No Secrets, Ever A Place to Call Home

Last season on A Place To Call Home...

I love you with all my heart.

Marry me.

Yes.

We're in love, Papa. We're going to get married.

I'm suggesting you let them live together for three months

-as if they were married...

-No. Impossible.

..in every way except sharing a bed.

Anna could move into your home in a separate room

and live the life of Gino's wife.

While Anna lives with the Polettis

testing her resolve to marry inappropriately,

you will spend three months at Ash Park doing the same.

-Mother will do anything to sabotage you.

-Let her.

-She's tough.

-I'm tougher.

I caught a glimpse last night into the true nature of Sarah Adams.

I saw a very dangerous woman.

I don't care what it costs.

Find something that will rid us of her forever.

The child I had, my darling, it was you.

Our situation is a complication you don't need in the mix.

I understand if you don't tell the family just yet.

I've come to talk about our daughter.

JAMES: I want you to cure me.

-I will need your total commitment.

-You have it.

-OLIVIA:

-What if Dr Stewart can't cure him?

-He just said that...

-What if he can't?

I'll still love him. Will you?

What's it worth to you

for the world not to find out that your son's a queer?

He's been seen with Harry Polson. We're being blackmailed.

You cross me on this...

..you'll regret it.

MUSIC BLARES

DOORBELL RINGS

-Samantha.

-Hiya. How is she?

Bright.

Bright.

Ah, here she is.

-How are you, Sarah?

-Still here.

Are you ready to get back into it?

We left off so suddenly last time.

Coffee and strudel?

Ooh, thank you, Leah.

Could you turn the radio off, please?

-So, how is the writing going?

-Good. I'm well into it.

Um, I couldn't find anything in the records

about the body you mentioned.

Body?

Before we stopped, you mentioned a body in the river.

I couldn't find any record of it.

-You don't remember?

-Body? No.

So, where were we, apart from that?

James had just started his treatment.

His torture.

I can't believe they actually used to do that.

And worse. All in the name of normalcy.

-How did Gran take it?

-Poor Olivia.

Soon with so many lies of her own.

But that was later.

-Anna.

-She was moving out to be with Gino.

Ah, yes. Her new life.

Such a confusing time, losing a child and gaining a father.

When did she find out it was Jack Duncan?

Oh, it was quite some time before that happened.

She had quite enough to contend with as it was.

HORN HONKS

Before I forget,

you didn't say what Roy felt about you leaving the farm.

-How did Roy feel?

-I heard you, dear.

He was happy for me.

Ready?

Yeah.

Now...

..where shall we pick it all up?

Carolyn, so long the black sheep, so much a part of the future.

-I know it's out of the blue...

-Stop.

-..but there are...

-Wait!

We had a child?

-You left me.

-I had no choice.

-I don't see you for 20 years...

-I know.

-..and you turn up like this.

-I'm sorry.

-Our daughter?

-I'm trying to do the right thing.

-For who?

-Both of us.

-Right.

There were reasons I never told you, but I am trying to fix it.

-Who is she? Where is she?

-I... I...

-Well, is she here? Overseas?

-I can't tell you.

-Why?

-Not yet.

-Why not?!

-It's difficult.

So, why now?

She's just found out about me...

..and it's only a matter of time before she asks about her father.

I wanted to give you a choice.

If she does ask, what do I say? I want to do the right thing.

You may not want this. I don't know.

I could say you died in the war if you'd rather.

DOOR OPENS

Excuse me, Doctor. Mrs Danthers needs you.

I'm coming.

Should I wait? Jack!

Where are you staying?

The Ash Park guest cottage. No-one knows I'm here.

Please come.

Doris Collins, please, Mildred.

Such a tasteful setting.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, Amy.

Please do help yourself, Mrs Collins.

So very good of you to hurry over.

When you mentioned I may be of assistance,

if there's anything I can do...

Well, you've heard the news, I assume.

About Anna.

I make it my business never to listen to tittle-tattle.

Oh, that they were more like you.

Is there a problem?

Oh, not at all, no.

Anna's moved in with the Polettis for a period.

But they're Italian.

-Unorthodox.

-Unorthodox.

She has her heart set on Italy for the northern summer.

She and Carla are very close

so what better way to learn the language?

I see.

But there is an unmarried son in the house

and baser minds may see gossip where there is none.

-No!

-Sadly.

As a mother of sorts to two young girls,

I understand the importance of protecting their reputation.

If I hear any scurrilous rumours...

I knew I could count on you.

Dear Mrs Bligh.

And then, of course, we have Miss Adams moving in here.

Ah, yes, indeed. After the wedding.

Before.

Mamma, you should see Anna's dresses.

They don't fit in the wardrobe.

