Gordon arrives at The Terrace and Angela asks him
if he's had breakfast. He replies that he ate at the hotel. Rob
is still eating when Gordon comes in. Angela says she'll get Gordon
some tea. Gordon says hi to Rob and apologises for interrupting,
explaining that he's dropping in prior to the business appointment
he has to attend before the hearing. Rob asks what time the hearing
is, and Gordon replies that it's at eleven - which is why he's
there. Angela comes in and Gordon asks her if she's changed her
mind and decided to come to give Paul some moral support. Angela
says she explained yesterday, but Gordon says it's only for a
few hours. Angela points out to Gordon that he'll be
there. Gordon replies that it would be better if it was more than
just him. He tells Angela that she's Paul's friend, and he'll
be expecting her. Angela asks Rob what he thinks. Rob
says it's up to Angela, but if he had to front up to
a judge, he'd want his friends there. Gordon also chips in that
it's up to Angela. Angela reluctantly says, "Oh, alright,"
adding that she guesses the coffee shop will still be there when
she gets back.
Patricia, Wayne and Margaret arrive at Toorak,
and Margaret says it's nice to get back home. Wayne snaps that
Margaret has a hide, staying on, but Margaret replies that it's
a family trait. Patricia, who picked up the mail on the way in,
hands a letter to Wayne. Margaret asks if there's anything for
her, but Patricia ignores this, and so Margaret goes
to unpack. Wayne asks Patricia if they can do something about
her sister. Patricia replies that she doesn't like it any more
than he does, but they'll have to put up with her for the time
being. Wayne asks how long for, and Patricia replies that it'll
be until after the wedding. She opens one of her letters, reads
it and then says, "Oh, crikey. As if I haven't got enough
problems." She tells Wayne that it's from Richard Coleman,
and is about something else he can't handle. Wayne asks
if she wants him to look after it, but Patricia says she'll
do it. She adds that putting Coleman in as Managing Director was
the worst mistake she ever made. Wayne says the problem is that,
the way the company is going, they're going to have a hell of
a job to find someone decent to take his place. Patricia says
the longer they leave it, the more time they give Paul. Wayne
says the hearing could still go against him today, but Patricia
says it won't - Margaret has seen to that. She adds that she's
not going to lose that company - no matter what she has
to do...
The 'phone is ringing at Dural. Fiona, who's sitting
on the settee in the lounge room with Bert, says Gordon won't
mind. Bert says that, all the same, it wouldn't be right. He adds
that it's alright for Fiona, but he hardly knows
the bloke. Fiona gets up and answers the phone. It's Patricia,
and she asks if Gordon's there, as she has something important
to discuss. Fiona explains that Gordon's in Melbourne, and so
Patricia asks where she might find him. Fiona tells her he'll
be at the courthouse, as he's acting as a character witness for
Paul. Patricia nastily replies,"Well, isn't that noble of
him." Fiona tells her that not everyone thinks of themselves.
Patricia says it's a pity Gordon didn't think of his own son now
and then, rather than worry about strays wandering in off the
street. Fiona replies that Gordon actually wants to see Wayne
while he's down there, and mend a few bridges. She quickly adds,
"More fool him." In reply, Patricia says, "Speaking
of bridges, I gather you burnt a few." She hangs
up and smiles. At Dural, Fiona looks shocked. Bert asks who it
was, but Fiona replies that it was nobody worth worrying about.
She asks where they were, and Bert replies that he was saying
it wouldn't feel right meeting his family in a stranger's house.
Fiona points out that Bert's family have been away for a year,
and they'll want the reunion to be as nice as possible. Bert asks
her if she's sure Gordon won't mind. Fiona tells him to go and
invite them. Bert jokes, "Bossy women!" Fiona still
looks upset.
At Toorak, Wayne tells Patricia that he never thought
he'd see the day when she'd go crawling back to Gordon. Patricia,
though, snaps that it's a question of survival. Wayne points out
that they have one hell of a problem: Gordon won't like the idea
of working for Patricia again. Patricia says, "I
won't ask him; you will. I think it's time the prodigal
son went home..."
