And the Blind Shall See A Place to Call Home

Lloyd, I have told you! It's all decided about Georgie.

I'll be coming on my own. We...

SHE SCREAMS

Will you marry me?

Yes, I will.

Marvellous!

Gino's eyes glow when he talks of children,

and there's a good chance that I can't have them.

The doctor told me after my miscarriage.

We're flying the new Kangaroo tourist class.

Cairo, overnight, Tripoli, and then Rome.

Flying Officer Gordon Walsh.

Message reads, "For unto us, a child is born in a manger in Inverness."

Have you thought of a name yet?

No. And he'll be Nordmann on the birth certificate.

Perhaps we should go our own ways.

For all of Virginia's shortcomings,

her advice over the past couple of months has been exemplary.

But you and Sarah...

Yes, I would marry her tomorrow, if I could.

But I have made this bed, and perhaps I have to lie in it.

So, Regina.

I'm sure she murdered Milly Davis.

You remember what I said about a roman a clef?

"Readers recognise the truth behind the fiction."

And reputations can be slayed.

Once you've delivered your manuscript,

it could give it proof absolute.

Regina would provide it herself.

Factions will be forming.

I trust I can rely upon you?

Thank you for lunch.

SHE SPEAKS ITALIAN

She shouldn't be around Regina.

Grandmother's plan won't work unless they're close.

You're using her.

-There is something I need to do...

-Mm-hm.

..if I can bring Anna and Gino home.

Sure you won't come?

It's nothing to do with me.

She'll ask how we are.

She has to know some time.

I'll play it by ear.

Thank you.

Roy would have you back, you know.

Oh, I'll find something.

Might even manage the spare room here, if they keep me on.

Can't believe how big he's got in two weeks.

Bye-bye, you.

He needs a name.

He's stuck with it his whole life, it merits thought.

-Thanks for the offer.

-Bed's there, if you need it.

You two and his nibs is enough for one home.

But expect visits.

-Grandmother!

-Oh, travel becomes you.

Mwah!

Oh.

Love becomes you.

May I?

You go away and, well...

It's lovely.

-Congratulations, grandmother.

-Thank you.

Gino?

It was a long flight.

He still disapproves of our plan?

Not of tackling Regina.

Of utilising Rose?

He says her letters show a change.

Would it help if I spoke to him?

Probably not.

May I try?

If you wish.

Well, I know what I wish is George disabused, Regina toppled,

and all damage redressed.

Then, we can get on with our lives.

Did you send him the telegram?

This morning.

And our incendiary device?

You've read it?

-Beautifully written. Incendiary, indeed.

-Oh, good.

Well, Italy first, then schemes.

I gave Anna three coins for the Trevi Fountain.

Perhaps the fountain has blessed all of us.

Anna and Gino were resting at Carolyn's before the final leg home.

So no explanation for the sudden return?

Mother's engagement, I presume.

They'd like to see me as soon as possible.

I'll go on the weekend.

We'll both go.

Are you sure?

Of course.

-Thank you, Rose.

-Yes, ma'am.

There will be the inevitable tensions.

Not from me.

Our Canberra months have been too rewarding to be sullied by

old grudges.

And there is the other matter of the baby.

I'd like to welcome our travellers home.

Let me prove I can stay well out of it.

I'll stay at the guest cottage.

Might be best.

Whatever's most conducive to calm.

Our arrangement has borne fruit here.

Give me my chance there, too.

All right.

Thank you.

We've finished before we started, if Regina doesn't return with him.

And lose the opportunity to trumpet her political triumph?

-She'll come.

-Undone by our worst impulses.

Which makes it all the more delicious.

As is this -

"The Monday knife scraping of Dot cutting cake,

"contrasting sharply with her own view of the lethal crystals,

"dissolving swiftly into the tonic."

I have reading to do.

And I will visit Gino.

Fine.

But only if you're sure.

If you are going...

..there are larger problems than his attitude about Rose.

Brings back memories.

How were your boys as babies?

