

if I told them the truth, it would guarantee me Georgie.

Um, not necessarily.

George would only go to court for blood.

-He wouldn't fight for him.

-But James might.

James has what he wants.

James has his man.

This is not who I am.

SHE SIGHS

So, what now?

The truth.

For the right reason.

For resolution.

He had his back up as soon as he heard your name.

Franklin clearly got in his ear before he left.

-You all right, then?

-I've handled worse.

-Ruddy Doris.

-Hm?

You were done with your library card hours ago.

There are many ways to be useful, Doctor.

Yeah. Well, sniffing for gossip isn't one of them. Scoot.

Dr Duncan can be so abrasive in a crisis.

An eventful day at school, I hear.

It's given me a lot of respect for teachers.

I might pop by Ash Park before heading home.

After a somewhat hesitant start,

the new Mrs Bligh and I have formed a charming intimacy.

-She's asked to be kept informed.

-Of what?

Of Milly's death, the new police sergeant,

what's being said.

Did she know her?

As Mrs Bligh, her interests are in all things Inverness.

Imagine my thrill the other day when she visited me

and even stayed to help me with my little tasks.

Which day?

-DORIS:

-All the herbs are from my own garden.

The chamomile and the red raspberry leaf

are especially good for low spirits or those who are carrying.

Mrs Nordmann was telling me how much she values it.

Oh, indeed, indeed.

If I could be so bold, perhaps more of that delicious cake?

Oh! Of course!

I won't be a moment.

-I'm in no hurry.

-Mm.

Here we are!

-Oh, isn't this cosy?

-Most.

Thought I'd get started on the tucker. Chops and mash do?

Roy, can I borrow your truck?

Suppose so.

I don't know how long I'll be.

Something wrong? You all right, missy?

-Excuse me, ma'am.

-Yes, Rose?

Mrs Nordmann's here. She asked for you.

Send her in. I won't require you.

To what do I owe this displeasure?

I'm curious...

How does it feel to be a murderer?