The Things We Do for Love A Place to Call Home

Last season on A Place To Call Home...

You promised me George, and then renege.

We're cut from the same cloth.

The deed to Ash Park.

I shall be leaving tomorrow.

Keep an eye on her.

I have no idea who Elizabeth Bligh really is.

I look forward to meeting her.

It won't be easy, carrying your dead child to term.

Jarvis finds a girl in trouble with an imminent delivery,

and you emerge with a bonny, bouncing babe in your arms.

You look happy.

I am.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE CHURCH BELLS RING

There is a cancer at the heart of your family.

That guarantees sleepless nights whether you open it or not -

so which will it be?

Worrying or wondering?

-Caroline Bligh...

-Please, don't.

Don't do what I think you're doing.

-I love you.

-I always will.

I did love George.

GUNSHOT

George?

-George, it's Sarah. George, try and stay awake.

-Stay back!

RENE SPEAKS FRENCH What happened?

The gun, it went off.

Rene, what are you doing?

Help me.

-Tu ne pas en France. La guerre est fini.

-Do something!

I can't, George is losing too much blood.

SHOTGUN PUMPS SHE SPEAKS FRENCH

Rene, stop, no!

GUNSHOT Rene!

-I'm warning you!

-What the blazes...?!

-He shot George.

-Easy, easy, easy!

We need help - an ambulance, Jack.

Regina, ride to Ash Park, call an ambulance!

No, get away from him!

-I need to be the one helping him.

-Stop!

-You shouldn't be here.

-I'm not leaving him!

-Regina...

..he could die.

Tell Jack to bring IV fluids.

GO!

Finally, asleep.

Thanks to his wonderful mother.

-SHE CHUCKLES

-Hardly.

I mean, I love him to pieces, but...

I never dreamed it would be this difficult.

James had a hearty set of lungs on him, too, at George's age.

Well, at least I had perfect pitch.

Father told me about your school's production of The Mikado.

I was fabulous. Everyone said so.

Help! Help, come quickly!

HORSE WHINNIES

Call Jack, tell him to hurry. George has been shot.

-What?!

-How?

-On the far boundary, there was an argument.

That mad Nordmann. She said to bring fluids.

I'll telephone Jack and the police.

-Who's "she"?

-The nurse.

Sarah's with George?

Regina, come inside.

I can't.

Regina!

Regina!

SIREN WAILS

One, two, three.

The entry point is central. It could be spinal.

-He has to go to Sydney.

-Sydney? Are you sure?

-RENE SHOUTS IN FRENCH

-We've no choice.

Then I'll go with him.

Aren't you needed here?

Just trying to sort out what happened.

Jack, if the bullet moves...

I'll look after Rene. Try to keep him immobile.

-Jack, this is out of the question...

-There's no time.

And keep his fluids up.

Tell Rene I'll be back as soon as I can.

ENGINE STARTS Stay with him.

You drive carefully.

I'll telephone as soon as I know anything.

That's all we'll be thinking about.

James, your father will weather this, I know it.

-What would I do without you?

-Let's go, James!

Will I telephone Elizabeth?

-Tell her what's happened?

-Would you?

-And Anna?

She'd want to know.

The poor thing. Just married, and now this.

Perhaps we should wait until we know if...

Until we find out what happens with George.

Let her have some happiness.

ENGINE STARTS

STEAMER HORN

I think it's thrilling.

-You do?

-Mm-hm.

-Oh, thank you.

But, my dear, how will you cope?

I mean, no home and no domestic staff...

Well, if a woman like Freya Stark can cross the Middle East,

I can do without a maid.

SHE GIGGLES You and your lady adventuress.

PHONE RINGS

How can one not be inspired, the way they take on the world?

But what will you do?

The world is my oyster.

How modern.

Excuse me, Mrs Bligh? Telephone. It's urgent.

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

Eliza...

Olivia?

George, shot?

I... I don't...

Dr Nordmann?

Yes, as soon as I can.

SIREN WAILS

His pulse is weak and thready.

We have to take the bullet out.

-You're not serious?

-It's causing more damage.

-Just...

-Hey, what are you doing?

GEORGE GROANS

I can't reach it.

-You're going to kill him.