There's nothing he can dish out that I haven't seen or heard.

Not a long time ago.

You up for it?

That's what cotton wool's for.

Are you sure it won't affect you and Dawn?

Might help, truth be told.

You being gone, it's given her notions.

Wasn't that the general idea?

Well, it made sense first up.

I thought you were enjoying stepping out.

Stepping out is fine.

Just not so sure about the stepping up...

to the altar.

Oh.

Keeping company's fine, but marriage is a whole other brew.

Don't go giving her false hopes.

I'll be too busy being Uncle Roy to be worried about being hubby

and dad to anyone.

And you thought I'd be protecting you, eh?

Well, I for one hope you stop running.

What about you?

I've stopped...

..for better or worse.

Oh.

Entrare.

Sorry, come in.

Adjusting to English, again?

Yes.

Anna passed on your congratulations.

Douglas is a good man.

He is.

Please.

Gino, I felt I should justify my choices.

-You don't have to...

-I think I do.

Being summoned back to intrigue must contrast with what you left

in Italy?

Yes.

How are you dear parents?

It was good...

being a whole family again.

All the more reason to apologise for hurrying you home.

Now, regarding Rose, I do believe that the ends justify the means.

-She cannot become what she's not inclined to be.

-And what do you...?

Or do you prefer to see Regina go unpunished?

She must be dealt with, Gino...

..before she has the chance to harm George's dealings with his son,

possibly even the baby himself.

-This is what I was glad to be away from.

-I understand.

Anna told me your sad news.

I'm so sorry.

I just have to get used to it.

There's always adoption.

No.

Well, we love Georgie no less for his origins.

You'll love the new baby more.

Of course you will.

I wanted my own son.

What's our marriage now?

That is foolishness.

Is it?

You've overcome so much to be together, me included.

You will weather this.

I will never hold our child.

But you will hold Anna.

Can't have Gino and Mrs Poletti coming home to a dirty house.

It is rather sudden.

Must be homesick.

Sarah's already back at Roy's.

What about you?

I'll keep on with the job, if Gino wants.

What are you doing Sunday?

Not much.

Friend of mine's having a birthday party in Sydney, mostly our kind.

Come.

Am I invited?

You will be, if I ask.

You'll never meet anyone here.

Nice thought.

Your kind of "our kind" aren't my kind.

-We get on.

-We've known each other since we were kids.

I'd just be rough trade to them.

Try.

For me.

If it helps you, fine.

But don't expect too much from me.

Pick you up midday, Saturday?

See you at the intersection, saves questions.

Be good to get out.

Thank you.

Gino? Gino?

I thought that we were staying till morning?

I want to get home.

Excuse me.

It'll be better there, we can take the late train.

If we must. Might you drive us?

-Of course.

-You've got plans.

-I can change them.

-Done.

We can take care of ourselves.

But thank you.

Let me know what you decide.

Did Grandmother say something?

-It's nothing to do with her.

-Well, what, then?

No, you're right, you're right.

We're more likely to get it into perspective there.

I want to.

I hope.

-Right now...

-We've been days in the air and we've hardly slept and...

..we only just found out.

So you're right.

Yeah.

It'll be... It'll be better at home.

Thought we said no more beautiful days in dark rooms.

I've got the most shocking head.

Livi.

You can't go on like this.

I am trying to move past it.

I just can't help but feel...

..so foolish.

Perhaps I should cancel my weekend plans.

Don't you be foolish.

Go.

I want to be strong.

I will be strong.

As long as you need.

There you go.

KNOCK ON DOOR

It's mealtime.

I've got a visitor, when you're ready.

Who?

James.

Come on.

It looks like you're going to meet your brother.

Hello, there.

Have you decided on a name?

No, not yet.

Look at you.

You're fast asleep, aren't you?

Yes, you are. Yes...

I'm not here for Father.

I hope you can understand.

It's between the two of you.

I'll leave you to it.

Thanks, Roy.

Sit down.

I'm here for Olivia.

