The Prodigal Daughter A Place to Call Home

PIANO SCORE

SCORE SWELLS

Oh! Here's a sight for sore eyes.

Hello, Auntie Peg.

Hello, love. Oh, my darling.

I can't believe I'm actually here.

I could pinch you if you like!

Come in. Come in.

Come on.

You've come halfway round the world.

One more step won't hurt.

She's expecting me?

Ah, she says she doesn't want to see you,

but not a day's gone by since she wrote back

that she hasn't mentioned you.

She's, um...pretty much stayed up there since it happened.

Except for going to mass.

Good luck, love.

OK.

Hello, Mother.

She'll be different when she comes out of the grief.

No, she won't.

You're the last of her babies, love.

Now she wants me dead too.

I should never have called you back.

You had to. And I had to come.

You've never done wrong by me, Peg.

Tell me I'm not going to lose you again.

There's nothing for me in Europe.

There must be something. Not anymore.

I hope you'll tell me about it one day.

I'll always let you know where I am.

-If Mum asks.

-Of course.

Bridget...!

Sarah.

It's been 20 years, love.

Where are you going to go?

Mrs Bligh?

Mrs Bligh. It's the nurse.

Uh, Mrs Bligh?

-Can I help you?

-Oh!

-I'm here for Mrs Bligh.

-The doctor sent me.

I'm her son.

-She's not in her bed?

-No.

FOGHORN BLARES

Don't give me that look, George. The air's doing me good.

You agreed to bed rest.

Your nurse is here.

Well, she can come back later. Thank you, nurse.

You're quite welcome, but it must be now.

I have other patients.

-Your wrist, please.

-What on earth are you doing?

Taking your pulse and then I'll loosen your blouse and listen to your heart.

I have no intention of exposing my chest in public.

You insist on being here.

Are you always so impertinent?

I'm simply doing my job.

So...

Here or in private?

There's a definite arrhythmia.

Absolute rest in your suite for at least a week.

I'll visit twice a day, and I'll be back at...four.

I'm aglow with anticipation.

Try to get her to understand how potentially serious this is.

Obedience has never been Mother's forte.

I've known generals to buckle under her glare.

They should have used her in the war.

Well, you know where I am if you need anything.

-I'm sure I'll manage.

-I have a feeling you will.

I didn't catch your name.

Adams.

Sister Adams.

Poor Father.

Having to take dinner with Gran every night.

Is he so worried about her?

Worried she'll get up to dance, more like.

Frankly I think he's just glad to get out of the firing line.

George Bligh on board with nowhere to run?

Those widows and spinsters hunt him like game.

Father's a handsome man. Why shouldn't they?

I doubt it's his looks they're after.

Leave that.

APPLAUSE

I love this.

Do you think we might dance?

Shuffling around is so maudlin. No.

Dance with your bride, you old grump.

I DON'T feel like it.

Sorry...darling.

I just don't.

If he won't, Livvy, may I?

THEY CHUCKLE

# Whenever we kiss

# I worry and wonder

# Your lips may be near

# But where is your heart?

# It's always like this

# I worry and wonder

# You're close to me here

# But where is your heart?

# It's a sad thing to realise

# But you've a heart that never melts

# When we kiss do you close your eyes?

# Pretending that I'm someone else

# You must break the spell

# But please won't you tell?

# Darling, where is your heart? #

FOGHORN

Yes.

Sister Adams.

-Oh, Mr Bligh.

-We dock in Sydney tomorrow.

I just wanted to thank you for all you've done.

It's my job.

Three weeks tending to my mother?

I call that duty above and beyond.

I've had more difficult patients.

Not many.

BOTH CHUCKLE

We would like to show you our gratitude.

Would you care to join us for the last-night dinner dance?

-Oh, I, um...

-Please.

-Your mother...

-I'm asking.

-I mean, I'd love to, but...

-I've cleared it with Captain.

I don't have anything suitable to wear.