-Stay with me, George.

Come on, we need something sharp to open up the wound.

Wire, or anything. Look for something. Quickly!

OK, stay with me, George. Stay with me, that's it.

You're doing very well.

OK.

I'm sorry, George.

-OK.

-You're OK. It's OK.

-GEORGE GROANS

Got it. BULLET CLINKS

OK. Bandages, quickly.

-You did really well.

-There.

-OK, thanks.

That's it.

Non! Jamais!

GERMAN VOICES ECHO

CELL DOOR CREAKS OPEN

RENE GROWLS IN FRENCH

You're safe, Rene. The war's over. You'll be all right.

Get him inside.

-What is wrong with him?

-A head injury.

He gets, er...confused.

RENE CRIES OUT

-He's a decent bloke, Eddie.

-He's French, he needs to be in hospital.

Not when he's facing murder charges.

-Come on, Eddie - the bloke's not well.

-Then get him a lawyer.

Bella mia, I have a special surprise for you.

Oh, husband!

-You look obscenely happy.

-Pa's best vintage.

-He'll kill you.

-We are honeymooning now, we deserve it.

-Not for me.

-What's wrong?

I don't know, I just...feel a little bit off-colour, that's all.

-You aren't...?

-What?

-A bambino?

-No, no.

Not yet, anyway.

Well...then what?

It's nothing.

Anna, please.

No, I can't! It's too embarrassing.

I don't know what to wear to the theatre.

-Does that make me seem terribly frivolous?

-Amore, never.

SIREN WAILS

He's suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

-I've given him two pints of fluid.

-Blood pressure?

Stabilising, but there was substantial blood loss.

-The bullet's mobile?

-No, I...

I removed it.

In a moving ambulance? You took quite a risk.

I thought the intervention justified, to keep him alive.

-That's quite possibly what you've done, Sister...?

-Nordmann.

The object I used to open the wound wasn't sterile.

Good to know.

-Stay with us, George.

-Sister? Go.

Let's get you cleaned up.

Sarah?

-Elizabeth.

-How is he?

They're taking him into the theatre.

How could your husband, a disturbed man,

gain possession of a gun? I can't understand it...

-Oh, if anything happens to George...

-Let's find you a change of clothes.

Is there any news?

I should never have left Ash Park.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Thank you, Mrs Standish.

Let's get this over with. I should be on my way to Sydney.

Of course. As soon as we sort out what happened.

I told you what I know. That madman shot George Bligh.

Can you tell me again, from the beginning, so that it's clear?

Just...

I-I don't know.

-GEORGE:

-'Point that away from her!'

-It happened so quickly.

'No, you can't do this!'

GUNSHOT SHE GASPS

Mrs Standish?

You remembered something?

It's important.

If the Frenchman deliberately shot Mr Bligh,

he'll face the death penalty.

You're the only witness.

Are you saying that Communist Jew could hang?

He's a red?

One hears things. I mean to say, the French...

who knows where their sympathies really lie?

Jewish as well, eh?

We all know what that kind will do to serve their purpose.

As bad as the Nazis, half of them.

About the shooting...

I'm afraid I can't be of more help.

It's still rather a blur.

Well, perhaps it'll become clearer.

Perhaps.

I'll telephone the moment it does.

Thank you.

Thank you, Sergeant.

SHE RETCHES

I should have telephoned Dr Cargill,

had George transferred to a private hospital.

Rifles don't just go off.

How did Regina explain it?

She didn't say.

She was too upset.

Did I not ask you to keep an eye on her?

Really, Mother?

Regina will twist this to her advantage.

Thank you.

Please, I don't want us to be at odds, not at a time like this.

Having a child in danger is...

It's a terrible thing.

I didn't consider how difficult this must be for you.

Please forgive me.

Of course. But I must get back.

-Rene is...

-Oh, he'll need his wife, yes.

Norman will drive you.

I insist. I so appreciate what you've done.

I did what anyone would do.

Oh, I think we can agree that that's a modest assessment.

Let me do this for you, please.

Thank you.

SCRAPING

Mate, eat something, eh? Keep your strength up.

Sarah will be back soon.

It's all here for you, Rene.

A new life.

I know you're protecting yourself from those god-awful memories.

