The Edge of Reason A Place to Call Home

I'm afraid I have some bad news. Regina has been released.

If I was Sarah, I would be taking David as far away as possible.

-Leave it, Mother.

-Regina will have to rebuild her life in a world that

will seem hostile to her.

The slightest harm to my family, it'll be on your head.

Such a strange feeling.

-We're in this together, don't forget.

-Of course I won't.

Training was a holiday camp.

That's what we reckon, anyway.

Well, where were you, then?

SHOUTING

It's inspired. You have something to say, my darling,

and the talent to say it.

You're not just saying that because you're...

Soft-hearted about you I may be, soft-headed I am not.

Anna and I have an announcement.

Ed is going to publish my new novel before Christmas.

Jimmy Dancer.

If I can get along on one good lung.

The first steps must be taken alone.

I will contact you when I'm settled to let you know where I am.

HE GRUNTS

She won't come back.

She'd be mad to.

Sarah, she IS mad.

Who are you? What are you doing here?

Quick!

I just want that woman out of our lives for ever.

Hey!

-Look.

-Ah, that's good. Give that to Leah.

There we are. Let's see if we can find one more.

You're sulking because I grounded you.

-I'm not sulking.

-I know how you feel about Larry.

But I need you to take more care when you're supervising David,

-especially now.

-It's not that.

Will we get into trouble?

If they call the police, they won't lock us up, will they?

What are you talking about?

There was a lady...

..I don't know who, at crazy Regina's farm.

We were there and...well, something happened.

ENGINE WHIRS

So it's true.

I'm glad you've come.

I just didn't expect to see you so soon.

You can't stay here.

You have to pack your things and leave or you'll be forced to,

do you understand?

Sarah, I'm a different person.

No, you may think you are.

Your doctors may think you are, but you'll never convince me or

anyone else. Now, go away and start a new life.

You'll be happier. I can assure you.

This is my home.

-Find another one.

-You don't understand...

-I don't need to understand anything.

-Let me explain...

You need to understand that it's not in your best interests

to stay here.

And before you leave, you don't go anywhere near Ash Park.

Anywhere near my family.

I'm not a threat.

Not any more.

I saw into your soul a long time ago.

I know you.

You experienced crippling darkness, YOU lost your mind.

Don't you ever equate what I went through

with your lunatic obsessions.

Never really been one for weekends in the country.

Yes, all that lovely fresh air, it's completely insufferable.

You know, I might be coming around.

The scenery, the...invigorating activities.

Oh, are they the only attractions?

Well, there is a certain author.

Desperately glamorous.

Wildly successful second book.

Do you really think it'll be a bestseller?

Prepare to be a bona fide sensation, little one.

Oh.

Mm. From your lips!

Oh, I have other plans for those.

Come on, sleepyhead. Oh!

You really should knock.

I didn't think I would have to.

Mr Jarvis, my apologies.

-Do excuse me.

-No, no, no.

Excuse me, I might just see if the bathroom is free.

Mrs Duncan.

It isn't funny.

Not at all.

Things are moving faster than I thought.

Really? You make us sound like teenagers.

Well, if you're going to behave that way...

Your grandmother doesn't need any further burden.

Ah, like a wayward granddaughter?

Darling, do as you will in the city,

I'm not one to judge.

Well, it's starting to feel a bit that way.

But here, concessions are required,

as you know. It's not really too much to ask.

No, of course not.

I mean, Lord forbid that my having fun offends anyone.

A divorcee taking a man to her bed, it's simply outrageous.

Compared to installing a gay lover at the hospital...

-Finished?

-You know what I mean.

That was nasty and unnecessary.

I'm a woman trying to make her mark on the world.

So were you, once.

Why are we going away?

We're going on a holiday.

-Hello.

-Daddy, look!

Ah, your wheel's fixed.

That's better, isn't it?

It's really good.

-What are you doing?

-I'm taking David to Aunt Peg's.

I'm not sure how long for.

I'm lost.

Regina's here.

I saw her.

-In Inverness?

-At her property.

You have to be back in Canberra, nothing is keeping us here.

He'll be her target, I know it.

-Did she threaten him?

-Her presence is threat enough,

I'm not waiting around to give her the chance.

I understand seeing her must have upset you...

We should never have agreed to the divorce.

It's why we're in this mess.

Before you upend everything,

I'll speak to her.

Just a few hours.

Yes?

All right.

But no longer. Just see her gone.

We'll keep this to ourselves until I've taken her measure.

General panic won't help.

See you later, alligator.

In a while, crocodile.

If you think Frank would be amenable,

I'd really like to meet him.

