Where Will the Baby's Dimple Be? A Place to Call Home

He's a very impressive man, you make a handsome pair.

We're just two individuals enjoying each other's company.

Remember, you, me, Georgie, London.

Why don't I go on ahead?

-To England?

-By the time we face your family,

I would be much more acceptable.

Georgie should...

..stay with you.

You certainly know how to surprise a girl.

-Italy?

-Mama and Papa will be over the moon.

We're flying the new Kangaroo tourist class.

Cairo overnight, Tripoli and then Rome.

-You'll be missed.

-I'll be in Sydney for two days, at the Australia.

It's a drug that needs vigilance.

But it's pointless him suffering.

If you could leave a parcel at reception

-along with additional prescriptions.

-I'm afraid I can't do that.

You're a very successful surgeon with an even more promising future,

do you ever wonder what the sound would be like

if it all came crashing down?

Going to need new clothes soon.

Oh, I'll be back.

As soon as the baby's born.

This country doesn't need a mother like her.

Make sure Jack telephones me, please.

As long as you promise not to race back straightaway. It's my baby -

as soon as it seems like a Bligh event,

questions will be asked and the gossip begins.

I've already reminded George that I don't want any undue attention,

so please promise me you'll respect that.

MUSIC: Mr Sandman by The Chordettes

# Mr Sandman, bring me a dream

# Make him the cutest that I've ever seen

# Give him two lips like roses in clover

# Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over

# Sandman

# I'm so alone

# Don't have nobody to call my own

# Please turn on your magic beam

# Mr Sandman, bring me a dream

# Bum-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum bum-bum-bum-bum-bum

-# Mr Sandman

-Yes?

# Bring us a dream

# Give him a pair of eyes with a come-hither gleam

# Give him a lonely heart like Pagliacci

# And lots of wavy hair like Liberace

# Mr Sandman, someone to hold

# Would be so peachy before we're too old

# So please turn on your magic beam

# Mr Sandman, bring us

# Please, please, please

# Mr Sandman

# Bring us a dream. #

SHE SCREAMS

-You need to take some.

-No.

No, I won't. You know this, Jack.

That was before we realised how long the labour was.

-We've both seen women...

-A small dose to ease the pain.

No.

Let's get you on the bed, please.

I'm your doctor.

Now.

Only five centimetres.

-You're being stubborn, Sarah.

-I will do this, I will.

Let's see how you go with a small dose of pethidine.

-No!

-Trilene, then.

You'll have some distance from the pain

-but you'll still feel the contractions.

-How do you know?

Trilene.

Your labour is progressing but it's slow.

-You'll be more comfortable.

-I want to feel this.

-GASPING:

-Jack...

SHE GROANS

If the heart rate slows, we augment.

SHE SCREAMS

Mother, sorry to call you so early.

Yes, she is, since yesterday.

I just thought you should know.

Jack's been with her through the night.

There's nothing to be done but wait.

-What's that?

-Doctor might decide to augment your contractions.

-Syntocine.

-I don't want it.

The doctor ordered it on stand-by.

It can cause hypoxia in babies.

Just given the length of your labour.

It's too soon.

-Now...

-The baby is coming too soon.

-No.

-Doctor said we need to give you some pain relief.

SHE PANTS

I would have brought you in some dinner last night if I'd only known.

It's gone that well until now.

She's in the best of hands with Dr Duncan, rest assured.

Mind you,

after all she's been through.

Does it matter much? Three weeks early?

Oh, do you know,

some of the cleverest people in the world have been born premature?

SARAH GROANS LOUDLY IN DISTANCE

Oh!

You know,

the ladies say that once the baby's been born,

the pain of childbirth is quite forgotten.

Not having been blessed with children myself,

I'd have to take their word for it.

I hope one day that you'll be sitting here, just like this,

waiting for your own first-born to come into the world.

SARAH SHRIEKS

By the same token,

she does seem to be taking a very long time.

SHE GROANS

-Mother!

-Oh.

Douglas is seeing to the car.

Those last few miles into town really are an absolute disgrace.

