Amanda is sitting on the sofa at the Sydney apartment,
and she lights a cigarette. John tells her, "Stunt your growth."
He then says there's food in the 'fridge, but he's going out and
he'll see her later if she's still around. Amanda sarcastically
asks where she'd be going after a 24-hour flight. John suggests
that she might want to see her Dad and meet his mother in Melbourne.
Amanda, though, says she has no intention of rushing to Melbourne,
and she adds that Patricia sounds like a pain in the neck. John
tells her that she's never met her. Amanda says she has a better
idea: John can take her to see her Aunty Barbara. John tells Amanda
to drive herself, but Amanda asks how she's supposed to find Dural
on her own. John suggests she find a roadmap! He goes out for
a run, leaving Amanda looking annoyed.
Stephen hangs a painting on the wall of the lounge
room at Toorak, and then tells Patricia that she smells wonderful.
Patricia says the fragrance is bathsalts, and Stephen recalls
that they cost him a fortune! He then tells Patricia that Amanda
called while she was upstairs, and Patricia asks where from: Switzerland?
Stephen tells her that it was Sydney - she was back a week early.
Patricia asks when they'll see her, and Stephen replies that she's
coming down later today. Patricia says this calls for a celebration
- she'll cook something special for the three of them, as she'd
like to make a good first impression. Stephen warns his wife not
to expect too much of Amanda too soon, as she may be a little
standoffish. Patricia asks if Amanda isn't pleased at their marriage.
Stephen replies that she's used to her 'old bachelor dad.' Patricia
tells him to leave it to her - by the end of the evening,
she'll have Amanda convinced that she's the best thing that ever
happened to him! Stephen doesn't look convinced.
Barbara arrives home from golf, and as Gordon helps
her with her clubs, she says she feels a bit done in! They suddenly
hear someone calling, "Darling!" and, recognising
Charlie's voice, Barbara says "Oh my God!" As Charlie
approaches, Barbara says she didn't know she was back. Charlie
replies that she hasn't stopped for breath in the last six months.
Gordon asks how Europe was, and Charlie replies that it was simply
marvellous - although it's good to be back. Barbara asks
her when she arrived, and Charlie says it was last night - and
she's just spent all morning on the 'phone. Barbara asks if she
was catching up on gossip, and Charlie replies that she hates
to miss a thing! She adds that it sounds as if she's
missed all the excitement, and she tells Barbara and Gordon that
she's thrilled for them. She adds that she has a present, which
she'll take inside. She goes in, and Barbara says to Gordon, "That's
all I need!" Gordon starts to say, "I've just
remembered..." but Barbara quickly stops him from getting
out of it, saying, "Oh no you haven't!" Gordon laughs.
Inside, Barbara opens the present - it's an odd-looking
vase. Barbara says, "You shouldn't have!" but
Charlie doesn't notice the sarcasm in her voice! Gordon offers
her a drink, and she asks for a small gin and tonic. She then
remarks that there she was, traipsing round Italy, while
Gordon and Barbara were tying the knot. Gordon
tells Charlie that Barbara was very sorry she wasn't back for
the wedding. Barbara gives him a look! Charlie continues that
she was furious when she heard she missed a good party. She adds
that she hears Patricia put in an appearance, and she hopes there
was no unpleasantness. Barbara tells her that there was none at
all - Patricia couldn't have been a more perfect guest. Charlie
asks what else could she have been? She adds, "Talk
about one in the eye - I bet she still hasn't recovered."
Barbara, though, tells her that that's not all: Charlie obviously
hasn't heard all the gossip - Patricia recovered very
nicely and got herself remarried. Surprised, Charlie asks who
the unlucky man is: anyone she knows? Barbara curtly replies,
"Yes, I think you do know my brother." Charlie
says, "Not Stephen? You poor thing!"
Gordon asks her if she's ready for a top-up, and Charlie says
she'd better! She asks where the happy couple are, and
Barbara replies that they're living in Melbourne. Charlie immediately
tells Gordon that, on second thoughts, she won't bother with another
drink - she might just book a flight to Melbourne, instead...
Amanda is on the 'phone, and she asks the person
on the other end if they're sure it can be delivered around dinner
time. She then says 8pm is fine and hangs up. John comes in and
Amanda asks how his run was. John says it was fine. Amanda remarks
that he looks in pretty good shape, but John tells her that he
just likes running. She pours him a glass of water at the bar
and says she's still aching from skiing. She
gives him his drink and then says he must think she's a real little
brat. Before John can say much, she adds that she was thrown at
hearing about her father like that. She tells him that she's sorry
she took it out on him. John tells her to forget it. Amanda asks
again about him driving her to Dural, adding that she'd really
appreciate it if he took her to see her Aunty Barbara. John gives
in, but adds that it'll have to wait until he's had a shower.
He also says he still thinks Amanda should go to Melbourne. Amanda
says she'll think about it once she's seen Barbara. She adds that
there's no rush - Patricia and Stephen have plenty to keep them
busy tonight...