Amenable may not be his forte.

He's a very private man.

Why the sudden interest?

Well, the refuge hasn't done much for aboriginal diggers.

If I'm honest, we've done diddly-squat.

I'll be back down to the city soon,

perhaps I could stir the political pot.

Douglas, I appreciate your passion on the subject, but perhaps leave it

for a warmer day.

I still have one perfectly good lung.

If I promise to be a good boy.

You are incorrigible.

Jolly good, that's settled then.

Well, from our end,

no guarantees with the man of the hour, I'm afraid.

Morning, all.

-Sleep well?

-Mr Jarvis.

-Morning.

-How did you sleep?

I hope your bed was comfortable.

SHE COUGHS

Coffee, I think. Hot starter for you, too?

Please. My bed was fit for a king, thank you, Mrs Goddard.

Although you barely have seemed to be in it.

All that dashing through the halls.

-I'm not sure...

-Mama, what did you say?

Your mother didn't say anything.

Well, not to me, anyway.

She didn't have to.

Prudence told me before she sped off this morning.

She was electrified by the nocturnal goings-on.

I apologise, Mrs Goddard, if my behaviour was...unsuitable.

Well, Ash Park's guests, Mr Jarvis, are allowed one indiscretion.

I trust you'll bear that in mind for your visit.

Yes, of course. Noted.

Thank you, Grandmother.

How very broad-minded.

But perhaps you could reserve the cavorting for your fictions

in future.

Now, Dawn, yours at the lectern and Mr Briggs at the pulpit.

Best flowers yet, Mrs Collins.

I'm merely doing my duty to the Lord, it's not about praise.

Doesn't hurt to hedge your bets with his good opinion but, eh?

Oh, very droll, Mr Briggs.

Oh. I do beg your pardon.

Excuse me.

You.

Can't be.

It is.

You're supposed to be locked up.

Please, I'm not here for harm.

Taking an innocent girl's life.

You've no business here at all!

-Doris...

-Get out!

-Doris!

-Get out!

Wicked.

Monster!

That's it, keep walking.

One foot after another.

Thank you for your discretion about Frank Gibbs' visit yesterday.

-Ah.

-Jack wouldn't approve of my impromptu gesture.

No matter how well-meant.

Our secret. Everyone needs an ally now and then.

Well, any time I can repay the favour.

What a timely offer.

Douglas, I trust you'll be back in time for church.

Erm, we'll do our level best.

Or you could make it for evensong.

Splendid idea. Eh, missy?

I know when I'm outnumbered.

May well be back before you know it.

I'm sure you'll charm him.

-He won't be told.

-You're as delightfully stubborn as each other.

ELIZABETH CHUCKLES And you were such a good sport about

Anna's gentleman friend this morning.

He's fortunate he met Elizabeth Goddard and not Elizabeth Bligh.

I'm starting to get a sense of what I put you through at her age.

Oh, Carolyn.

Oh, how I've longed for this day.

-The Schadenfreude.

-Really, mother?

ELIZABETH LAUGHS How unbecoming.

Just say a quick g'day.

He's a good bloke.

I don't know.

Then we'll go, if you want us to.

Yeah?

Doc says you run some kind of charity.

It's a refuge where vets can meet, get a feed, share stories, you know,

the ones that couldn't fit back in.

Ah. Oh, you're some kind of do-gooder?

Yeah, I suppose I am.

May I?

Oh, it's nothing.

Oh, that's impressive.

I can't even draw a circle.

Was that it, then?

-Up in the High Country, were you?

-I worked there for a bit.

Would've been hard going with all that snow.

I got used to it during the war.

Eighth division, were you?

Why do you say that?

A lot of the boys captured from the eighth ended up in

camps inside Japan.

Winters there would've been challenging.

Brass monkeys.

This is a surprise.

Not a good one.

Sister, we came straight over.

-What's happened?

-It's her.

That despicable woman.

The gall to show her face in Inverness.

-Regina.

-So you've heard?

Have you seen her? She don't look the same.

The devil, lurking in our church.

I'm ashamed to admit that I did lash out.

To think what one's capable of in anger.

-Yes.

-Indeed.

Let's get you inside. A cup of tea, I think.

Oh, that would be most welcome.

I'll pop the kettle on.

-You all right?

-I need your rifle.

-Hey...

-It's just a precaution, that's all.

If that's what you're after, I'll stop here with you

once George heads off. Day and night, if needs be.

That's not what I asked for.

What you're asking for is trouble.

Last time you held a gun on her, you nearly fired.

Next time there mightn't be someone round to talk you down.