Mamma says three dresses are enough -

two for everyday and one for church.

For a farmer's wife, it is true.

-Tomatoes.

-Can Anna come?

Anna is helping me.

-You can't cook?

-I will learn.

I will teach you as my mamma taught me.

This is a special meal.

-Pollo - chicken.

-Oh.

CHICKENS CLUCK

First, we kill. Then, we pluck.

I shall be your eyes and ears.

Well, I'm most grateful.

-Norman will drive you back to town.

-Oh, how kind.

The hospital, please, Norman.

Oh, and give my regards to Miss Carolyn.

Carolyn?

I saw her at the station. She has luggage.

I assume she's staying. Is she not staying?

-Of course.

-Indeed.

I shall be sure to give her your regards.

Norman.

-How is it so far?

-I plucked a chicken.

-Will wonders never cease?

-I hope not.

I'm allowed to worry. That's what fathers do.

Yes.

-What?

-Nothing.

-Is it your grandmother?

-No, it's not that.

Then what?

Anna, after what I've agreed to, I hope I've earned your trust.

You and I...

..we're...

Whatever you felt you had to do,

whatever lies you told, I forgive you.

You're still my little girl...

..and you always will be.

Do you skulk into town often?

PHONE RINGS

Sorry.

I have to take this.

-Let's have a break.

-Five minutes?

See if you can remember what you were going to tell me about Roy.

Hi. It's Sam.

Roy, what's the matter?

I thought our communicating by telephone

was simply a necessarily evil consequence

of your living in the city.

Clearly, you simply prefer the separation.

This visit isn't about you.

May I inquire what it is about?

I'm here to meet my future sister-in-law.

Where Sarah Adams walks, division follows.

That's exactly the attitude that encourages skulking.

George seems happier than he's been in years.

Whilst the family is in splinters.

Blighs are in splinters, mother. Put down the axe.

Oh, spare me the metaphors.

I'm doing what I must to protect us all.

-From what?

-The woman's influence.

You'll end up with no-one if you're not careful.

Then what's left for you to protect?

Our good name...

..which the rest of you seem intent on ruining.

So, if you could resist adding fuel to any flames whilst you're here,

I would appreciate it.

I'll do my best.

You should wash up.

-I know it's not...

-I'll be in in a sec.

Are you right with what we've done?

We saved more lives from being ruined.

You know the alternative.

I've done it again, haven't I?

I'm starting to think you want to tell me.

I do keep rambling back to it.

Talking to you has unearthed so many ghosts.

I can keep a secret. I promise.

60 years, no-one's known.

There. Off the record.

There was a murder...

..and Roy and I disposed of the body.

Did Roy kill someone?

Roy? No, no, someone else. Someone we needed to protect.

Who?

You can't just tell me about a murder...

Enough!

Let's get back to your grandmother.

Olivia!

Andrew. What are you doing here?

I'm not sure you're meant to ask that at the loony bin.

Sorry. Um, I was just passing.

You seem to be heading towards, not past.

A friend from London.

She lives here now and she has a nervous complaint.

One tries to be discreet.

I didn't think you had friends in Australia.

An old school friend.

Well, I'm checking up on father. He's drying out.

-Oh, I didn't...

-Look, don't feel uncomfortable.

The lecherous old reprobate has forfeited his right to discretion.

Well, I won't keep you. Wish him my best.

What are you doing in the city?

Um...James and I are spending time here.

A holiday of sorts.

And where's he?

James? At the hotel.

You really should visit Anna, you know.

She'd love to see you.

-Really?

-Of course.

Without us at Ash Park, she'd relish the company.

I have been thinking of her lately.

I won't detain you.

Give James my best.

How are you feeling, my darling?

I think...

I don't know what...

I hate seeing you like this.

Come back to me.

Who are you?

If you don't want to do this anymore,

you just say.

Do you hear me?

If it gets too much, just say.

Ah, we're awake.

How are we feeling, James?

-Foggy.

-Mm-hm.

You must be Mrs Bligh. I'm Dr Wilson.

I oversee James's daily treatment.

I thought Dr Stewart was in charge.

Rest assured, I work closely with Dr Stewart.

I specialise in this particular form of deviancy.

His memory still isn't back.

-Is that normal?

-It is.

Are you ready for your next treatment, old man?

But he's barely rested from the last.

Mrs Bligh...

Shouldn't you at least wait until he's himself again?

Being himself is precisely the problem.

This is the treatment.

This is what Dr Stewart discussed with you.

-Yes, but...

-James trusts me.

-Don't you, James?

-Yes.

So, if you could wait outside, we'll talk in a moment.

Livy.

Excuse me, I'm meeting Mrs James Bligh here.