Sometime later, Patricia and Wayne are standing
outside the courthouse. As a taxi pulls up, Wayne says, "There
he is". Patricia reminds him not to overdo it. Gordon gets
out of the taxi, walks to where Wayne and Patricia are standing
and says hello. Patricia snaps that he has a nerve. Wayne curtly
says, "Mother..." Gordon tells Wayne that he owes him
an apology for the last time they talked. Wayne tells his father
to forget it, but Gordon replies that, when Wayne said he was
sorry about Barbara's illness, he accused him of being a hypocrite,
and he had no right. Wayne suggests no hard feelings. Gordon agrees.
Patricia sarcastically asks if this is happy families, but Wayne
tells her to keep out of it. Patricia replies that Gordon is going
to testify for someone who tried to kill him. Wayne, though, says
Paul wouldn't have gone that far. Patricia says he would
have if she hadn't stopped him. Wayne tells Patricia
that it's probably better if she keep right out of it. Patricia
snaps that she didn't press charges. Wayne says it shouldn't
have gone that far. Gordon says he's hoping the case will be dismissed,
and Patricia says he would. She adds that she reckons
Gordon cares more about Paul than he does his own son. Gordon
looks at Wayne and says that's not true. Wayne says he'd better
get inside.
Rob and Angela pull up outside the courthouse. Rob
tells his wife that he knows he had hangups about her and Paul,
but it's OK - he wouldn't want her thinking she shouldn't be there
because of him. Angela gets out. Paul gets out of the cab that's
drawn up next to them and says hi to Angela. He adds that he didn't
expect her to turn up, but he's glad she did. Angela
just wishes him good luck.
At Dural, Bert tells Fiona that she doesn't know
what it's been like - his son doesn't think much of him. Fiona
says it's surely not that bad, but Bert replies that his son took
his mother's side when the marriage broke up. Fiona nods and says
children don't always understand. Bert says his son watched his
business go broke and him hitting the bottle. Fiona points out
to Bert that he's changed now, but Bert says his son would never
believe it - kids remember things like that; Alec deliberately
went out of his way to be different to him, and has ended up a
stuffed shirt. Fiona says that doesn't mean they can't get together
again. Bert says he misses his family and wants to see more of
his grandson, but he's afraid he's going to mess it up. Fiona
assures him, "Course not." The doorbell chimes and Bert
asks Fiona to get it. Fiona points out, "It's your son."
Bert agrees. He gets up and goes to the door. Fiona smiles. Bert
opens the door, says hello to Alec and invites him in. Alec asks
about his father's arm being in a sling, but Bert says he'll explain
later. He introduces Fiona and then asks where Ruth and Tommy
are. Alec replies that they didn't come. Bert says he thought
they might, but Alec says Ruth has a lot to sort out
with the new house, and Thomas has his piano lessons. Bert reluctantly
says, "Right." He suggests they sit down. Fiona looks
concerned.
At Toorak, Martin asks Margaret if she knows where
Patricia has gone. Margaret replies that she has no idea. Martin
asks her if she just doesn't want to tell him, but Margaret says
he can think what he likes. Martin snaps that he has too many
problems at the moment to be bothered with Margaret. He then suggests
they get something straight: he's in love with Patricia and is
going to marry her, and as long as Margaret's staying there, they'll
have to learn to put up with each other, so if she's still bearing
a grudge about what happaned, it's time it was sorted out. Margaret
replies that she didn't think there was anything to sort
out - it's all forgtoettn as far as she's concerned. Martin asks
why he's getting the cold shoulder, then. Margaret says she didn't
mean to sound like that. Martin holds out his hand and says, "Friends?"
Margaret replies, "Of course." Martin says that if Patricia's
not home... Margaret hurriedly replies that she didn't say where
she was going, but she might have gone to Paul Sheppard's hearing.
Martin says he forgot that was coming up. Margaret tells him it's
hard to say when Patricia will be back. Martin says he'll drop
back tonight. Margaret says she'll tell Patricia he called. Martin
thanks her and heads to the front door. Margaret looks at him,
wistfully...
Gordon and Paul emerge from the courthouse, and
Gordon says it could have been a lot worse than a good-behaviour
bond. Paul admits that he was very lucky, and he thanks Gordon
for speaking up for him. Gordon replies that you can't hold one
mistake against somebody. He then asks to be excused, as he has
to speak to Wayne. From a distance, Patricia glares at Paul. Paul
smiles back! He says to Angela, who's standing next to him, that
Patricia doesn't seem very happy. Angela tells him that he's imaginging
it. Paul then asks Angela when they can see each other. Angela
replies that they can't, but Paul tells her that he knows
she wants to say yes. He says he'll be at Jill's flat. Angela
rpeats that she's not interested, but Paul says he'll expect her.
