The Love Undeniable A Place to Call Home

-I said no! Aah!

-No-one says no to me.

SHE SOBS

Don't you think you should slow down? This isn't like you.

-There's obviously something you're not telling me...

-Please.

-Hysterectomy at 15.

-The uterine wall's perforated.

SHE SOBS LOUDLY

The man was a butcher.

Ruptured appendix?

I thought miscarriage was the usual euphemism on the death certificate?

Well, I just met the new owner of Stardust.

Do you have any idea what that horse is worth?

Stardust is MY horse!

'What was once his pride now seemed plain stubbornness.'

This is a princess, slumming it.

-Gino, give it to me, that's my work!

-Anna! Hey, Anna!

-Sweetheart, what's...?

-SHE SOBS

-You came all this way just to give me a clipping?

-No, no.

To ask you to run away with me.

Henry...

I feel like I can talk to you like I can't talk to anyone else.

That day Rene Nordmann shot you...

He was intent. He wanted to kill you.

-So is this a proposal or a business deal?

-Both.

You do realise that a marriage of this nature can be easily annulled?

Rene Nordmann passed away.

No matter how charitable you may feel towards me, or to the baby,

we will be on our own.

It won't be charity.

'To Sarah Nordmann, I give, devise and bequeath

'finances held in trust on the behalf of our unborn child.'

That's his favourite.

HE GROANS WEAKLY

Regina.

No...

George...

Darling...

George.

Good morning.

Last night was such a lovely surprise.

You were so...masterful.

We make a great team, George, in every situation.

It was inappropriate.

Given the circumstances.

It won't happen again.

When you get back, we can go over your hospital speech, if you wish?

Ah, there you are.

Good morning, Mother.

-George, if I may have a word?

-I'm rather busy.

I'm sure you are. Anna's here.

Oh, how lovely.

Well, she and Gino have had an argument.

She's with Carolyn.

-Is she all right?

-She will be.

What about you?

I didn't sleep well, that's all.

Come on, sleepyhead.

No... This bed's too comfortable.

Sweetheart...

CAROLYN CLEARS HER THROAT

You can't hide from this.

You need to stand up for yourself.

I thought that marriage would be like...

Pride And Prejudice.

Or A Room With A View.

Everyone living happily ever after.

You still love him.

Well, you and papa love each other, but you're not even talking.

Let's leave Jack out of this.

It's the same with father and Sarah.

Love, it's...

It's no guarantee.

So you're going to hide from the future in here, under the covers?

ANNA LAUGHS

No.

No, one day, I'm going to earn my own living as a writer.

Just like you.

-Ah, so many writers in the family.

-Mm!

-Won't the Bronte sisters be jealous?

-Mm!

Mr Bligh, launching his campaign, here with us!

We're so lucky, don't you think?

Look at you. Never seen you look so pretty.

Pretty as a picture.

A very nice thing to say.

Oh, credit where credit's due.

Really scrub up all right for an old girl, don't you?

Goodness, look at the time.

I'll be needed indoors.

Sister Carlin?

Could you PLEASE take Mrs Clark's blood pressure more frequently?

I'm concerned she's developing pre-eclampsia.

May I speak frankly?

Not all of the patients feel comfortable.

With you in mourning, and so on.

"And so on"?

With you in the family way.

Which patients? Give me their names, I'll have a quiet word.

There's no need for that.

Well, let's go and talk to them together, shall we?

Because I can guarantee that most of them

worked in their paddocks until they were ready to drop.

So, ha, I'm a bit surprised.

It's men who put these demeaning ideas into people's heads.

We women know what we're capable of.

If you focused on your job, Marjorie,

you really would be a much better nurse.

I know what you're going to say.

Perhaps it's too soon?

-To come back?

-In my condition?

You've joined the enemy.

Not just about the pregnancy.

I need to be here, Jack.

All right.

But just...take things slowly, hmm?

You should've been there.

The strings were sublime.

Apparently, Eugene Goossens may well get his opera house built,

according to the radio.