I was hoping you might tell me where I could find her.

-Ah, Doctor, a moment, if I may.

-Rather not.

There's an issue of some import I wish to canvass with you, Doctor.

No doubt you saw me arrive earlier in the Bligh car.

I didn't.

Oh, well, I'm sure the staff was abuzz

and I would hate the girls to think I'm somehow above them

after the experience.

Rest assured, I'm still the same Doris Collins.

I must say, even Norman seemed a little disconcerted

to be addressed so openly from the rear seat.

One imagines he's unused to passengers

bridging the social divide,

but front seat or back, I'm the same woman.

Doctor?

-I was starting to give up on you.

-I'm not here to chat.

Please, can't we just...?

What happens if she doesn't want to know about me?

If she doesn't ask?

Come inside. Let me get you a drink.

I'm teetotal, which you'd know if you hadn't ignored me for 20 years.

I'm sure she will ask.

If she doesn't, what will you tell her?

Will you tell her about me anyway?

That's what I thought.

It's not that simple. She has a father.

-Damn right she does! Me!

-She comes first.

If she asks, I will tell her, but if she doesn't...

You made me miss her whole life!

Then you hold her in front of me and tell me maybe I can't have it.

No, I don't need your permission.

-Jack!

-You can shove your bloody offer.

-Can we just...?

-Wherever she is, I'll find her.

I will find her.

You'll be here, of course, when Sarah arrives.

Naturally.

Naturally.

I think it's best Anna is left to her own devices,

for a few days at least.

I agree.

I've already taken steps to quash gossip on both accounts.

Good.

CLOCK CHIMES

Well, excuse me.

When did you intend telling me?

-What?

-About your sister.

George!

Well, if you're here to see Sarah,

you have a strange way of showing it.

-You didn't tell mother, did you?

-No, no, no.

I was quick enough on my feet to cover for you.

-Assuming it's Anna you're here for.

-Yes.

I should have guessed with all the trips to the city.

She's been talking to you about Gino.

-You know about him?

-I do now.

-She needed someone.

-I'm glad it was you.

I've been so caught up in my own problems, I didn't see it.

-She loves him.

-Yes.

Have you been to the farm?

-Mother didn't tell you?

-Tell me what?

Anna's living with the Polettis for three months.

-She's...?

-We struck a deal.

She's there to get a taste of married life.

-Separate beds, I assume.

-Only you would ask that.

If they can make it work, they have my blessing.

-I'm impressed.

-It was Sarah's idea.

But you agreed to it.

I like your Sarah.

You'd like her even more when you meet her.

Being there for Anna's taken all my attention,

but I promise I will make up for it.

It must be hard sometimes, being Aunt Carolyn.

It's the price I pay.

-What are you doing?

-What are YOU doing?

Turns out that a French polish isn't compatible with doing the dishes.

They're just nails.

Well, they're beautiful.

And I love you for doing this.

Gino!

-Gino's kissing Anna!

-Hey, get out of here!

Gino's kissing Anna!

-Get out of here!

-Please get out.

-Mamma! Mamma! Gino's kissing Anna!

-No, we weren't.

ALL SPEAK ITALIAN

I didn't do anything!

ALL SPEAK ITALIAN

Sit.

We have one rule - no touching.

-You touch, she goes.

-Mamma, please...

"Mamma," nothing.

Anna, to the kitchen.

Your papa is right.

A man controls himself. A decent man.

-Hmm?

-Si.

Si.

Thought I saw you arrive.

-Where's James?

-In his treatment.

He has it in the afternoon.

Twice a day now.

-That's too much.

-Mrs Bligh.

It is too much.

Mrs Bligh, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you

-to stay away for a while.

-No!

Any progress we make with James, you undo with your displays of distress.

I don't!

You fret over him, aggravating his fears,

making treatment nigh on impossible.

You are counter-productive to his health

and your own, not to mention the unborn.

Do you want James cured of this perversion or not?

I...

I want him better.

Then we will review the advisability of you visiting him in a few weeks.

But Dr Stewart said...

He's in complete agreement.

Excellent.

Not exactly the sort of farewell I wanted for you.

Me neither.

You look after her, Mr Bligh.

Don't worry. She's in good hands.

DOG BARKS

Just like he is.

Looks like you'll have two old dogs to come visit, eh?

If you can't live with it...

I will.

Good luck, Missy.

Point of no return.

Miss Adams, welcome.

Oh, it was kind of you to meet me, Mrs Bligh.

The least any guest can expect.

The grey room for Miss Adams, I think, Amy.

Yes, Mrs Bligh.

Actually, Amy, Anna offered her room.

-It'll be much nicer.

-Yes, sir.

But who knows when she'll be back. No, the grey room, Amy.