You can put all those behind you.

It's possible.

You can't let them get on top of you, mate.

You can't live in the past, you just can't.

What happened?

I need to know.

I told the police I don't remember.

Did he shoot George deliberately or not?

That depends.

On what?

Did you know he's facing a death sentence if George dies?

Something must have happened.

Perhaps he realised his wife was in love with another man

and decided to eliminate the competition.

-No, not Rene. He wouldn't.

-No, you're right.

George probably got hurt

trying to wrestle the gun from a suicidal maniac.

What is it you want, Regina?

If George dies...

..I'm going to make sure your husband hangs.

And if he lives?

I'll tell them it was an accident.

I see.

You'll get your mad Jew back

and who knows where George turns to for comfort? Shalom.

He knows who you are.

How's George? Any news?

He's gone into surgery. And Rene?

What an unspeakable tragedy! The whole town is praying for Mr Bligh.

I'm sure he appreciates it, Doris.

And we understand that you were instrumental in saving him.

-You were there!

-I need to see my husband.

I don't believe a word of what they're saying. It can't be true.

And what are they saying?

This unsavoury mistrust of foreigners!

If there's anything I can do to help...

-No visitors.

-He's not well. Let me through.

That the defence, is it?

I wasn't aware my husband was on trial.

You won't get any sense out of him.

Rene?

Mon cheri?

It's me...Sarah.

IN FRENCH:

Remember?

Sarah...

Yes.

Yes!

There you are.

We will find a way through this, you and I.

We will.

All right, time.

-I said TIME!

-I'll be back soon.

Rene, you're safe.

-RENE GROANS

-Johnson!

-No...

-Sarah...

-Rene!

-Let her go!

-Let go!

-Let go, mate. Rene?

-No, no, no, no!

-Je t'aime!

-Let her go, mate.

-Say it! Je t'aime!

Back away! Now!

-Aargh!

-Hey!

-Stay away from him!

-What did I tell you?

-He needs help!

-He needs a straitjacket.

-He needs medical attention.

-He was injured in the war, Eddie.

And the war made him kill George Bligh, eh?

-Men like you, you should be ashamed.

-Get out.

Forget it, Sarah.

He wasn't there. He wouldn't understand.

-What is that supposed to mean?

-I'm not leaving him.

You don't get a choice.

Hey, hey! All right, all right!

Let's not make this any worse.

Come on!

Afternoon. Mr Bligh's family?

Oh, yes, I'm his mother. Mrs Elizabeth Bligh.

This is my daughter, Carolyn, and my grandson, James.

-And you are?

-Henry Fox, surgeon. Your son is a very lucky man.

The bullet missed the spleen and liver and I must admit

Sister Nordmann was right to remove the bullet

before it caused more damage.

-Oh, that is good news.

-Can we see him?

I'm afraid he's not out of danger.

He's lost a lot of blood and infection is still a possibility.

But he will recover?

I'm confident he will, yes.

Now I can telephone Anna.

Excuse me.

It's been a difficult day for everyone.

Yes, made no easier by the stunning lack of professionalism

displayed by your staff. To keep us waiting without a word...

-Grandmother...

-No, I'm afraid it's not good enough.

My son will be transferred to Arthur Cargill's care forthwith...

-I don't...

-I said it's decided.

You know Dr Cargill, I presume?

-Cargill, yes, he's a fine man.

-Indeed.

His equipment's not quite up-to-date

and his registrars aren't on call 24 hours a day,

but for the vapours or a nervous turn...

-Are you arguing with me?

-Mrs Bligh, it would be foolish

to send your son to a lesser-equipped hospital.

Later, when all he requires is a fluffy pillow,

it might be sensible. If you'll excuse me.

-Of course, Grandmother's giving the staff what for.

-I can imagine.

But your father is alive. That is all that matters.

HE SIGHS

I suppose it's just a waiting game now to see if he wakes up.

Darling, I am sorry, but I really must go.

We'll talk again soon.

Is everything all right?

I'm interviewing for the maid's position.

Is now really the time?

Your grandmother made the arrangements before she left

and, with the christening fast approaching

and so much still to be done...

Perhaps we should delay the christening

until Father has recuperated.