Lizzie?

Oh...

Do forgive me. My mind was elsewhere.

Well, if you want to unburden.

It's good of you to come and tell me about the concert.

I do value your friendship, you know.

Actually, that's why I'm here.

Because I've been thinking.

I don't want to be your friend.

Oh, I see.

I want us to be more than just friends.

Why not?

Why don't we go away together? Mmm?

You want to see this archaeology first-hand...

Other people visit the Middle East, why don't we?

Douglas, this is most improper, I...

-What would people think?

-Well...

Well, we can go in disguise, as a camel.

You can go as the front, I'll go as the back, hmm?

Don't be ridiculous!

Oh, I think people might catch on eventually.

Lizzie, life is so short.

Why don't we just suck the marrow out of it while we still can?

-My family...

-They don't need you like I do.

Keep it.

We have to be at the airport 7pm tomorrow night.

I'll call by the Sydney apartment at 5pm tomorrow afternoon,

and if you're not there...

..I'll take it our chapter is concluded.

If you are...

you'll make me a very happy man indeed.

-They just need to sort things out for themselves.

-Hmm.

-Ah, Mr Goddard.

-Back again? What a lovely surprise.

I hope Mother isn't wearing you out with all this...driving.

Mr Goddard was just leaving.

Oh, why not stay for lunch?

George is off campaigning, but we'd love to have you.

-I... I couldn't impose.

-It's no imposition, is it, Mother?

Then again, cook can be an awful gorgon

when these things are sprung on her.

Another time?

Let's hope so.

I'll, er...

take my leave then.

-I'll see you out.

-Oh, thank you.

Did something happen?

Oh, this notion that one's every thought needs expressing...

Yes, heaven forbid anyone have a truthful, human reaction to anything, Mother.

BABY GURGLES Anna, are you sure about this?

Yes... Er, yeah, these'll be fine until I get the rest of my things out of the attic.

-Is there a horse for me?

-Of course.

-I meant about staying on at Ash Park.

-I hate seeing you like this.

-I'm going to go and talk...

-Please, DON'T, James. Just let things be.

-Anna...

BABY GURGLES

I'm glad you're home.

We miss you when you're in Sydney.

Well, it's like Henry says, it's a hard job,

but someone's got to do it.

You've become such good friends, haven't you?

Well, that's all we are.

Friends.

And it's high time regions like Inverness enjoyed the same

benefits as the cities,

such as modern ambulance care.

Now, some country areas still lack this amenity.

I had a need recently of the ambulance service, and fortunately,

it happened to be available and it certainly helped save my life.

This gave me cause to reflect on what matters.

Now, in the lead-up to this election,

you will hear a lot of talk about the state of our economy

in relation to the nation,

inflation and so forth, but when you look at your lives in two, five, ten years' time

and you see where they might be, what is it that matters most?

Well, surely, it has to be the people in our lives?

Our families...

Those we love.

The confidence that we can give them to sustain and build

our communities, communities that are the backbones of this region...

It's not the platform we decided on. What's going on, Reggie?

Nothing that cannot be fixed.

Don't worry, you'll get your comrade.

..to be your next Member of Parliament.

APPLAUSE Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr Bligh, our patients would so love to meet you.

-Apologies, hectic schedule.

-It'd be my pleasure.

-Oh!

-Marty! This is Mr George Bligh.

-Been in the wars, chap?

A little closer, Sister.

-Isn't Sister Nordmann a marvel?

-Perfect, thank you.

I think the only thing keeping her upright is my home-made tonic.

Is that so?

I cannot understand why you would take such a risk.

I'll speak with Sir Richard about my priorities.

The way you looked at her, it was obvious.

Your feelings!

You're still in love with her.

My feelings are none of your concern.

'To Sarah Nordmann I give, devise and bequeath

'finances held in trust on behalf of our unborn child,

'for maintenance, education, advancement and benefit,

'reaching the age of 21.'

SHATTERING GLASS Get out! Just...leave it!

-What on earth is going on?