I didn't mean you to come rushing straight down.

Such a long labour at her age does not augur well.

I was going to telephone again once there was news.

Not with Mildred's big ears.

I was only saying to Douglas the other day,

I'm sure she listens in half the time.

What's the latest from the hospital?

Jack actually sounded very concerned, but that was a good few hours ago.

George would want to be here.

-No, you can't.

-Oh!

-No!

-Well...

I'll talk in code.

You know that's not the issue.

I'll stand here all day if I have to.

I'll just get Doctor.

How far am I?

Fully dilated. Won't be long now.

SHE GROANS

Thank you.

Oh, please, Carolyn, it was months ago.

A promise doesn't expire until both parties agree.

You are bossier than the matron I had at the Sydney Hospital,

and let me tell you, that is saying something.

Everyone is different!

It was almost 15 hours with Anna.

Look how she turned out.

Still off biscuits?

Yes.

Knock-knock.

I found these in the motor.

Oh, thank you so much.

I might need a pill after that trip.

She had me driving like Stirling Moss to get here.

No, I didn't.

You were speeding because I was winning the argument.

You'll be subscribing to the Socialist Weekly next.

-I already do.

-I'll leave you to it.

You promised.

-Mind if I telephone the refuge?

-No, we need to keep the line free.

Douglas, stay on the telephone as long as you need.

-SARAH YELLS

-Push. Push.

Push. Stop now.

She's not progressing. SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

Baby's heart rate isn't picking up.

I'm going to need her in stirrups, please.

-It's better like this, Jack.

-Stirrups, now.

-Push. Push. Push.

-SHE SCREAMS

Stop now.

-I can't! I can't!

-You have to.

-Still isn't picking up.

-On the next push, I'll help the baby.

MUTED SCREAMING

Push, push, push! Here we are. Here we are.

-Meconium.

-Meconium!

-Is she all right?

-We need to drain the lungs.

What's happening, Jack? I can't hear anything.

Suction and monitor.

He's a little battered and bruised.

He? Is it a boy?

Yes.

Is he breathing, Jack? Is he breathing?

-Yes.

-Warm.

-Keep him warm.

-To the isolette, now.

W-Why? Where are you taking him?

He might just need a little help.

What help? What's wrong?

BABY WHEEZES

I see they're holding a rally, the wharfies,

campaigning for pensions for their veterans.

-The union?

-You might enjoy a rally.

You know how I feel about the waterfront, striking during the war.

SHE TUTS

This is how history gets distorted.

The press blew that story up out of all proportion.

Jack just telephoned.

Sarah has given birth to a boy.

-Ah, how lovely.

-A boy!

-Is he...

-He said the next 24 hours are critical.

-He's having trouble breathing on his own.

-Dear God.

But he said they're doing all they can.

-How's Sarah?

-It was tough but she's recovering.

What else did he say?

He's busy.

Did he say anything about the baby's chances?

No, but he wouldn't.

Then George definitely needs to be informed.

What did Sarah ask you?

She wasn't anticipating an emergency.

If the baby dies or if there's something wrong...

-Well, YOU could call him.

-No, no, I won't.

-Then I shall.

-You will not!

The minute it is necessary to call,

then I will not stand between you and the telephone,

but until that time try and keep your mind on other things.

I'll have some tea sent out.

Don't worry. It'll all work out.

Oh, you haven't left much for me.

Well done.

Liz, sorry.

I was trying to distract you.

It's not so very long ago she lost her husband, is it?

Makes the event even more bittersweet.

Douglas, the matter is, astonishing as it may seem...

..the baby is not her late husband's.

Sarah has just given birth to George's child.

George's second son.

Good heavens.

I'm sorry.

And if the baby doesn't survive...

..she may never have another chance.

Oh, Lizzie.

-Thank you.

-Come on. Don't worry.

We'll need to see if he's lost much blood.

I want a haematocrit as soon as possible.

For Sister Nordmann, keep her monitored.

She's had significant blood loss.

When we do ease off on the oxygen, he tries hard to breathe on his own.