Wayne is on the 'phone at Woombai, and he says to
the person on the other end that as long as he's not putting them
out... He adds that he'll see them soon and then hangs up. Fiona
asks if it was anyone she knows. Wayne replies that it was Mrs.
Muir - an old friend of Gordon's and a town councillor - who's
on her way over to give him a rundown on Terry Hansen. Fiona asks
Wayne how he managed that, and Wayne tells her that he
said they were considering Terry for a job and wanted to check
him out first. Fiona says she won't be there to see Mrs.
Muir, as she and Jill are going to see some horses for the property
- although it's actually just an excuse to stop Jill from moping
around. Wayne says he can find out all they need to know about
Terry. Fiona sarcastically replies that she's sure he
can. Jill comes in and asks if they're still going out. Fiona
says yes, and adds that they'll have lunch on the way. Wayne tells
them to enjoy themselves. As they're about to head out, Fiona
remembers that her car's playing up, so she decides to get one
from the riding school. She wishes Wayne luck.
Sometime later, Wayne asks Mrs Muir if she's sure
she won't change her mind about a cup of coffee. Mrs. Muir declines.
Wayne tells her that Fiona's sorry she couldn't be there, but
there was an emergency at the riding school. Mrs. Muir asks what
job Terry's being considered for, and Wayne replies that it's
a foreman's position, and Fiona wanted an objective opinion. Mrs.
Muir says she's glad to help: she thinks a job like that would
do him the world of good and help settle him down a bit. Wayne
asks if Terry can handle it, and Mrs. Muir replies that he may
have the reputation of town larrikin, but he's very well respected,
especially since the bush fire. Wayne asks what she means, and
Mrs. Muir tells him that Terry risked his life to save some kids
trapped in a house, and he's been a local hero ever since. Wayne
then asks about Terry's work at the local garage, and Mrs. Muir
explains that Terry moved to Sydney once, with his sister, but
soon came running back; the work at the garage suits him, as it
gives him time to play around with that car of his. Wayne asks
if he's an enthusiast, and Mrs. Muir replies that, ever since
Terry bought that old bomb, he spends every cent he earns on it
- the car means more to him than anything else in world. Wayne
looks pleased with himself...
Fiona and Jill have pulled into the side of the
road with a flat tyre. Fiona kicks it and asks why it always happens
in the middle of nowhere. Jill gets the spare out of the boot
and says that at least that's not flat. Fiona then looks
in the boot and realises there's no jack, but Jill reaches down
and gets it out from under the car. She says she hopes Fiona
knows how to use it! At that moment, a car pulls up and Terry
gets out. He asks Fiona and Jill if they need a hand. Jill immediately
moves behind Fiona, who tells Terry, "Not from you,
thankyou." She orders him to get in his car and keep driving.
Terry starts to say, "About the other day...", but Fiona
repeats her order for him to get away from there. Terry ignores
this and moves towards the spare tyre, telling Fiona and Jill
to get out of the way. Fiona insists that she's quite capable,
but Terry replies that he said he'll fix it. He bends
down to pump up the jack. Jill remains standing behind Fiona,
looking scared.
Mrs. Muir asks Wayne if there's anything else she
can tell him. Wayne replies that she mentioned a sister earlier,
and he asks if Terry's parents still live in the area. Mrs. Muir
says they do, although they're getting on a bit now:
old Warren Hansen must be retired a good ten years. Wayne remarks
that they must have had Terry fairly late in life, and Mrs. Muir
replies that, to tell the truth, Terry isn't actually their own
- he was adopted as a baby. She adds that this is strictly between
the two of them, and Wayne asks why the secrecy. Mrs. Muir replies
that, in those times, adoption was a bit of a hushed-up matter
- it was considered best not to let-on to the child in case they
got upset, and so Terry still doesn't know he's adopted. Wayne
comments on the fact that other people know, and Mrs. Muir tells
him that the locals knew but kept it to themselves. Wayne then
asks if Terry is close to his parents, and Mrs. Muir
replies that he's not the type to say so, but yes, Terry thinks
the world of them. She then tells Wayne that she must be going,
as she has a council meeting this afternoon. She asks him to give
her regards to Gordon and adds that she hopes Terry gets the job,
as it'll do him a world of good.
Terry finishes replacing the tyre. Fiona tells Jill
not to worry, as he'll be gone soon. Jill snaps, "Good."
Terry stands up and nervously says he's not good at speeches but
they got it all wrong the other day: he thought that... Fiona
angrily interrupts and says, "We know what you thought."
Terry gets in his car and snaps that he doesn't know why he even
bothers. Fiona and Jill watch him drive off, and Jill cries, "I'm
scared of him, Fiona: every time I close my eyes I see
him coming at me." She breaks down and Fiona hugs her.