And, as for hiring a new maid...

Don't give it another thought, I'm sorry.

I feel so utterly useless down here by myself.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to scold you.

No, it's nothing.

Be with your father. Telephone the minute he wakes up.

Goodbye.

Bye, darling.

Oh!

How kind!

-A hearty brew puts everything right, to be sure.

-Quite!

Rose, isn't it?

Yes, ma'am.

I'm afraid I have wasted your time.

I'm sorry to tell you, the interviews must be postponed.

Never mind. Family comes first.

Rose?

Could you stay a moment?

Cigarette?

No, thank you. I should apologise for my grandmother's behaviour.

You saved my father's life.

No apology necessary.

How are you holding up?

It's a long story, but I don't much like hospitals.

Truth be told, I don't much like them either.

You must think me such a fool for getting so emotional in there.

-I think you rather human, actually.

-It's just that...

my father and I, we've had a difficult time of it.

You know, people will tell you differently,

but there's nothing you can do about what's been

or what's yet to be.

All we can affect is the present.

My grandmother would tell you differently.

HE CHUCKLES

She lives for the past and what she plans for the future.

Yes, she's quite the lioness, isn't she?

Defending her patch of savanna.

Are you sure you won't join me?

There's something awfully sad about puffing away on one's own.

-HE SIGHS

-Why not?

I should get back.

Mother...

sit down.

-Did you speak to Anna?

-No answer.

Jack sends his best, though.

Is he...?

Can I see him?

It is family only.

I AM family.

Immediate family. Your presence is not required.

So don't let us keep you.

I brought George's things.

Personal effects - his favourite books

and photographs to remind him of all he has to live for.

DOOR CLOSES

I got the tickets - A Streetcar Named Desire.

-Front row balcony, just like you wanted.

-Thank you!

Would you mind awfully if we didn't go? I...

I just don't feel up to it.

Sorry to be a spoilsport.

You read Swanson's letter.

Please, don't be angry with me, Gino.

I'm not, not with you. But, Anna, we promised.

But the things he wrote...

Like what?

Like what, Anna?

He said that little Georgie isn't James's son,

that Olivia bought another baby after losing the one she carried.

You can't believe him!

He's a liar!

He wants to make pain for your family,

to punish you for marrying me.

-There's more to it than that, Gino, but I can't tell you.

-Anna...

..you're playing into his hands.

To worry or wonder, that's what he wants.

You can't let Andrew do this to us.

-Even if it's true - and it's not - it's not our place.

-Gino...

He's toying with you, bella.

-Do you really think so?

-Yes, Anna.

I do. Forget about it.

Did someone come to your aid?

It was me own fault... My own fault.

I was a proper dill, leaving my bag on the seat like that.

Oh, it's so odd.

The Inverness trains seem so perfectly safe.

Perhaps in first class.

Of course.

Now I've aught in the way of references for the position.

Did the stationmaster think they'd find the culprit?

He said he tried, but...

And your previous mistress. You say she's on a grand tour of Europe?

-The whole family.

-That's the reason you've no position?

It's all explained in the reference.

Mrs Celia was ever so nice with what she said.

-I see.

-BABY STARTS TO CRY

-Hey...

-Excuse me!

What's all this about? Is it all that bad?

-Is it really?

-I beg your pardon!

Oh, ma'am, I'm ever so sorry.

-Ssh... What's all this about?

-BABY STOPS CRYING

What is this all about? Is it ever so bad?

Is it ever so bad?

How did you do that?

When you've got as many brothers and sisters as me... As I have...

Such a sweet little thing!

Well, you do have a way with him.

I'm not sure I have!

There's nothing more natural than a mother's love.

BABY GURGLES

I can get a new reference, but it may take a while.

Perhaps a trial period, then, until it arrives.

Truly?

When might you start?

Tomorrow?

Perfect!

-BABY CRIES

-I think this one needs attention.

-I could do that.

-Oh, no, I'm perfectly all right.

Mr Bligh has responded well to the transfusions.

His blood pressure has improved,

-there is no sign of further bleeding...

-And infection?

..and his stable temperature indicates no sign of infection.

He's not out of the woods, but stable enough for a visitor.

Splendid!

Mr Bligh?