As for you, I'm still not sure why you're bleeding so much.

Increased the synto. It should help.

Tell me what's wrong with him.

He's been pretty battered. His respiration was depressed.

Is he in distress?

It was a difficult labour.

Why can't I see him?

Your blood loss is more than normal.

I don't want to risk a haemorrhage moving you.

-I want to see him.

-And you will.

Something is wrong.

Look me in the eye and tell me nothing's wrong.

He needs to be on oxygen and he needs to be monitored.

He needs to be in the isolette.

Is he deformed in some way?

No. No.

I just want you to put me in a wheelchair now.

Please.

For God's sake, Sarah. Sarah.

I'm saying to you what you would say to a woman in your condition.

Calm down and bed rest until you're told otherwise.

Mother and baby need rest.

There was a...

There was a reason I wanted to be conscious.

I understood that.

I thought I could do it.

There's no need to be anxious.

-He might die because of me.

-Hey!

I should have listened to you, I know I should have.

Let's.... Let's all just get a few hours' sleep.

Is he going to live, Jack?

If there is any change, I will wake you.

I know I promised Sarah but George is five hours' drive away.

If something happened...

Your angina and blood pressure are all I care about.

Let me telephone George, hmm?

I predict television will be up and running sooner than we think.

But only broadcast in Sydney and Melbourne.

Well, we'll have to fight them on that, then, won't we?

We most certainly will.

Actually Regina has some very good thoughts on how we can do that.

I'd be very interested to hear them.

Hand it back to the Chinese?

I've heard very good arguments from London about that.

I'm afraid I disagree, Cedric. Hong Kong must remain a British colony.

All the businessmen fleeing Communist China.

Honkers gives them a bolt-hole.

Those few years I spent in Shanghai before the revolution...

I'm not saying we can't learn a bit from the Chinese...

The Hong Kong Chinese will run rings around us in business, Cedric.

-They are simply remarkable.

-PHONE RINGS

Thank you, Douglas.

Not at all.

It's very clear. I appreciate the call.

Thank you again.

Goodbye.

Was that The Age calling back?

The baby's been born.

I have to go to Inverness.

I'll say my goodbyes.

You can't just walk out on your guests.

You really can't.

Help me wind it up, then?

Quickly?

Empty glasses in the capital.

What's the Commonwealth coming to?

George, my good man, about these roads.

How did I know he was going to say that?

You really are a dog with a bone, Cedric.

The truth is, Cedric, I could talk roads until the cows come home.

They'd disappear in the bulldust holes up my way.

THEY CHORTLE

SHE BREATHES HEAVILY

Thank you, Rose.

Do tell your man to drive safely, won't you?

Watch the kangaroos at dusk.

I will.

Well, two can play at that game.

Pack my suitcases for Sydney, quick sticks.

Day and cocktail wear, ma'am?

Day, night, the races, the theatre...

Pack the lot.

Who knows what the big city lights may hold?

Five pounds, seven ounces...

I think they said he just needs a little help breathing,

-like babies do sometimes, I suppose.

-Have you all seen him?

Not yet. They won't want us hanging in here for too long neither.

They're keeping something from me.

They're just keeping an eye on him, missy.

I've knitted matinee sets in both colours just in case.

Of course, the pink ones can go to the fete.

Can you find out why they won't give him to me, please?

-The truth.

-Excuse me!

All of you, out!

Mrs Collins, you should have more sense.

I'm sure Dr Duncan wouldn't mind.

- You know that's not true. - You get some shut-eye, missy.

See you tomorrow.

Rest.

-Here you are.

-Thank you.

A few days' catching up to do.

Making history.

"Purchased hay from Poletti farm.

"Men drenched top paddock sheep.

"Rain anticipated.

"Ram has wind."

You don't think I'm in danger of being overly poetic?

HE EXHALES

You know, a baby boy might be a good thing for Georgie.

I mean, a life away from the burden of running Ash Park.

No matter what happens, I'll make sure he gets his stipend.

His financial share of things.

He wouldn't be tied to the property.

Georgie can grow up and he can be whatever he wants.