-You'll have to ask Mrs Bligh.

-Regina!

-Patrolling the halls?

How Dickensian, even for you.

This pact of yours, Regina, is not going to be easy...

You mean my marriage?

To the man I love? And who loves me...in every way.

Yes. Your hopes of annulment have been dashed.

In a quite spectacular fashion.

Then you have everything you want.

-And you're still not satisfied.

-According to whom?

-Oh, I see you.

Regina, I see who you are. You are a wanton woman.

How sad you are.

The way you cling to this life, this family.

But only because you have nothing else.

You're the one who doesn't belong here.

You're the one who has no place.

Your speech went well?

It was a clarifying experience.

Is there something on your mind?

George, I want you to promise me to be careful with Regina.

-She is so dangerously wilful...

-I am not blind to Regina's ambitions.

You needn't worry about that.

It was nice to see Douglas back here so soon.

-You're changing the subject.

-Attentive, isn't he?

He does tend towards the spontaneous.

How awful for you, Mother(!)

And he's rather too fond of Tchaikovsky.

He makes you happy.

Douglas is a wonderful man.

And we all deserve a little happiness.

That's what HE says.

It's never too late.

Working hard, Gino.

Go home, James.

Look, I know what Anna's like.

She's hot-headed, impractical, she can't be told anything.

Don't talk about her like that.

That's fine, she's my sister, I know her.

Please, Gino.

Put things right with her. Be a good husband. GINO SCOFFS

You're lecturing me on being a husband? That's rich.

-What's that supposed to mean?

-Forget about it.

No, I... I'm trying to talk to you and you don't even have the decency

to look me in the eye!

-Look, just leave!

-No.

You used to be so easy going, we've always got along.

-Tell me what's changed?

-I married a Bligh.

And that's such a hardship?

-Being married to Anna? No. All that comes with it.

-What?

-What are you talking about?

-The lies, the secrets...

-I mean, no wonder people write such terrible things about your family.

-What things?

Swanson wrote a letter to Anna.

About you, your wife and your son.

My son?

This is nonsense.

-All right, what did that pig Swanson say about him?

-That he's not yours.

Well, that's not true.

You make amends with my sister, or you'll answer to me.

There you are.

James?

Whatever's the matter?

James?

I just saw Gino.

Swanson's letter, is it true?

They say men like me can't father a child. Is Georgie mine?

-TEARFULLY:

-Why would you ever...?

-Tell me!

How can you even question that?

You slept with Lloyd behind my back,

perhaps you have a talent for deception?

And so you would trust Andrew Swanson's word over mine?

After everything we've been through.

Is that how little you think of me?

James, this is ludicrous!

Of course Georgie is yours, he's our little boy! James!

Truce.

You're not joining me?

Why not?

In the car, we argued.

I regret that.

To teething problems.

You do trust me, don't you?

If you're having second thoughts about our arrangement...

Sarah Nordmann was not part of our arrangement.

I've made it clear.

-PLEADING:

-Don't see her again.

Please.

There can only be two of us in this marriage.

If it were to come out...

If what were to come out?

Think of your career. The scandal. You'd be a laughing stock.

People talk.

Who would tell these people?

-If you're suggesting...

-I will not be blackmailed by my wife.

That is not...

Your mother has been in your ear, poisoning you against me.

My mother's not the poisoning type.

YOU will play the role that you have chosen.

You will smile and wave and do what is asked.

And in return, you'll enjoy the benefits of your position.

But you will not question me.

Nor will you plot and connive against Mrs Nordmann.

Whatever your grievances.

-Is that understood?

-George...

-Is that understood?

Yes.

Very well.

I'm so glad you've resumed your work.

I'm sure it's for the best.

Mind you, it wouldn't have happened in my day,

wouldn't have been allowed.

Confinement meant exactly that.

Women have more choices now.

Not as many as we might like.

And few supported, even by other women.

But still, you do exactly as you see fit,

regardless of what others think.

As do you.

Like this possible trip!