I'm sure between Anne or Olivia there's a gown you can borrow.

So, we'll see you this evening...?

Yes.

Good.

DOOR CLOSES

PIANO PLAYS

Is it too much to expect your guest of honour to be punctual?

I'm sure there's a good reason.

There's never a good reason for bad manners.

Ah.

Is that one of your gowns?

She didn't have anything appropriate.

And you found this out...?

By actually talking to her.

Sorry I'm late.

Emergency sprained ankle.

I told you that was the right choice.

You sure it's not too young for me?

-You look lovely.

-Thank you.

No, thank you.

For everything.

I'm sure I speak for all of us.

A toast...

..to Sister Adams.

Mother?

Indeed.

And to tomorrow - to our homecoming.

ALL: To Sister Adams and our homecoming.

BAND PLAYS UPBEAT MUSIC

# That little baby girl she's sweet...

# From her big brown eyes

# Down to her little boots

# She's not quite one but she's ruling the roost... #

Well, I'd best retire

before Miss Adams feels compelled to bark any final reproof.

I wouldn't be so impertinent.

I trust Australia is everything you hope it will be.

Thank you, Mrs Bligh.

Good night, darling.

Good night, Grandma.

-Darling?

-What?

Nothing.

You're being a bore.

Miss Adams.

How long since you were last in Australia?

A long time.

Were you nursing in the war?

-No.

-Why not?

What are you, the Inquisition?

She's just making conversation.

It's none of our business.

Sorry.

(No more for you.)

Sister Adams.

Would you care to dance?

Why, thank you.

I should warn you, it's been a long time between dances.

Sir?

He doesn't need it.

I'm not a bloody child.

APPLAUSE

Livvy.

You're not rusty.

What?

This isn't a situation I expected to find myself in.

I hope that's a good thing.

Can I ask what brings you home to Australia?

Back to Australia.

Is there a reason?

My half-brother died fighting in Korea.

I'm my mother's only surviving child.

I'm sorry to hear that.

The role of a dutiful child is a hard one.

I lost that title a long time ago.

We haven't spoken for 20 years.

I'm not even sure she'll see me.

Why did you fall out?

You don't have to answer that.

SONG ENDS

APPLAUSE

This is me.

Thank you.

For everything.

If, for any reason, it doesn't work out in Sydney,

we have a hospital in Inverness.

I know there's a position they're trying to fill.

That's very kind, but some obligations can't be passed on.

I wish I hadn't left our talk to the last night.

James, come away from there.

It's slippery. Come on.

-Wasn't doing anything.

-Then come back.

No-one needs to know.

Tell them I'm sorry.

James, no...

HE WHIMPERS

I just can't do it.

Hold that around you.

I'll get the doctor.

No.

It's my job. I have to.

No... Um...

No-one can know. I'll be fine. I'll stay with you.

At the very least, your father must know.

-No.

-You just tried to kill yourself.

I didn't...

I didn't mean it.

All right. Just...

Not him.

-Thank you.

-Ma'am.

-What on earth is going on?

I didn't want to bring you into this, Mrs Bligh, but I have to tell someone.

-My heart is fine.

-And James insisted it be you.

-What's he done?

-He tried to jump overboard.

That's ridiculous.

He tried to kill himself. I was there.

-Who knows?

-No-one.

Only me.

I've given him something to settle him,

but he needs to be watched carefully for quite some time.

DOOR OPENS

DOOR CLOSES

I'm sorry.

HE SOBS

Did you tell her?

-She saw.

-No...

Did you tell her why you did this?

I want you to listen to me.

LISTEN to me.

I know that right now you feel you'll never be happy again.

I know you're hurt.

But no-one escapes suffering, James.

You're behaving as if you're the only who's ever experienced it.

That's not fair. It's not bloody fair!

That's enough.

You have a privileged life.

The price it demands is respect for it.

Your pain is real, but so is your duty

to your family and to yourself.