VEHICLE APPROACHES

-Hello, George.

-Regina.

You've spoken to Sarah.

I have.

I'm sorry my returning upset her.

It wasn't my intention.

What other reaction could you have possibly anticipated?

I'd hoped for a chance to explain.

I'm not here for mischief.

There's so much I must make up for.

I'm...I'm here for expiation, George.

And you think that's possible?

-After all you've done.

-I need to try.

That's why I wanted to be out of that place.

There are things you don't know. That's why I went to the house

-just now.

-You went to the house.

-To deliver these, er I...

I lost my nerve.

It's all in here.

How I can help.

And one for Sarah, offering reassurances about my intentions.

We do not need your reassurances or your help.

We are well, we are safe.

We have been ever since you left.

You're living in a fool's paradise.

You and your family are at risk.

More plots and schemes.

It never ends, does it?

From our safe, your jewellery.

Take it.

Now there's nothing to keep you here.

Now, I have no right to dictate where you live, Regina,

but it would be better for you, for all of us,

if you were to start over again somewhere new

where no-one knows you,

as soon as possible. You're not welcome.

Pack your bags, I'll take you to the station.

Sir Richard is not your friend.

I don't know yet what he's planning

but his menace is real

and he won't stop until he has the revenge he craves.

I will not buy into your madness.

Who do you think organised such a forward-thinking doctor

in the asylum?

Who do you think helped orchestrate my deposition to the parole board?

Richard is not who you think he is.

He hasn't seen you since your arrest.

He visited me each week.

And why would he do that?

He sees me as playing a hand in your destruction.

He's always considered me his foot soldier.

The more I recovered my sanity, the more the truth of him appalled me.

He's hinted at something powerful in train against you.

I don't know what.

It doesn't make sense.

Read it. Check the facts, and then it might.

Every word is true.

Others will corroborate.

Weren't you asked to give an affidavit for the Tokyo Trials

after you came back?

Wrote something down.

A few of your guards were hanged, from memory?

Yeah. I wouldn't have minded standing up in court against them.

You weren't asked?

No.

I was.

Testified in Singapore.

A guy we called Doctor Death

was put away for a long time.

And a lot more.

You would've been a captain.

For the rest of us, we could...

Oh, doesn't matter now.

No-one talks about the role of class in how soldiers were treated

after the war.

It was a bit more than class.

The white fighters were asked.

But us black fighters,

our stories didn't matter here, so why should they matter over there?

-Right.

-And it wasn't just the black

fellas that they didn't want telling what happened.

Some of us risked everything,

getting down in what we saw.

Writing, drawing. On stolen scraps of newspaper, cigarette papers.

As long as the Japs didn't find out.

Beat the daylights out of you.

Well, you know what I'm talking about, then.

It was those bloody officers that made us chuck it all overboard

-on the way home.

-Can't have the people at home getting upset.

Politics before people.

It's always the way.

Especially for my mob.

We went to war and they said we'd come back equal.

Didn't that break a lot of men's hearts?

I can see why you work well out here.

The rustic charms.

-And no distractions.

-SHE LAUGHS

Except my family.

You're too hard on them.

Your grandmother was positively understanding, encouraging, even.

Mine would've thrown a pink fit.

They're all very concerned that poor Anna find a respectable husband.

Well, I'm not the least bit respectable.

I know.

You're gloriously inappropriate.

Still, there must be some prospect

that I'd make a good husband one day.

You almost had me, then.

I'm serious.

You must have worked it out.

I'm head over heels about you.

I know it's a little out of the blue...

-but, Anna, would you...

-Ed, please, wait.

No.

What's wrong?

Please, just don't.

Ed, you're a wonderful man.

But I'm not ready to be anyone's wife.

I hope you'll understand.

Of course.

Mad idea.

What time's the next train?

Ed, please, don't be upset with me.

I didn't ask you to propose.

No, you didn't.

Really doesn't have to change anything, does it?

Might I suggest that, given the circumstances,

we revert to our former roles?

Publisher and author?

You know, I thought your novel, your cynicism about marriage

was born of observing others.

Now I know better.

Publisher and author, then.

You're telling me that what's in this letter is true?

Carolyn and Richard, Mother slashing his hands?

Yes. And the fight? God's sake... Why wasn't I told?

Carolyn didn't want you to know, it's her right to demand silence.

Elizabeth thought the fight put things to rest and the election tied

-you to working with them.

-Hmm, so her claim of a vendetta

-could be true.

-Why are we even talking about this?

You don't actually believe her?

The man is known for holding a grudge.