And, yes, your immunisations are up to date.

Including cholera and typhoid?

Are you thinking of somewhere exotic?

Perhaps.

I do worry about leaving George.

He needs so much support at the moment.

He has his wife for that.

From someone he can trust.

George was raised by you, Elizabeth.

He'll make the right decisions.

Eventually.

Perhaps.

Gino!

Anna.

Olivia told me what you said to James.

How could you do that?

Do you know what you have done to them and how horrible it is?

There is no excuse.

I was angry.

I don't expect you to forgive me.

Anna, bella, wait...

HORSE NICKERS

Oh!

Hey!

Oh...

I'm sorry.

I'm so, so sorry.

I've made so many mistakes, with us, with James...

HORSE EXHALES

But I love you, bella.

More than anything.

We were so happy once.

Can't we be again?

I don't know how.

I thought we were meeting at the club.

I was in the neighbourhood, so...

Drink?

Thank you. You read my mind.

Well, we can talk about it.

Or not talk about it, up to you.

I wouldn't know where to start.

How about at the bottom of this?

I must seem quite mad.

Stark raving.

I had to get away.

And here you are.

It's all getting a bit on top of me, I'm afraid.

What is?

The world's not going to end, James.

Just let it out.

Just let it out.

'It has been brought to the chamber's attention that

'you may have been involved in unlawful conduct with intent

'to administer an illegal abortion,

'resulting in the untimely death of a patient.'

Bella mia, bella ragazze.

Toast, cafe.

I can't believe I fell asleep.

I missed waking up next to you.

Let's never be apart like that.

No, we can't go on fighting as we have.

We won't.

No more arguing about money or anything.

I was thinking that we could sell Stardust to pay back Carlo.

-No, I know what she means to you.

-But it's time to be practical.

I'll talk to Papa about mortgaging the farm.

-I'll forget about the damn vineyard.

-No, Gino!

Don't, Poletti Wines - it's a good dream.

-I'll talk to George about investing. Make him a partner.

-Oh, really?

You'd do that? Well, I think he'd love it.

We'll do things properly. Maybe I'll even take advice.

-I just want us to make each other happy.

-Tell me what I've got to do.

I'll do anything, bella.

We have to keep talking, OK? Being honest, like we are now.

As long as we're together, we'll be happy.

Yes?

Yes.

Mm...

Were you planning on leaving a note?

I really should go.

Here I am.

Carolyn, what would you say if I...

If I told you I might go away

on a trip?

Send me a postcard?

Luxor?

With Mr Goddard.

Douglas.

Tell me if you think I shouldn't go.

What will happen if you don't go?

Oh, it's such a bold decision.

They're the best!

They're the ones that make our lives sparkle.

If I were to go, would you tell George? He'll disapprove, I know.

Mother, no matter what anybody will think, you'll regret it

so much if you don't go.

-And you'd be all right?

-Yes.

I promise.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Mother? You wanted to see me?

-I wanted to let you know I'm returning to Sydney.

-As you wish.

George...

Be strong.

Stay strong.

Yes, Mother.

Well, I must be going. Thank you, both.

Is she all right?

I think she's on top of the world.

Come here.

BELL RINGS

Let me get rid of whoever that is.

Yes?

I'd like to speak to my husband.

-I...

-Excuse me.

Mrs Bligh...

Mrs Bligh...

Livvie! Livvie!

Livvie, wait! Wait! Let me explain!

-Explain what?

-I never meant for this to happen.

Tell me what it is that you're doing here.

No...

No...

Wait.

Wait. Wait!

Livvie...

You can't leave like this.

-I need to think about what I want.

-What you want?

This is my marriage too.

What is it, bella?

Don't be angry.

I won't, I promise.

-Tell me.

-I heard back from the publisher.

I didn't think I'd hear anything, but...

-Someone wants your book?

-Angus & Robertson.

They think I could be the voice of young women. Imagine that! They...

They want me to go down to Sydney to meet with them.

Such an opportunity.

It's going to take a lot more work.