Sometime in the distant future I could step away, too.

Now, let's just pray the new baby survives.

Yeah. The solicitor wants to sit down with us, talk details.

Our agreement about Georgie.

The divorce.

I managed a peek without being seen.

Oh, the poor little mite.

He looked so helpless.

Elizabeth.

What are you doing here?

Did Jack send for you?

-Did he?

-No, no.

I was about to leave a note at the nurse's station.

I've no wish to disturb.

I wanted to explain that I'd informed George...

Of what?

What do you know?

What do I know?

Is my baby going to die?

What did Jack tell you?

No, nothing.

You know the visiting hours.

My excuse is I've been up for 24 hours straight.

I simply wanted her to know that George had been telephoned, it was not my intention to upset her...

She should be resting.

And so should you.

Do you think the baby will survive?

I can't tell you that.

-Let's take you home.

-Yeah.

Excellent idea.

Listen to this man.

Goodnight.

I should not have come down.

Oh, whatever happened just now is done.

You're only doing what you felt you had to do.

Come on. Let's get you out of here.

Elizabeth would only call George if something was seriously wrong.

-She wanted to explain...

-You're only working around the clock

because something is seriously wrong.

I'm a nursing sister, Jack.

We are monitoring him closely.

He's sleeping.

Is he going to die?

We just want him breathing on his own.

I don't want any more visits from Ash Park.

We've put "no visitors" on the door.

Any more bleeding?

PHONE RINGS

Bligh residence?

Mrs Bligh is in Sydney.

I can leave a message at her hotel, if you'd like?

One moment, please.

SHE PANTS

Is the oxygen constant?

As soon as there is a change in lung compliance, we'll shift to PRN.

That research we read on oxygen, the retina...

Retina... The blindness.

Those babies were under 31 weeks.

He's a good body weight, no signs of infection.

-It's only been 24 hours.

-No blue colouration?

No.

He just seems so...

Hello, little one.

-Can I...?

-Yeah.

Did I cause this, Jack?

He's preterm, remember.

SHE WHISPERS IN HEBREW

Amen.

I think I'm bleeding.

Right, come on. Into bed, now.

CLOCK CHIMES

Ah, there you are.

-When did you arrive?

-How are they both?

I'll let you know once I've seen them.

I'll come down with you now, we can talk on the way.

It might be best if you wait up here until I telephone.

She is very fragile.

And the baby?

As I say, I'll let you know once I've seen him this morning.

I'm coming down now.

My turf, George. On my terms.

-Mr Bligh.

-Roy.

It's good to see you.

How are they treating you up in Canberra? All right?

Yes, yes. I've...just come down to inspect the new resuscitation unit.

It's very interesting.

Lizzie told me a while back.

Your secret's safe with me.

There's a sign on her door that says "no visitors".

We've decided that don't apply to us.

You go ahead, Roy, I'll wait here for a while.

Best not to let Sarah know I'm here.

At least for the moment.

Best of luck, Mr Bligh. It'll turn up trumps.

Emma done that for you.

The flowers are from Dawny.

Dr Jack reckons things have improved during the night.

I should have known.

What's that?

Everything was going along so easily.

Calmly. I thought it would last.

Don't go looking on the dark side.

Why not?

He'll be right as rain.

He's a chip off the old block.

You thought of a name yet?

Ruby.

HE CHUCKLES

-Ruby?

-It's just...

..I was just having a conversation with Rene in my mind.

How much I hoped it was a girl.

Why's that, missy?

Ash Park Incorporated would leave us alone.

If he...

If he makes it, he'll be considered next in line after James

-and baby George.

-This is the Blighs, missy.

It's not the House of Windsor.

All that family stuff's a long way down the track.

It's already started.

Well, I'd better get going before Nurse Murgatroyd goes crook.

Sure there's nothing you need?

Just my baby.

And a name.

CHUCKLING: "Stitch your worries away," my mother used to say.

Can you try to stay within the lines?

I'm still surprised they didn't teach you this at school.

I preferred to learn how to smoke.