Please, after all Regina's done.

-I'm not reading that.

-She thinks it may help put your mind at ease.

I'm not interested.

I know this is difficult for you, as a mother.

No, you will not dismiss me as some hysterical woman over this.

-HE KNOCKS AT DOOR

-Mrs Goddard.

Mr Jarvis. A fresh pot, would you join me?

No, thank you. I'm on my way out, I want to say goodbye.

Well, until next time. I trust we'll be seeing you soon?

At the book launch, I'm sure.

Well, before then, surely?

You are most welcome here.

It would've been my pleasure.

Oh, I see.

She's a very special young woman.

Keep an eye on her, won't you?

I do.

Is there anything in particular that I should be concerned about?

She does a good job of concealing how lost she is.

I'd really like to hear more about this land business.

You boys missing out on the soldier settlements after you came back.

-Nobody's interested.

-Well, I am.

I'd like to know all about it from your angle.

Perhaps we could talk about it next week?

Yeah.

I'm really serious about this. Please think about it.

You all right for your medication?

As rain.

Now I know why you want to go to Sydney with David.

-If there's anything I can do...

-If we leave, it'll be quickly

and I'll need you to come with us.

Without a fuss.

Can I go and explain to Larry?

Course.

You're a good girl, Leah.

We need to talk.

Had I known, things would've been so different.

She is vile to dredge it up.

Having Richard in our orbit must have been...

..dreadful for you.

It's in the past.

Where I wish it to stay.

It does lend credence to her warnings about him.

SHE LAUGHS Regina? A figure of credibility?

How novel.

What else did the soon-to-be former Mrs Bligh write?

She gave me the letter personally.

She's back in Inverness.

No! When?

Yesterday. At her old cottage.

Expiation, she claims.

How's Sarah taking it?

Mother, when she hears,

-her heart...

-I'm loath to tell her.

But it won't be long before someone does.

What about Canberra?

I had no choice. I have an important speech.

I'll sort it out somehow.

Are we running away?

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

We've missed the morning service

and Douglas won't be up to the night air, so perhaps you might join me

-for evensong?

-Very subtle, Grandmother.

Saving the scarlet woman?

I thought I was very accommodating this morning.

You were.

Perhaps more than I deserved.

Anna?

SHE PATS SEAT

Now, these last few years, all the gallivanting in the social pages,

I worry about the choices you're making.

You're being very melodramatic.

I've made mistakes, too, because I feared the future.

What a funny thing to say.

I'm not afraid of the future.

The end of a marriage must be a very painful thing.

Really, Grandmother?

Gino and I divorced years ago.

How many times do we have to discuss this?

And yet you're still to put it behind you.

I don't know why I'm crying, I'm sorry.

Very silly.

Now, dear, there is no crime in struggling to let go of the past.

But just be cautious

in the way that you resist moving forward.

You could end up very much alone.

When should I tell Mrs Nordmann you'll be back?

We won't be long. Where is Mrs Nordmann?

I don't know. Up we go, tiger.

One day this will all be yours.

To hand on to your son.

As far as you can see.

Even the clouds in the sky?

-HE CHUCKLES

-Even the clouds in the sky.

Daddy's going to miss you.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Tell me something. REGINA GASPS

You didn't read the letter.

Tell me you don't want what I have.

-I don't.

-George?

His child?

A future together?

A life at Ash Park?

WHISPERS: There you are.

You can't be trusted anywhere near us.

-That's no longer true.

-And yet you appear to be settling in.

Well, next time I won't hesitate,

I will pull the trigger.

-WHISPERS:

-Sarah...

-Just when you least expect it.

Missy. A sight for sore eyes.

Fancy a cuppa? I've got a thermos in the truck and some of

Dornie's Lamingtons, too.

Another time.

Sarah.

You all right?

Not sure.

Well, shouldn't the RSL do something for men like Frank?

Don't hold your breath, they're half of the problem.

One wonders what happened to his family.

To think of him out there,

alone with his demons.

But it's a start, isn't it?

You know, I think Frank said more about his experiences today

than he has since the war.

Well, he's not Robinson Crusoe there.

Perhaps it's possible to get him...

No cloak and dagger.

Regina is back.

You're not serious.

I'm worried about Mother's health when she finds out.

What are you two plotting over there?

I'm convincing him he'd be a worthy advocate for men like Frank.

Nonsense. What's really going on?

Oh, if I could take it back, all those years ago...

-Don't upset yourself.

-..inviting her into our lives.

-Where are your pills?

-I was a fool...

-Mother.

-Mother.

-..triggering this awful chain of events.