And after what I wrote about us...

Bella...

You do what makes your heart sing.

Really?

-SHE LAUGHS

-Thank you, darling!

Thank you, thank you!

Carolyn.

I hoped we might talk.

I tried to telephone.

I needed...

I've come to talk to you about Sir Richard.

Well, I see.

Well, you've certainly taken your time to tell me.

-Tell you what?

-His interest was clear.

Now yours is as well.

No. You don't understand.

That night you left my place, something happened.

He...

He...forced himself on me.

SHE SOBS

You were right about him.

-I've been such a fool.

-This is not your fault.

-It is!

I had him in my apartment! We were drinking.

It's like he's inside my head and I can't get him out.

I don't know how to make these...

thoughts go away.

A piece of me...has gone, Jack.

The best piece, and I don't know how to get it back.

Don't touch me, please.

He won't get away with this. KNOCK ON DOOR

Dr Duncan? Some men are here to see you.

-Yeah, not now, all right?

-They're detectives.

Jack. What's going on?

The police want a formal interview by the end of the week.

The important thing is, we've got Jack Chand on board. The best criminal lawyer in Sydney.

Even if there isn't a criminal case to answer, my licence is still at risk.

I had a word with Sir Richard before you arrived. I'm calling in a favour.

-I don't want him involved.

-He has valuable connections.

-I said no.

-You're asking me to help, Jack.

-We didn't do anything illegal.

-WE?

-You didn't mention someone else.

-I didn't think it was important.

-If there are other witnesses...

-No, it is too compromising to name them.

-This is your future.

-Jack.

When Sarah Nordmann was in Sydney, she met the girl.

Met someone having a back-yard abortion?

Why would Sarah...?

Um...

-If you'll excuse me.

-George!

DOG BARKS

CAR DOOR SHUTS

I have something rather difficult I have to ask you.

Did you ever consider having... an abortion?

I don't...I don't know how to explain this to you.

How could you even think of putting yourself in that situation?

-To risk your health, your life.

-Rene was sick. I was alone.

And I didn't need to be consulted. Even told there WAS a baby.

I wasn't thinking about you. I had no idea where I would end up.

-Please, don't...

-For God's sake, this is our child!

And it always will be.

George Bligh and his bastard Jew. Be realistic.

-Don't say that.

-Why not?

Everyone else will.

You see?

You know it, too.

There's no future.

How can there be?

Hello there.

Mrs Collins.

-Mrs Bligh.

-My dear, you must call me Regina.

I was passing by and I thought how nice it would be to have

a cup of tea with one of our most valuable campaign volunteers.

-I need your assistance.

-Well, I'll pop the kettle on.

Hmm.

Oh.

SHE COUGHS

Oh!

Oh! Oh!

Oh!

Thank you.

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

Lizzie?

Oh!

KNOCK ON DOOR

Are you there?

SHE STRAINS

FAINT WHIMPER

HE SIGHS

-Do you fancy a cuppa?

-I must get on to Ash Park.

Apparently, I've become integral to the campaign.

The new Mrs Bligh came to see me. She even helped me with this.

Well, she's a lot of things, but she's not silly.

She knows a good helper when she sees one.

DOOR CREAKS

Oh. This is for you.

-My tonic. Thank you, Doris.

-My pleasure.

-You've got a bit of...

-Oh.

Goodness me. It's the man himself.

Mr Bligh.

Well, if you'll excuse us, Mrs Collins and I

have got some very important election business to take care of.

Come on, I'm driving.

Who cares what people think? What they say.

I just want to be with you.

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

-Nothing else matters.

-..man and equally unavailable.

We will be together, Sarah. I promise you.

-I was harsh before, I apologise.

-Whatever it takes.

However long you need.

You'll always be a part of this child's life.

However long you need.

I love you.

Where's my son?

I don't know.

I will have to go to the publishers every fortnight.

I wonder if it is professional enough.

Imagine, the publisher wants to see ME.

And he mentioned a book launch and book signings...