She's extremely low.

I've tried helping, but...

What's wrong?

She's been dealt a rather large blow.

The man she was following to England has severed all ties.

He's left her in a funk.

When was this?

Just after he was born.

She's tried lifting herself out of it,

and I don't seem to be of very much use.

If I encouraged her to reach out to you...

I know you're trying to keep your distance from the family.

It's not that. It's...

She and I have had our differences.

But she admires you, very much.

You've always been my saviour.

I do seem to have built that reputation.

If you think I can help her...

Thank you.

Any message for Father, when he returns?

Just that his son is well.

And he's welcome.

Of course.

Is that all, ma'am?

It is.

Goodnight, dear.

I can't wait to be back, see Geno.

And show the other locals how sophisticated you've become.

That, too.

We both have things to show Inverness.

Hello, you.

Hello...

..David.

How do you feel about that?

David.

David.

For now, just David.

Yeah.

On approach.

I'll remain scarce, until it's time to play my part.

-It must work.

-You've been planning it long enough.

Things can still go awry.

Fingers crossed!

Welcome.

From the cut and thrust of the capital...

To the cut and thrust of home.

-Congratulations, again.

-Thank you.

I've been looking forward to the good oil on Canberra.

Well, there's plenty of that.

I insisted on coming, simply to add my own good wishes.

I shall abide by all rules and keep whatever distance is necessary.

Perhaps your new beginning might contribute

to warmer feelings, generally.

-Perhaps.

-Ma'am, your cases.

The grey room, I think.

Not the guest cottage?

As you said, new beginnings.

Come on.

They just arrived.

Good. I'll do the courtesies and be off.

Your father won't be offended?

He said not, on the telephone.

Have you sensed anything strange, the last few days?

How so?

Low voiced conversations.

The sense we're being excluded from something.

No-one is keen on Regina returning.

Maybe it's just that.

If you'd like to get away...

I am boring even myself.

I'll spare you the misery.

See Sarah.

I behaved so poorly over Harry.

That was months ago.

Her offer is genuine.

-I really should stay.

-Go to your gathering, please!

At least one of us should be happy.

The minute you're gone...

..I will see her.

Nice that you're back in the house.

I'll finish that.

Question the other staff, discreetly.

-See what's to tell.

-Yes, ma'am.

And pop over to the Polettis. I know you're anxious to.

Thank you.

See what Geno has to say.

He's an easier nut to crack than Anna.

Something's afoot.

Thank you for making the effort with Regina.

Oh, courtesy costs little,

especially given that I'll soon be gone.

We're finally taking that Middle Eastern trip.

-That's wonderful.

-We'll reside in Sydney when we return.

We're marrying overseas.

The usual malarkey is more of an embarrassment at our age

than anything else.

Unless you'd be too disappointed?

Whatever you see fit.

We'd be taking St Andrews Cathedral, if Prudence Swanson had her way.

Yes, it does seem a choice between all or no fuss.

Spot-on.

Anyway, you have things to discuss.

-Oh, Douglas, you don't have to...

-Yes, I do. You'll understand.

I'll be off doing my bit, then.

Good luck.

Mysterious.

George, there's something I want you to read.

Anna's novel.

And so much more than that.

I'm looking forward to it.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Oh, there you are.

-You're dashing off, aren't you?

-A quick word, first.

-Of course.

-And then come back, please.

-I'll read it later.

-No...

Now, please.

All right.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come.

Ah!

Lizzie and George are poring over the accounts,

I just wondered if you'd be up for a canter, you know?

I was thinking of putting my head down.

Oh, well, some other time, then.

The fresh air will do me good.

Excellent.

Right, well, I'll just get things ready.

You don't mind my roping Sarah in, then?

Quite the reverse. Shall I talk to Olivia?

If she brings it up, of course.

Any idea of what she intends to do now?

That's the problem.

I'll see you Tuesday.

Do you know what this business is with Anna's book?

I got a very firm no when I asked to read it yesterday.