Calm down. We'll work things out.

-Why on earth would she return?

-Here.

No, I'm all right.

Apart from being here...

..how was the woman?

Brittle.

CLATTERING

Who are you going to poison now?

Right, grab that, let's go, let's go.

Yeah, right.

This'll teach her.

BANGING

This one's for Miss Davis.

All right, let's get out of here.

Now, let's go!

-Elizabeth!

-No, I am perfectly well.

-She is not.

-It's just the shock of finding Regina returned.

I know.

We will bring in the police.

-Our own men, if need be.

-Lizzie, please.

Family must be together at times like this.

I'd like to admit you just to be on the safe side.

-I'll get the car.

-But that is quite unnecessary.

Better safe than sorry.

Oh, don't you go joining the enemy.

-Well, if you won't take orders...

-HE COUGHS VIOLENTLY

I'll have some rest, a book, to take my mind off this,

perhaps Anna's manuscript, I believe Carolyn has one...

-Sarah!

-Douglas!

SIREN WAILS

What can you see?

I think the stump may have broken down,

allowing infection into the space where the lung was.

We're going to need to perform a thoracotomy to repair it.

-Can you step in?

-Of course.

We're not equipped for such a major procedure.

I know what I'm doing, Jack.

-We should transfer him to the city.

-Jack, he'll bleed to death.

We need to prep now.

Fine. I'll scrub in.

-Let's go.

-Just a moment.

Come back to me, darling.

We'll do all we can.

As suspected, bronchopleural fistula, it's leaking.

Any sign of infection?

The operation site has broken down.

There's infection in the space where the lung used to be.

Can you contain the rupture?

Henry?

Let's make a start.

This is quite unnecessary.

Will you really not take the room on offer?

At least for a rest.

I'm perfectly all right. If I'm not, I will tell you.

That is enough, thank you.

Mother!

If Jack thinks you need to be monitored...

Jack worries too much. It is not me we should be worried about.

Blood pressure's dropping.

Can't stop the bleeding.

-Hang two more units.

-We're going to lose him.

-Come on, Douglas.

-Henry.

Henry, he's deteriorating.

We'll transfer muscle tissue from the chest wall and patch the stump.

You're joking?

-Is there time?

-Anyone have a better idea?

-Anything?

-No.

It's been hours.

Did you speak about...?

Yes, looking after David.

-How is she?

-Oh...

Mother. I've brought you something to eat.

Oh, I'm not hungry.

You need to look after yourself.

He will get through this.

Douglas is strong.

Couldn't kill him with a stick.

One lung?

And at his age?

Don't think I'm unaware of how slim his chances are.

-Graft is holding.

-Vital signs are improving.

More suction.

Clear all that blood for me.

Henry, what's going on?

-Look for yourself.

-What?

My God.

What do you want to do?

Prepare to close.

Henry's with him. He's in good hands.

I assume the truth is harsh, as I'm in here.

We thought it best like this.

Would you like George or Carolyn with you?

Jack?

I'd like to, er, keep you in.

You're avoiding the truth.

What is Douglas' prognosis?

We opened his chest to stop the bleeding

and we found a tumour.

Tumours.

But they said they'd got it all.

With the other lung.

The cancer has spread, Elizabeth.

There was always a risk.

And now?

There's nothing more we can do.

GIGGLING Aw, David, you're a cheeky...

Oh, you're a cheeky monkey!

What about Two Bears?

You are so cheeky.

Come on.

I will tell others as and when I see fit.

I do not need the added burden of pity.

Order helps.

We'll see George off to Canberra.

What can he do?

I'll tell him later.

-SHE SOBS

-Darling Douglas!

DOOR OPENS

Home now. We can see Douglas in the morning.

-Goodnight.

-Goodnight, Mother.

How are you?

-Quite an evening.

-Yes, it was.

-He will pull through?

-He's strong.

How quickly things turn.

This business with Regina...

I'm not running away.

Let's go to Canberra.

Together.

All of us.

It'll put my mind at ease and by the time we get back she'll be well

-and truly gone, I'm sure of it.

-Your mother might need me here.

-Well, there's plenty of help.

-And I am the other woman.

And our child is...

Scandal be dammed.

I want you safe and secure...

..and with me.

Nothing else trumps that.

WHISPERS: Yes.

Sydney. 20239.

PHONE RINGS

Mm-hm?

Are you there? It's me.

What do you think you're playing at?

Everything's fine, Dickie. There's no need to worry.

-Where the hell are you?

-I'm exactly where you'd want me to be.

Just a little ahead of schedule.

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

I simply couldn't wait.