Wayne says he's glad that's over. Gordon says it
was unpleasant for everyone. Wayne says he did want to
withdraw the charges but it was too late. Angela calls over to
ask Gordon if he's going with her and Paul, but Wayne chips in
and says he was hoping Gordon would stay and have a drink. Gordon
tells Angela to go on. Patricia says bye to her daughter. Wayne
asks Gordon how the consulting business is, and Gordon says it's
good - he's even picked up some Melbourne clients! Wayne glumly
replies that he's glad someone's doing well - he wishes
he could say the same about Ramberg. Patricia snaps that she doesn't
think they should discuss that, as it's none of Gordon's business.
Wayne replies, "All I was saying..." but Patricia asks
him when he'll learn to keep his mouth shut. Wayne snaps that
he thinks Patricia's making a mountain out of a molehill, but
Patricia tells him to remember who keeps a roof over his head.
She walks off, and Wayne tells Gordon that he's sorry, but Patricia's
impossible to live with lately. He adds that, if he had any sense,
he'd get out and find a place of his own. Gordon asks why doesn't
he? Wayne suggests they go for that drink. Patricia smiles as
they walk off...
Fiona tells Alec that his father can most certainly
train horses! Bert says 'Rosie's Hope' hasn't won a race, yet.
Alec says it sounds like Bert is doing alright. Bert says he's
got himself together. He asks about young Tommy - quickly correcting
this to Thomas - and says he bets he's shot up since he saw him
last. Alec says you know how fast kids grow. Bert asks how old
is he now? Nine? Ten? Alec says he'll be twelve on 4 August. Bert
says he's sorry he asked! He says he must see the kid soon. Alec
reluctantly says yes - they'll have to arrange it. Fiona chips
in and says it's school holidays, so why not drop him over for
the day. Alec says he's a bit of handful, but Fiona assures him
they can manage. She then suggests they have a family day, as
she'd love to meet Ruth. Alec says he supposes so. Fiona suggests
tomorrow. Alec says it's a bit soon, but Fiona replies that there's
no time like the present, as an old schoolteacher of hers used
to say! Alec says alright. Fiona says that's wonderful. Bert smiles
at her.
Patricia is having lunch when Margaret comes down,
all dressed up, and asks how she looks. When Patricia looks surprised
at the outfit, Margaret reminds her that she said she could borrow
anything she liked. Patricia asks her where she's going, and Margaret
replies that she thought she'd slip into town, have some lunch,
do some shopping. .. Patricia tells her to enjoy herself. Margaret
says she will - but she'll need some money. Patricia
snaps that if Margaret thinks she's going to be constantly handing...
but Margaret interjects and says a cheque for $100 will do. Patricia
tells her not to push it, but, in reply, Margaret says she might
as well stay around and see Martin when he comes back. She adds
that he was there earlier and said he'd return. Not wanting her
sister anywhere near Martin, Patricia grudgingly walks to the
coffee table and writes a cheque. She gives it to Margaret and
tells her not to spend it all at once. Margaret says she won't.
She adds that, if Patricia is thinking of cancelling the cheque
for $5,000, don't, as she'll regret it. Patricia looks furious.
Angela is making a special lunch for Rob, before
he heads off on his trip. Gordon is sitting in the kitchen, and
Angela remarks to him that he and Wayne seemed pretty pally-pally
this morning. Gordon says he thinks Wayne was pleased to talk
to someone who didn't shout at him. He adds that he feels sorry
for him. Angela sourly says Wayne brings it on himself. Gordon
just says, "Perhaps." He adds that none of them is as
perfect as they'd like to be. Angela says Wayne doesn't even try.
Gordon says it may help if he shows Wayne that he cares.
Wayne gets back to Toorak, and Patricia asks, "Well?"
Wayne says it was no-go. Patricia sarcastically snaps that that's
wonderful: how's she going to get Gordon back into Ramberg without
Wayne up there to convince him? Wayne says he tried, but Patricia
says, "Not very hard." Wayne snaps that, if Patricia's
such an expert, she can do it next time. The 'phone rings.