Do you understand?

I love you more than you know.

But it is time you learned life is unforgiving.

It doesn't often give a second chance.

You found yourself with one.

I hope to God you use it well.

Thank you for your help.

And for your discretion.

I have it in hand.

It's not my business why he did this.

But it is my business to know he'll receive care.

Do you imagine I won't care for him?

No.

Then there's no reason for you to stay.

No-one else is to know about this.

No-one.

I wish you all the best for your future,

wherever that may be.

Hello, Mother.

I don't know why you came. You weren't asked to.

I came because I'm your daughter.

I know what it's like to be alone, and I don't want that for you.

And because I'm sorry.

For what?

Your loss.

But not for abandoning your family or your church?

Your God?

I didn't come to air old grievances.

Then you'll come back?

Everything I own is in two bags downstairs.

Not just to me.

My child is God's child.

Are you going to be my daughter again?

Please don't ask me that.

I suppose you want me to call you Sarah?

That's my name now.

Why don't you just leave?

I have come halfway around the world for you. I'm not giving up that easily.

Then we'll go to the church, and you'll go on your knees

and ask Him for forgiveness for what you've done.

You'll repent, and I'll forgive you everything.

-Every wrong.

-You can do that now.

Let Him into your heart again. Then I can love you.

This isn't about the church.

I'm your child.

You come here in my mourning to make me weak.

Well, I'm not.

-I won't let you put my heart underfoot again. Do you hear me?

-Mum.

-I didn't ask you to come.

-Please.

Your auntie should never have written.

Come with me now.

-I can't.

-Then go.

No.

Take your Jew name and go.

I have no daughter.

Go!

It's been 20 years, love. Where are you going to go?

That church is an ice box.

Good sermon.

-You slept through it.

-Precisely.

What time do you want me at the station, sir?

Just leave the car out, Norman. I'll collect Miss Adams.

-Is that necessary?

-She'll be glad to see a friendly face.

Are we talking about Sarah?

Sister Adams, yes.

-I'll take that, ma'am.

-Oh. Thank you, Amy.

You should bring Sarah back for lunch.

I'll see how she's feeling.

I'm sure she'll be far too tired for that.

Another time. Perhaps.

Anyone would think you didn't want her here.

How's Miss Olivia?

-She barely touched her breakfast.

-Oh, James.

-That girl will fade away.

-I'll check on her.

Yeah, please. And get her to eat.

Mmm. Listless. Nausea.

Lack of appetite.

Perhaps James has done his family duty?

How was the sermon?

Terminal.

How are you?

All aches and pains.

You're hot.

Think I will call the doctor.

I'll be fine.

Thank you.

For what?

You've been so wonderful since we docked.

-On the boat...

-Forget the boat.

..I thought you wished you'd never married me.

Don't be silly.

I will call Jack Duncan.

Just to be sure.

You need to rest.

I love you, James.

I know you do.

SWING MUSIC ON RADIO

I can't thank you enough for this.

I was glad to receive your letter.

The hospital will be lucky to have you.

-Oh, if they want me, that is.

-Jack is a good doctor.

And a good man.

I'm sure you'll impress him as much as you did us.

How's your mother's health?

The specialist ordered more rest...

and some changes to diet.

And your mother...?

The guest cottage.

Small but comfortable.

It's wonderful.

Get down, boy. Shoo!

He latched onto one of our visitors. Now we can't get rid of him.

It's all right. He IS harmless.

-It's fine.

-Are you frightened of dogs?

-I'll have him removed.

-No, please.

He was here first. He was just protecting what he thinks is his.

Well, he'd better get used to it being yours.

It is for as long as you'd like it.

Thank you. This is all so generous.

Oh, it's my pleasure. Now for the tour.

I owe you more than evasions.

It didn't go at all well in Sydney with my mother.

And, yes, I've had bad experiences with dogs.

Does it have a name?

All he gets from us is Boy.