Anna's determined to stay the course.

Best err on the side of caution.

-Sarah's more than a guest.

-And will be treated accordingly.

The grey room sounds lovely, thank you.

Um, the grey room?

The grey room.

I can't believe I'm actually here.

I want Ash Park to feel like your home.

This is home.

It's hardly our most luxurious accommodation.

I think it's perfect.

Well, don't get too used to it.

In a few months, you'll be in with me.

-Perhaps a guided tour.

-Don't tempt me.

I'm here to win over your mother and that is not the way to do it.

KNOCK AT DOOR I'm busy.

We need you in the ward.

DOOR RATTLES I'm coming!

It's urgent, Doctor.

BOTH SPEAK ITALIAN

-Miss Carolyn!

-Sorry to drop in unannounced.

So many years, we no see you.

How beautiful you are and still so young.

Oh, you make me blush!

Look at you, madam! What a difference.

And all worth it. This is Gino.

Course it is. The pleasure is all mine.

We make coffee. Real Italian coffee. You like?

-I love.

-We'll bring it to you. Anna.

It's nice to meet you...

(..Mamma.)

-He knows?

-Everything. You can trust him.

What do you think?

Gorgeous.

And he loves you, so rather special.

I'm happy it worked out.

Me too.

What's that look for, then?

Father was here yesterday.

I couldn't tell him that I know.

He was so sweet.

You don't have to say anything. Not yet. Not ever, if you prefer.

You're my mother. I want everyone to know.

In time. This first.

Do you think George will be hurt?

-He is still your father.

-But he won't be.

No.

And your real father? You're not curious?

Of course.

It's complex enough already.

JAMES: Hey.

You're back with us. You're doing very well, James.

Where...where's Livy?

Mrs Bligh won't be with us for some time.

Thought it best that you have some peace and quiet to recover

and to allow the treatment the best chance of success.

It's what you want, isn't it?

To enjoy your wife and your family

without the spectre of perversion hovering?

My head hurts.

We're making you better and that's what we want.

Yes?

We're on voltage two at the moment. We'll take it up to five.

WOMAN: Just down here to the right, Mr Richards.

Oh, Miss Adams! More than punctual.

I hoped we might talk before dinner.

I come in peace.

We both know that you'll try to stop this marriage

and we also know I'm not about to let you.

So, this is your line drawn in the sand?

-More our Geneva Convention.

-Oh, your rules of engagement.

A rule.

Whatever blows we land, we leave George out of it.

We both love him. We don't want him hurt.

-Agreed.

-Thank you.

Although we did make an agreement once before.

-James.

-Yes.

Break this one at your peril.

-Sherry?

-Thank you.

-Anna should do that.

-Ma, she's tired.

A farmer's wife doesn't rest so SHE doesn't rest.

Ma!

(Ma, let her sleep.)

Tonight.

Tomorrow, dishes.

Now, I hope you won't mind

if I leave you both alone for a few days.

-Where are you going?

-I'd like to visit James and Olivia

so I intend to leave on Sunday after Matins,

unless you have any objections.

No, no. By all means.

-I thought not.

-It's not your heart, is it?

Oh, don't be so dramatic, George.

Although I do intend to see my specialist.

I thought Miss Adams might like the chance to settle in,

to adjust.

That's very thoughtful.

Well, it's been a long day. If you'll excuse me.

-Good night, Miss Adams.

-Good night.

-Good night, mother.

-Good night, George.

That's the last thing I expected.

Yes, I'd like to make a long-distance call

to Sydney, please, Mildred.

To the Australia Hotel.

Mm-hm.

And I want to speak to a guest, Mrs Regina Standish.

There are things I haven't told you.

Mother has reason to be concerned about James.

Best you settle before I burden you with family problems.

-When it's right.

-Soon.

And then, no secrets between us...

..ever.

I had to lie.

I had no choice.

That's enough for today. It's getting late.

So many secrets.

-Did you finally tell him?

-Never about the murder.

Other secrets refused to stay silent.

Even some I didn't know myself.

-Bye, Samantha.

-Bye, Leah. Thank you.

She told me something extraordinary...

..in confidence.

She's led an extraordinary life.

Just hope my book can do her justice.

See you.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS ON RADIO

HORN HONKS

HORSES' HOOVES APPROACH

Turn it off.

Turn it off!

-Turn it off!

-What is it?

MUSIC STOPS

We had no choice.

-It was him or them.

-Who? Sarah?

It was him or them.

WOMAN: Please, Bert. Louise needs you.

BABY CRIES

Bert! Bert!

What have you done? Colin, what have you done?

What have you done? Colin?

HORSE WHINNIES

Come on!

Oh, no.

No secrets.

Ever.