It's been firmly foisted on me.

-Without a chance to draw breath.

-Seemingly.

Perhaps they value your keen literary eye.

I suspect not.

Oh.

Sarah said you're welcome to drop by, any time.

This will have to wait, I'm sorry.

-I'm off to see Sarah.

-It can't wait.

-It's waited long enough.

-Sarah...

Sarah wants this.

I have marked the most pertinent pages.

He's making up for a shaky start.

Bonny, bouncing boy, aren't you?

-David.

-Sorry?

His name.

His name is David.

It's my brother.

His death brought me back to Australia.

I'd never have been on that ship, if it weren't for him.

George and I would never have met.

-He deserves recognition.

-I thought so.

I'm ready to fill in that birth certificate.

Surname?

Yes, I've decided on that, too.

Well, shouldn't you wait, with what's in play at Ash Park?

Nothing there will change my decision.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

Sarah has read this?

She is very familiar with the content.

Keep going.

No going back.

No desire to.

Oh.

Who is she?

What do you mean?

You're all spruced up.

-My sister.

-Amy?

-Yeah.

-Oh. Say hello for me, huh?

-I will.

-Maybe she'll have a friend.

It'd be a shame for that Californian poppy to go to waste.

You want a lift to the station?

I'm going to hitch down.

-Buongiorno!

-Ah, ciao, ragazzo!

Come stai?

Bene, grazie.

-When did you get back?

-Just now.

Couldn't wait to see if I'd imported that Italian husband, no?

-Is that him?

-That's Harry.

-My farm hand.

-Oh, yeah.

Came to Ash Park once.

Hey, Harry.

Rose likes Californian poppy.

Oh, it stinks so cheap. Yuck!

I'll see you Tuesday, huh?

-I won't need the room long.

-Oh, no rush.

Rose.

He's not Italian, but he's single.

I can do better.

He's handsome, but.

It's been so exciting.

Dashing Dan.

Took a bit of getting away.

Not too many questions?

Never enjoyed the lies.

Self protection.

Invigorating.

Your hand of friendship surprises...

but pleases.

I'm intent on healing the rift.

Lizzie doesn't need the unnecessary strain.

Nor do I.

So thank you.

Perhaps we should get back?

Another bracing dash, first, hmm?

Come on.

It's outrageous slander...

and it can't possibly publish.

So you've read between the lines?

The similarities are glaring.

She's saying Regina is...

Finish it and then we can talk.

I insist.

Thanks for the scarf, it's beautiful.

You should see Mrs Bligh's scarves, though.

There's this silk one, just the feel of it...

She lets you wear them?

-That's lovely.

-I try them on when she goes out.

Guess what?

I've got a boyfriend, sort of.

It's a wonder you've got time.

He works next door. He sneaks over.

You'll get yourself fired.

What does Mrs Bligh think of that?

Mrs Bligh doesn't mind.

If it's not too much, and she's a woman of the world.

Don't tell Mr Bligh.

You'll get yourself into trouble again.

Listen to you, stuffy pants!

You can take care of yourself, can't you?

I should go and greet Father.

-Could you drop us over?

-Of course.

I'll get the key.

-Aren't you going?

-Anna's got things to talk about.

What things?

-What?

-What's Anna got to talk about?

It's just... It feels strange over there.

Strange, how?

Everyone's almost too nice to Mrs Bligh.

You know, they're awful to her most of the time.

They must have their reasons.

Anna's not very nice to her, either.

-I'm just saying.

-You're best out of it, Rosa.

It's all Mrs Bligh. It's her fault.

Whoa, don't take sides, huh?

Mrs Bligh is one of the nicest people ever.

-Maybe she...

-What?

-Maybe she's...

-Are you ready?

Yeah.

-What?

-Nothing.

Rosa was just saying how much she likes Regina.

Of course, yes. She's been good to you.

We'll put your bike in the back.

He's very young for a brother-in-law.

-He's beautiful.

-I'm biased.

And happy.

I'm sorry.