After you.

-Olivia won't be coming down.

-Oh. And Anna?

Taken a turn, I think.

Close the doors, will you?

After Jack's done with Olivia tonight, I wish to see him.

Why?

I don't want him employing the Adams woman.

She said she'd be discreet.

And you're happy to wager our future on that?

She's a woman of her word.

She's a good person.

And how long before this goodness you so admire

obligates her to tell your father what she knows?

Are you prepared to answer his inevitable questions...

about why you tried to kill yourself?

Because he will want to know.

It's not fair.

No, it's not.

But you've given me no choice, have you?

DOG BARKS

If I'm slamming the door in someone's face, Elizabeth,

I'd sort of like to know why.

George talked her up.

Well, George is simply playing Good Samaritan

to a woman he hardly knows.

I saw a lot more of her than he did.

And...?

She has a sort of bland efficiency.

Regardless, she's returned to Australia

out of some familial obligation that's gone awry.

She simply wants to earn enough for her fare home.

You know that for sure?

Well, she contacted George because she has no other options

and no means.

She will scuttle off as soon as possible

and you will just have to train someone all over again.

Now...

Olivia.

There's nothing to worry about.

Is it possible the succession may be secure?

If she's pregnant...

you'll be the second to know.

From my mouth to their ears, and then to yours.

I've got to go.

One more thought, Jack.

The Adams woman was 20 years in Europe.

A town like Inverness is not going to satisfy her.

Employ someone who might conceivably settle.

Let's see how we go.

MUSIC: Crazy, Man, Crazy by Bill Haley And The Comets

# Crazy, man, crazy

# Crazy, man, crazy

# Crazy, man, crazy

# Oh, man that music's gone, gone

# I said, crazy, man, crazy

# Crazy, man, crazy... #

I was coming over to see you.

Here I am.

Here I am.

MUSIC STOPS

You docked a week ago.

We had to stay in the city for Grandmother to see a specialist.

At least I got to see Auntie Carolyn.

You'd rather see her than me?

Don't sulk!

Even if it does make you cute.

-Does it?

-Very.

Then I'll sulk.

Papa saw you yesterday.

We got back Saturday night.

I was dragged to church and I couldn't get away all day.

This is the first chance, honestly.

You think it isn't?

I missed you.

I missed you too.

I worried.

Why?

There are many men in Europe.

And you're here.

Father had something come up. He asked me to drive you.

What a lovely surprise.

Chance to say thank you again.

No thanks are needed.

How have you been?

Well. Yourself?

Really...how are you?

Um, I'm doing better, I suppose.

Are you getting any professional help?

-I have Grandmother.

-And she has a heart condition.

There are people trained to deal with...

I'm fine.

Shall we?

Call the house and Norman will collect you when you're done.

Oh, I don't want to be a bother.

It's his job.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

James, if...if you do need to talk, I'm here.

And hopefully will be for a long while.

Right.

You've had an interesting and impressive career.

You sound surprised.

1937, Spanish Civil War.

Must have been rough nursing.

Any warzone is.

'39 to '46, there's nothing.

-You didn't work during the big one?

-I wasn't able to.

Why?

I'm sorry. I don't see the relevance.

Well, it's work history.

It's relevant.

But, as you pointed out, I wasn't working,

which makes it personal history.

I assumed I'd be hired for my skills, not my story.

Is that why you left out your religion?

Cos I have no issue with atheists, if that's the concern.

But prayers are said twice a day here.

Would that be a problem for you?

It hasn't been so far.

But I'm not an atheist. I'm Jewish.

By faith.

You converted?

Well.

I'll say my prayers while you say yours.

Would that be a problem for YOU, Dr Duncan?

Fair enough.

The position is for someone to nurse in the community,

so you'd spend most of your time making house calls.

If I'm going to see how you work, we should find you a patient.

Lead the way.

SHEEP BLEAT

Roy! You there?