Oh...

-You're sure?

-As it should be.

Imagine a doctor playing such petty games at a time like this.

Can I talk to him?

Well, he's up to the gills on morphine,

but there's no harm in trying.

We're all here for you, Father.

We're praying for you.

We'll get through this.

"Blow the doors off their hinges, let the world into Ash Park,"

just like you said.

We'll do it for little Georgie.

It won't be about the past.

Just the present.

He can hear me.

I said I'm fine.

Honestly?

It's Rene we need to worry about.

-You don't look fine.

-Enough.

I know you don't want to face the fact, but Rene could've hurt you.

-He was upset.

-You know I'm right.

It's such a betrayal to admit being afraid of my own husband.

We have to get him out of that place. It's that place.

Right now, I'm taking you home to Roy's.

-No, I need to be with Rene. I should never have left him.

-Tomorrow.

You need rest.

Doctor's orders. March.

I mean to say, if Dr Nordmann is a genuine threat

to the safety of the community, then we ought to know about it,

regardless of the esteem in which his wife may be held.

-Don't you agree?

-No, I do not.

All this "Reds under the bed" nonsense sounds like a lynch mob.

Surely one has a right, in fact, a duty, to question...

All we know is that George Bligh almost died.

A lot of other people are hurting

because some tortured soul got hold of an unattended weapon.

Surely you don't hold yourself responsible?

Well, it was my gun that did the shooting, no two ways about that.

That's preposterous!

How could you have possibly foreseen this?

You couldn't have. Well, you're wrong. You're quite wrong.

Oh, why not?

-CAR APPROACHES

-Bottoms up.

Cheers.

DOG BARKS

SHE GASPS

Mrs Nordmann.

-Topper?

-Just bed, I think.

I won't have it, George, I won't.

You will wake up. We will be together.

I love you, George. I always have.

You've just never seen it, never trusted it.

I'm going to show you.

Without you...

You are so utterly wilful! Come away from him!

I had to see him!

Get out, NOW!

-He will want to see me.

-Leave.

-I'll leave, but I'm not going anywhere.

-Now!

Don't tell me a heart does beat inside that cadaverous chest.

SHE CHOKES

Mother... Mother!

Help, someone! Please, help!

Mrs Bligh, what's happening?

I can't breathe!

It was a dizzy turn, nothing more.

It was a lot more.

Excuse me.

And, by the sound of things, hardly a new condition.

I am in perfect health.

She was hospitalised not long ago.

-Then you've no doubt heard what I'm about to tell you.

-I have.

-She has.

Bed rest at home for at least a week.

Out of the question. My son needs me here.

You'll be no good to George if you're ill.

Grandmother, if you have another heart attack, you could die.

I find it best not to terrify my patients wherever possible.

-Your patients aren't my grandmother.

-True.

-I do hope you're enjoying ourselves.

-Mrs Bligh, you need rest.

If you won't rest at home, I'll have to admit you.

-No!

-Grandmother!

I'm sure Cardiology has a private room on the fourth floor.

-I'll have the nurses bring the paperwork.

-Very well!

But I insist you inform me if there is any change in George's condition.

I shall leave the strictest instructions.

Well...

he's rather smashing, don't you think?

That's what comes of handing out scholarships willy-nilly.

Hey, Anna!

ANNA!

-AS EUNICE HUBBELL:

-You quiet that hound down and get to bed.

You gon' get the law on you.

-ANNA!

-Ssh!

Can you imagine having a marriage like Stella and Stanley's?

Happily, I don't have to.

Hmm, poor Blanche!

I do hope I never have to depend on the kindness of strangers.

You won't have to. I'm going to be the best husband.

Oh! Mr Poletti!

Ssh!

SHE SCREAMS

SHE CALLS OUT IN ITALIAN

Gino?

SHE LAUGHS

Is my Italian that bad?

Could you not unders...?

Mama and Papa have had news of my brother.

That's wonderful, isn't it?

Mama and Papa want to leave right away.

-We need to look after the farm.

-Of course.

They want to go tomorrow.

I can start packing.

We'll leave first thing in the morning.

We can take them to the station.

You're not upset about the honeymoon?

Gino, we have the rest of our lives together and the farm to ourselves.