Patricia ignores it, so Wayne sarcastically says, "I'll
get it, shall I?" The caller is Gordon, who asks if he's
interrupted Wayne's packing. Wayne says no. Gordon then says that,
instead of getting place of his own, why doesn't Wayne come back
home. There's silence. Gordon adds that he'll understand if Wayne
doesn't want to. Wayne, though, says he's just a bit surprised
- he wasn't expecting it. Gordon says he knows things aren't always
plain sailing between them, but he's willing to give
it another try if Wayne is. Wayne agrees. Gordon says
he's flying back tomorrow, and Wayne can come with him if he likes.
Wayne tells his father that this means a lot to him. He hangs
up and says to Patricia, "I'm not such a fool after all:
I'm going home."
Paul is sitting in an armchair at Jill's apartment
when there's a knock at the door. As he opens it, he says, "I
thought you were never..." but he then sees that it's not
Angela standing there, but Margaret. She comes in and Paul asks
her what she's doing there. Margaret replies that they still have
business to discuss: it's about the arrangement they made at Woombai
- she thinks she deserves more than $10,000 for waiting. Paul
says it's only three weeks, but Margaret ignores this and says
she thinks $2,000 would be reasonable. Paul angrily says Margaret
really is Patricia's sister. Margaret, though, says Patricia
is naturally ruthless; she has no choice.
Paul says it makes Margaret no better. Margaret says that, apart
from what she's already done for Paul, she'll pass on anything
she hears in the house, and she adds that she'll be there for
another four weeks. Paul asks her how she managed that, and Margaret
replies that there are things she knows... She then says, "Well?"
Paul reluctantly says, "Alright." Margaret tells him
she knew he'd understand. She adds that she was so pleased to
hear the court case went well his morning. She goes.
Angela is sewing curtains and Rob asks if they're
for the coffee shop. Angela jokes, "What do you think?!"
Rob jokes that he thinks a professional could have done a better
job! He goes upstairs to get changed. The 'phone starts ringing,
and Angela immediately looks concerned. She gets up to answer
it, but pauses just before she lifts the receiver. She eventually
answers it but doesn't say anything. Paul says, "Angela?"
He adds that he knows she's there. Angela tells him that she doesn't
want him calling there. Paul asks when she's coming over, but
Angela says she's not. Paul tells her that he has to
see her. Angela tells him to leave her alone. Paul slams down
the receiver.
That evening, Martin returns to Toorak, and he and
Patricia hug. Martin tells Patricia that he loves her. He asks
how her holiday was, and Patricia replies that it was fine, although
she's glad to be back, as she missed him even with his
visit. Martin, though, tells her that someone 'up there' doesn't
like them, because he has to go to Western Australia. Patricia
asks how long for, and Martin replies that it'll be about a week.
Patricia tells him that she was looking forward to spending some
time together. Martin replies, "You and me both." He
adds that, in one way, he's glad of the break, as the house is
so empty. Patricia points out that going away won't solve the
problems, but Martin replies that it will give him the chance
to sort out a few things up there. Patricia tells him that, when
he gets back, they'll have to sort out the wedding arrangements,
as there's a lot to do. Martin says there shouldn't be that
much - he thought they'd make it a quiet affair. Patricia, though,
says, "Not on your life!" She says she wants a proper
church wedding with all her friends there. Martin says that could
be awkward. Patricia asks how, and Martin points out that John
will be the only one of their kids there, and people will ask
questions. Patricia replies that they can give them answers; she
adds that she knows John would want them to have a proper wedding.
Martin gives in and tells Patricia that she can have whatever
she likes. Patricia smiles and tells Martin that he won't be disappointed:
it'll be a wonderful wedding - she promises...
Rob comes downstairs. The 'phone in the kitchen
is off the hook. Rob says he'd better be off, and Angela tells
him that she's made him some food for the road. She also tells
him to hurry back. They kiss and hug, and Rob then asks if the
'phone is off the hook for any reason. Angela replies that she
must have knocked it off. Rob replaces the receiver. Angela gives
him his food and he packs it away. Angela watches the 'phone,
nervously. She goes to the front door to see Rob off, and, once
he's gone, she goes back to the kitchen and stares at the 'phone.
She then returns to the lounge room to resume her sewing, but
she doesn't really start before she stares into space, with a
thoughtful look on her face. She then gets up, picks her coat
off the banister in the hall, and goes out.
Paul is back in the armchair at Jill's. There's
a knock on the door, and this time, it is Angela. She
enters the flat, looks at Paul and says, "I had to see you.
I'm sick of fighting it." They look into each other's eyes
and then kiss passionately...
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