Yesterday, you mentioned Anna's birth.

I never knew anything about it, of course.

Would you like to?

Tell me.

Well...

..we had gone to Singapore, of course.

She was a week late. I'd had early contractions, but they stopped.

I read somewhere that if you walked a lot, you could bring the baby on.

-Never heard of that.

-And if one took a meal with a lot of chilli.

Chilli?

-The spice?

-So I walked all the way to Orchard Road.

It was very steamy, I remember.

You went walking in the heat?

What were you thinking of?!

Spicy Chinese food.

You didn't do anything like that with us?

Only you.

I pointed to any meal that looked as if it had chilli in it...

..and it worked.

-Oh, my.

-My waters broke during the night,

we took a taxi to the hospital in the morning...

..and Anna was born...

..at five past six that evening.

Any pain I went through...

..evaporated into thin air.

Yes.

And they put her in my arms.

She was the most beautiful baby that had ever been born.

That's what I said about you.

Don't say anything to George.

I'll keep it up my sleeve.

When the time came to give her up...

-VOICE BREAKING:

-..I placed her in Elaine's arms.

The shawl got tangled in my bracelet, I remember.

I kissed her on the head and...

..I didn't look back.

Typical Anna. I could hear her gurgling happily as I walked away.

Here we are.

You promised not to come, you promised.

-I was worried.

-We made an arrangement.

I'm here in an official capacity.

I haven't even held him yet.

Jack says that he's pleased with his progress in the night.

Oh, so he says, so you say...

-How do I know?

-Jack knows.

Jack knows there's something wrong.

I don't think that's the case.

But I'll talk to him, if you like.

Oh, yes, in what capacity, George?

-I did not come...

-They'll already be gossiping about why you're here.

We made an agreement.

Please, why do we make these decisions

-only to have you unravel...?

-I do beg your pardon, sister.

Mr Bligh.

Well, I'd better not keep Dr Duncan waiting.

I'm here to inspect the plans for the new wing.

I'm very pleased your baby has had the benefit of our new technology...

..Sister Nordmann.

Nurse.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Welcome.

You know where everything is.

I had to telephone. Sorry.

I hope that's a fib, that you're sorry.

Have you missed me?

My oath, I have.

I've missed you, so much.

Let's make this last.

Mix yourself a drink.

Tell me everything.

Police prosecutors.

Gutless wonders.

No case to answer about Bert Ford, not without a body.

All that work you've done.

Circumstantial.

Same as Milly Davis.

What rot.

Three months I've been hitting my head against a brick wall.

Until I find something stronger on Nordmann...

It's so terribly frustrating for you.

Should I seek protection from her, do you think?

Next time I'm in Inverness?

Forget anyone else, you've got me.

And what will you do for me, Sergeant?

I had a few ideas in mind.

Hey, lady.

Want a lift?

Livvy?

Livvy!

ENGINE STOPS

What's up?

I'm trying to keep it to myself.

It's Lloyd.

Tell me. You'd let me talk about Henry.

He hasn't written in weeks.

I just accosted the postman.

You haven't received a letter in weeks, it's not the same thing.

He used to write every second day.

Perhaps it's because I've been delaying things.

I'm trying so hard to pretend that everything's all right, but...

Why do you think you've been delaying things?

Because your father asked me to wait until he was settled.

Because when I leave...

..my heart will break.

And if you don't go?

It's unthinkable.

Lloyd and I belong together, I... I just...

I don't understand.

You should telephone him.

Or, I could just book my ticket and arrive.

I really do think that might be best. Thank you, James. Sorry to have...

No, Livvy, that's not a very good idea, just turning up.

It isn't.

I'm just being silly.

Sorry.

I think you're just a little stressed about your exhibition.

Your last letter said, "I'm counting the days until you're here."

You can't think that... Listen!

Listen to me.

Please.

Once we're together again, we'll...

But... I don't believe that.

Lloyd, I have told you!

It's all decided about Georgie.

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

Please, don't.

SHE SOBS

SHE ROARS

SHE GROANS

I've just had another peek in the nursery.