-I'm sorry to break in on it.

-Olivia...

I have to be strong.

I want to be strong.

You're so strong.

Tell me.

I've felt a sense of who I am...

..or might be...

..twice in my life.

At the Hunt Ball, when James first looked at me and...

..I thought really saw me.

I'd felt invisible, until then.

And when Lloyd recognised...

..the woman craving release.

Both proved an illusion.

Which makes my whole life one.

-Surely...

-From wallflower, to marriage of convenience,

to confused mother,

to naive adulteress!

Mistaking a roue for a future.

Lloyd got his entree into London society.

I was no longer needed.

I am so desperately lonely.

I'm ready to scream.

Both of the times you say you knew yourself you attribute to a man.

So of course if he betrays you, you're left adrift.

With luck, we all find someone who can support us,

but that's not where we look for strength, that lies within.

A truth wrapped in a platitude, I know.

Ask - who am I?

Not in relationship to someone else, but to yourself.

Ask - what do I want to do?

What is it that will fulfil me?

What will fulfil you, Olivia, YOU?

Pursue that...

..and there's your strength.

In here.

To be found.

Thank you. And thanks for the scarf.

-I'll see to your bike.

-Thank you.

-It's nearly done.

-I want the real Rose back.

Well, maybe this is the real her.

Sorry.

You put her in harm's way, then you judge her.

I am sorry.

Do what you have to.

Come on, Rose, let's show Carolyn your scarf.

This is a vicious exercise in character assassination.

What if I told you it's all true?

You're telling me that Regina killed the young Davis woman

-in trying to poison Sarah?

-Yes.

And you've said nothing until now?

Well, we had no proof to offer.

Exactly.

I'm sorry, but this is monstrous.

And that is exactly why we waited,

to be able to bring you that proof.

George, I know you must be feeling manipulated and excluded,

I understand.

But I am begging you.

We've spent months preparing this.

"We" very much includes Sarah.

You'll be turning heads at the next Bush dance.

I should hope so!

You best check if you're needed, and I should find Father.

-I'll see you later.

-And mother wants to talk to you about your book.

Not now.

-You've written a book?

-It's all right, Rose.

It's in her room, if you need it back.

Thank you, Rose.

-Not in front of her.

-She'd have no idea.

The last thing we need is Regina getting wind of it.

If this doesn't make Father divorce her, nothing will.

That certainly blew away the cobwebs.

You have quite a seat on you.

Cheeky man!

I always found it wildly suggestive myself.

Ma'am, there's something...

I better go and check on Lizzie.

Gino was hiding something, I could tell.

But then Anna came back, so he didn't say.

Whatever it was, he was cross with her,

and then Mrs Duncan was talking about some book

and Anna got real funny and I could tell she was...

Stop! The point, please.

Anna's written a book. Old Mrs Bligh's got it.

I think it's to hurt you.

Time enough, I think.

Good luck.

Give her curry.

Watch the old ticker.

What are you doing in here?

What are you doing with that?

This explains your welcome.

You hypocritical old hag.

You give that to me and get out.

This is what that little bitch was doing in Italy,

penning a catalogue of lies!

We both know it's true.

There's not a shred of truth in it.

Then why are you so agitated?

Because that Nordmann slut used similar tales

to try and see me arrested.

I assume it was her who got in your ear.

You seem scared, Regina.

Disgusted.

It's a filthy, scurrilous slander.

And I will sue Anna and any publisher who touches it.

Oh, please do.

Do us the favour.

The stronger your reaction, the greater the conjecture.

You may have Sergeant Taylor under the thumb,

but sufficient fuss could see an investigation at levels

well above his.

And no proof to back it?

But a highly circumstantial case.

Has George seen this?

He will. Soon enough.

If he reads this, if anyone does, beyond your malicious inner cabal,

I will reveal every sordid truth I know!

Your grandson and his sodomite surgeon,

Olivia, the adulterous whore, and George's bastard.

Speaking of which...

..infant mortality rates are such a concern.