The other business with the letter,

that's not why you're happy to go home?

-Anna...

-I can't pretend that I don't know. I feel...

I feel that I have to do something.

Olivia was pregnant and she had the baby. Swanson is lying.

-But it could be true, Gino.

-How?

It makes sense that Olivia would be that desperate for a baby if...

perhaps there wasn't to be another.

Why wouldn't there be? Can James not make one?

If he didn't want to.

What man doesn't want to?

You can't tell anyone.

I will not say anything.

James is...

He's what?

He's different.

What are you saying?

That James is a...

A homosexual.

No.

He can't be.

James?

-That's disgusting.

-Gino...

That's disgusting!

Of course, Andrew plans to attend all the best parties in London.

And then there's the polo and the fox hunting...

Perhaps even an invitation to Chequers.

Oh, doesn't it make you want to be their age again?

Your whole life ahead...

SHE SOBS

Oh, Elizabeth... Oh, my goodness!

Oh, how thoughtless of me, carrying on about my son

while yours lies in a hospital bed.

Oh, what a fine pair, eh? All misty eyes and runny noses!

Tea, I think.

Or whisky.

Quite right.

BOTH: Doubles.

-THEY LAUGH

-Diana!

HE GROANS

Sarah...

SHE CRIES

CRYING CONTINUES

DOG WHIMPERS

DOG WHIMPERS

Mama and Papa will be anxious to see you before they leave.

I'll ride over as soon as I've spoken with him.

You understand why I have to do this?

True or not, James should know.

It's none of my business.

Whatever James is, he's my brother.

-Hello, Mrs Poletti.

-Hello, Colleen. Is Mr James home?

No, but you'll find Miss Olivia and Georgie on the lawn.

Oh, thank you.

Hello, stranger!

We thought we'd break with tradition and breakfast in the sunshine.

-Grandmother would never approve.

-Possibly not.

But we needed cheering up.

About what?

Did somebody say something?

No, I meant because of your father.

You do know he's in hospital?

Is he all right?

Why didn't anyone tell me?

Carolyn said she would telephone. We didn't want to ruin your honeymoon.

I have to go to the hospital!

No, Anna, wait, he's in Sydney.

He was shot.

That bouquet can go, Carolyn. It's laughably ostentatious.

It will not. They're George's favourites.

Wrong side of funereal, if you ask me.

-Then it's a good thing nobody is.

-Must you...

-Father...

-..make such an awful racket?

-George...

-George!

About time.

-You're all here.

-Yes, we are.

Where is here, exactly?

Um, there was an accident.

Rene...

You remember what happened?

There was...

There was a struggle.

I don't remember anything.

You're going to make a full recovery. That's all that matters.

NURSE TYPES

I'd like to place a telephone call.

It's for hospital use only.

But I'm sure in this case...

That will be all.

Mon amour...

What did you do to him?

-He wouldn't stop banging his head.

-What did you do?

-Nothing.

The man's a fruitcake!

We have to do something!

Open the cell. I need to assess this man's wounds.

PHONE RINGS

-Sarah, what's going on?

-I should...

-Sit, sit.

-No...

Sarge?

Telephone.

SHE RETCHES

I telephoned as soon as I remembered,

to prevent any miscarriage of justice.

I must have been blocking it out because of the shock.

That poor man wasn't trying to kill George.

He was about to take his own life.

I know, who would consider such a thing?

-And Mr Bligh was shot...

-Trying to wrestle the gun from the madman.

George is the hero of the piece.

It's so clear to me now.

You realise Nordmann will go free?

I do hope no-one holds it against him.

You know, you never said how you ended up with the rifle.

I suppose it was dropped after it went off.

You suppose?

Are you questioning my word, Sergeant?

That really wouldn't do.

Thank you for coming by.

Darling, that's splendid news!

Give your father my love.

SHE PLAYS PIANO

Oh! Oh, Father, I was so worried!

Look at you!

What a pickle!

Need some help?

It's done.

Isn't it?

SHE GASPS

Sarah?

SARAH RETCHES

TOILET FLUSHES

Sarah...

Yuck!

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue...

It's the last few days, everything that's happened...

Sarah.

I'm pregnant.