Why are you still here?

I wanted to reassure you

that this breathing issue seems to be improving.

It isn't just a breathing issue.

If it's HMD or pulmonary hyperplasia,

25% of premature babies at his stage die in the first week.

Well, I heard the nurse telling Jack that he's been breathing on his own

for the past half an hour, off the ventilator.

-What do you need?

-For you to go.

Well, Jack's doing his rounds, he'll be here soon.

Have you thought of a name yet?

No.

And he'll be Nordmann on the birth certificate.

-That's not why I ask.

-Of course it is.

What you truly care about is that on paper he's a Bligh.

A bastard Bligh is better than none, but not in my books,

as you well know.

-I didn't come here to upset you.

-Well, you have.

I'm trying to do the right thing by her.

But my name should be on the birth certificate.

Your timing is appalling, George.

I don't want to adopt my own child after we marry.

If you marry.

Let's not forget this was the child that...

that she wanted to abort.

-Oh, please.

-It would simply put him...

It would put us on a good footing for the future.

I understand that she's worried

that the child will be labelled illegitimate.

And that is a very real concern.

It would affect him his whole life.

Ostracised on so many levels.

School life, business...

And in some parts of the Jewish community.

All of that I understand.

Must the child be Jewish?

Apparently, yes.

Not that I have a say in that either.

It's all rather a one-way street.

Perhaps we...

..we should go our own ways.

W-Why not take this one day at a time?

Regina was right.

I should have stayed in Canberra.

She should not be involved in this!

For all of Regina's shortcomings, Mother...

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

I can't fault her in that.

And her expertise in policy negotiations, quite frankly,

has been invaluable.

But...

But you and Sarah...

Yes. Yes.

But I've made this bed.

And perhaps I have to lie in it.

I'd like to send a telegram, please.

Flying Officer Gordon Walsh, Butterworth Military Base, Malaya.

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

KNOCK AT DOOR

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

No, no signatory. Thank you so much.

My shopping! Thank you so very much.

Also included, the name of a clinic that will help you.

This has to be the last time.

Such a smart little sodomite, but so little common sense.

The last time is my call.

Not yours.

Oh, Douglas, I really don't feel comfortable

being so far away from the telephone.

If there's any news, they'll come and get us.

Now, what's this one called, hmm?

It's a Madame Lombard.

I planted it just before Carolyn was born.

Oh, dear God. I would do anything to have this baby live.

If only it knew the love that's waiting for it.

Sarah, and, I'd hoped, George.

-Of course.

-But the longer he's near this woman,

the more he seems in danger of succumbing to her apparent charms.

Well, if a chap didn't know what we do...

She charms men, I understand that.

Oh...

I hate to say this, but if the child doesn't survive,

it will throw the two of them closer together.

I should go up and telephone Italy.

You've got four hours.

It's the middle of the night.

Stop...worrying.

Please.

I wanted to tell you I've been planning another tour,

starting in Turkey, Izmir. Down to Rhodes, then Damascus, Petra, Cairo,

the Valley of the Kings...

-It sounds wonderful.

-Would you come?

Oh...

I know you will think there's always something,

but there is something I need to do...

-Hmm?

-..if I can bring Anna and Gino home.

I was hoping I'd helped free you, Sir Richard and all that.

Oh, you have, Douglas, but I...

I don't want to burden you with any further family secrets.

Believe me, I don't want to know them.

Yes.

After that, I will come with you.

-Yes?

-Yes.

Yes!

Well, while I'm ahead...

While you're ahead?

Elizabeth Bligh,

will you marry me?

Oh!

Oh, what a very surprising man you are!

Now, don't think too hard.

Yes.

-Yes, I will.

-Marvellous!

-Ha!

-CHAMBER MUSIC PLAYS

Oh!

What would you have done if I'd said no?

You'd never have known they were there.

You have another visitor.

BABY GRIZZLES

Oh, Jack.

Don't call him Jack.

Hello!

Hello!

Hello, little one.

Oh, it's so good to have you with me.

I didn't know there could be so much joy.