If you've killed once, you can kill again.

So you admit it.

Hypothetically.

Go on, take the risk.

Not even you would hurt a child.

The Jew's brat?

With pleasure.

I want every copy of this in my room within the hour and if I learn there

are others, if it ever appears in print, if George ever knows...

..I will destroy the lot of you.

-It's ironed, ma'am.

-Thank you.

And for your information.

Buy yourself something, next time we're in town.

Ma'am...

You've done very well.

George.

We have a tiger by the tail.

-You understand why we did...

-I do.

I do.

Without proof, I would have doubted you.

There's no point in involving the local police.

-She'd be incarcerated by now, if they were.

-Yes, of course.

Publishing is one road to justice.

-But we need something more definitive.

-Oh, I agree.

She's played me.

I need to stare that truth in the face.

And see her where she belongs.

Call it a review of your pedestrian prose!

-How dare you!

-One word to George, you all suffer.

Your engagement is punishment enough.

There you are. I'm popping in to check on the new hospital wing,

I thought you might like to join me.

I'd love to.

It's so good to be home.

Perhaps Elizabeth might like to join us?

I've just asked her, she declined.

Perhaps you could check on her?

She looks a little beat.

Shall we?

-Are you all right?

-I'm all right.

He knows?

He has to, doesn't he?

We'll see.

It went to perfection.

It'll be a wonderful facility, when it's done.

How's the budget going?

I'll show you, if you have time.

Would you mind waiting?

-I'll be outside in the sun.

-I won't be a moment.

Mother tells me you're aware of this...

this situation.

I've only recently been enlightened.

Ah.

I did wonder.

Why the charade?

She's made threats...

..to the entire family.

I need her feeling secure before I make my move.

What can I do?

I might require your signature on some documents.

Of course.

If anyone had told me this morning that this...

One thing, before you go.

And she's made threats against both James and Henry.

Now, there's no immediate cause for concern,

but I trust they're not staying together tonight?

Not to my knowledge.

I knew there was something going on.

Well, we didn't want you bothered with it.

There's little choice now.

If I may suggest, perhaps go down to the city in the morning

and locate him?

He should be seen with his wife, in case she spreads her malice.

You're right.

I've made decisions about my future anyway, which I'm keen to share.

Well, you do seem somewhat lighter.

Focused.

James, first.

You've had us worried, you know.

I've had myself worried.

No more.

CRYING

I'll leave first thing.

It's all right, it's all right.

So now things take their course.

It's hard to believe it's nearly over.

I'd love to know George's intentions.

But the less we know, the less likely we'll tip his hand.

I suspect that's his thinking.

Well?

It's done, but, things have to stay as they are.

And George, he believes it, he accepts it all?

But Regina can't know he does.

He's got some plan for her.

Sees her behind bars.

And Rose?

Just a little bit longer.

HE MUTTERS What?

-I've had it!

-Gino...

It's always something, Anna!

Some plot, some scheme, some lies, use Rose, who cares?

A baby dies, you buy a new one, someone's poisoned, forget the cops,

let's do it ourselves. Your family is sick!

-It's all...

-No, no, no, I don't care!

Now you can't even give me a son, what's the point?!

You don't mean that!

Yeah.

I do.

What is the point?

Oh, I thought Mrs Bligh was back.

You should be out on your ear, with no reference.

What have I done?

The picture of innocence!

If you can't resist your nature, the truth is there, to be read.

-Where did you get that?

-Old Mrs Bligh just dropped them in.

-Just?

-Only just.

-How much have you read?

-A few words.

Good.

"House Of Lies."

The title says it all.

You're the one person I can trust, my darling.

And Mr Bligh.

Of course.

That old woman was so horrible to me.

Oh, and then I was mean.

I'm sorry.

Oh, you've been such a support.

There's only one thing these are good for.

So it's done?

It is.

And now, justice.

In a way that sees us all safe.

Hello, David.

Jack showed you?

David Bligh.

How could I love you and deny you that?