Roy!

Turn around. Go on!

Don't be like that.

This is Miss Adams.

She's looking for work.

Thought we could say g'day.

No, you thought you'd come and poke around my ruddy leg again,

and I won't have it, so go on, git!

Roy had an accident.

He came in and we operated.

But now he won't let us keep the wound treated.

You done your job. You stitched me up.

Now bugger off.

The big risk is blood poisoning. Which can be lethal, Roy.

What do you think, Sister?

Where do you think you're goin'?

You have two choices.

Either you shoot me or you come inside and let me do what I must to keep you healthy.

I'd normally work unsupervised, yes?

How will I know if you've done a good job?

You won't hear a gunshot.

He'd have me at that bloody hospital every day.

I've got a farm to run. You can tell him that.

Well?

It does need treatment.

-Yeah, go on...

-Hear me out!

It's clear you don't like the doctor

and it's just as clear he doesn't like me

or he wouldn't have brought me to be held at gunpoint

during a job interview.

So, do me a favour - let me dress the wound.

It'll save your leg and your farm with it.

It'll also give Dr Duncan a nice big serving of crow.

What do you say?

Struth, missy.

Yeah, righto. You do your worst.

Well?

Thanks for the gift, Roy.

I'll see you next week, then.

I imagine that's up to Dr Duncan.

Now, you'd be a fool to let that one go,

but I s'pose that means you probably will.

How did you manage that?

It was quite easy, really, once we learned we had shared opinions.

-On...?

-You.

You think I'm being unfair.

Devoid of humour or charm perhaps,

but unfair implies you had an agenda

and I can't imagine a reason you would.

If I was harder than I needed to be, I'm sorry.

It wasn't personal.

-Apology accepted.

-Good.

The job is yours, if you want it.

Are you offering because George Bligh insisted you do?

No.

I'm offering because we'd be lucky to have you.

You're more than qualified.

You obviously know how to deal with people, even the charmless ones.

Well, I won't rush you for a decision, but...

..the job is yours if you want it.

I thought you might need supplies. Let me know if you run out.

Thank you, Mr Bligh, but I'm not sure I'll be staying.

The interview didn't go well?

The job was offered.

Then what?

Dr Duncan started with a definite bias against me.

That IS surprising.

Jack's a fair man.

But it was there...

and I'd rather not work where I'm not wanted.

Well, I do hope you consider the offer...

despite your misgivings.

Good night.

Good night.

DOG GROWLS

You see, you'd have at least one supporter.

DOG BARKS

Make that two.

I thought I made my wishes clear.

No, you misrepresented her.

She's a lot more than blandly efficient.

I don't understand your problem with her.

Well, it should be enough that I have one.

Come on, you give me one good reason and I'll retract the offer.

The fact that I want it should suffice.

Not this time.

The guest cottage, please, Norman.

Nurse Adams.

So, you're comfortable. Well-supplied, I see.

Thanks to Mr Bligh.

With milk, thank you.

No sugar - a dictate of my specialist.

Yes, George is very generous.

It's a generosity - thank you - I'd also like to extend.

You helped my grandson.

For that I'm in your debt.

So, as a sign of my gratitude,

I would like to pay your return passage to England.

That's incredibly kind.

I understand the importance of home.

Clearly your family matters did not go well.

Being here with no-one must be difficult.

-In England...

-Did you speak to Dr Duncan?

Did you encourage him against me?

Yes.

I'm sure you're a good person.

You say you can keep your word...

Then that's all this is - your fear I'll talk about James.

Frankly, yes.

That is a very generous offer. You would be a fool not to accept.

And you'd be a fool to think I would.

Perhaps a larger sum...?

I won't be bought, Mrs Bligh.

I've been told what to do before. I've been forced.

And I promised myself never again.

Thank you for helping me make up my mind.

You'd stay just to spite me?

I'll stay because my choices are mine, not yours.

Then we shall see.

We shall.