A while later, at Woombai, Wayne asks if Jill's
alright. Fiona replies that she just wanted to come straight home;
she'll be alright after a lie down. She asks how Wayne went with
Mrs. Muir, and Wayne tells her that it was the same old story:
Terry Hansen's a good bloke. Fiona annoyedly says they're back
to square one, but Wayne says, "Not quite." He adds
that he has a few ideas: Terry doesn't know he's adopted, or they
could let his dear old parents know he's a rapist. Fiona asks
if there's nothing else. Wayne replies that Terry's only interested
in his car - which could be the answer if it's found at the bottom
of a cliff. Fiona snaps at Wayne not to be so childish. Wayne
annoyedly asks her what she's got in mind. Fiona says
she doesn't know, but she tells Wayne that he's not going to start
pushing cars over cliffs and upsetting elderly people.
Mrs. Muir is at the garage, and Terry lifts up her
car's bonnet. Mrs. Muir tells him that the only time it gets checked
is when she comes there for petrol. Terry replies that it's all
part of the service. Mrs. Muir asks how his parents are, and Terry
replies, "Not bad." Mrs. Muir says she must call round
and see them. She then wishes Terry good luck with job - she hopes
he gets it. Surprised, Terry asks, "What job?"
Mrs. Muir tells him she means the one with Fiona Thompson; she
quickly adds that she hopes she hasn't let the cat out of the
bag. Terry suspiciously asks her where she heard about this, and
Mrs. Muir explains that she's just been at Woombai, putting in
a good word for him. Looking annoyed, Terry tells her he'll get
her change. Mrs. Muir looks worried.
Terry's car races up to Woombai and screeches to
a halt. He gets out and approaches the house; Wayne is standing
outside. Terry tells him that he wants to see Fiona. Wayne innocently
asks who he should say is calling: Jack Brabham?! Terry gives
his name, and Wayne immediately suggests he leave before Fiona
has him thrown off the property. Terry asks why he should.
Wayne tells him that he's trespassing, and he orders him to push
off. Terry angrily snaps that he wants to know why Fiona's snooping
round asking questions about him and saying she's offering him
a job. Wayne replies that, if he's talking about Mrs. Muir, he
was one doing the asking. Terry asks who the hell Wayne is, and
so Wayne introduces himself and adds that his father used to own
Woombai. Terry snaps that just because Wayne's rich, it doesn't
mean people round there will listen to him - he's local
and he's liked, so Wayne hasn't got a cat in hell's chance
of causing trouble. Wayne replies that Terry shouldn't be too
sure of that, and he repeats his order to him to get off the property.
Terry lashes out and punches Wayne on the jaw, adding that that's
a warning: if Wayne doesn't lay off, next time he'll break his
rich little neck. He goes. Wayne touches his sore jaw.
He goes inside, where Fiona is looking through a
cookbook and says she thought she might go mad tonight and whip
up an omelette - Jill's favourite! She then looks up, sees Wayne
touching his jaw and his lip - which is bleeding - and asks what
happened. Wayne explains that it was Terry Hansen, who came looking
for her. Fiona asks Wayne why he didn't have Terry thrown
off the place. Wayne snaps that he wasn't trying to invite him
in for drinks. He angrily adds, "I'll get him."
Fiona, though, says it's gone far enough - she hates to admit
it, but unless Jill wants to press charges, there's little they
can do. Wayne says, "You reckon?" and he adds that it's
personal now. Fiona tells him to stay away from Terry, as she
doesn't need any more trouble round there. Wayne snaps that it's
nothing to do with her, anymore.
Charlie has arrived at Toorak, and she tells Patricia
that the place is simply marvellous! She adds that Patricia
should have moved out of that dreary backpath months
ago. Patricia points out that she wasn't married to Stephen, then.
Charlie says, "Oh yes: Stephen - we have fallen
on our feet!" Patrica says to Charlie that she thought they'd
fallen out, but Charlie replies that life is too short to hold
grudges. Patricia says she never did get a chance to
apologise for snubbing Charlie like that, but Charlie tells her
to forget it. She adds that Patricia's new marriage must agree
with her, as she looks marvellous! Patricia agrees that
she feels a lot better than the last time they met. Charlie
says, "I should think so!" She adds, "The
notorious Stephen Morrell..." and says she wants to hear
all about it. She tells Patricia to show her to her room, so she
can dump all her bags. Patricia's face drops when she hears this,
but Charlie doesn't notice. Patricia starts to explain that, actually,
they've made up the spare room for Amanda, as she's coming to
stay. Charlie, though, just says she can't wait to meet her! Patricia
has a look of resignation on her face!
John and Amanda arrive at Dural, where Barbara hugs
Amanda and says she's her favourite niece! Amanda tells her not
to let Prue know that! Barbara remarks that Amanda has put on
weight, but Amanda indignantly says, "I have not!"
Barbara assures her that it's in all the right places! She suggests
they have a drink, but Amanda says she actually wanted to talk.
Realising what she's implying, John says he'll go and find Gordon.
Barbara tells him that he's in the study, and she tells Amanda
to come into the lounge room. She asks what her niece wants to
talk about, and Amanda asks why no one told her about her father
getting married. Barbara replies that it was simply because no
one knew: the first she heard of it was when
Patricia and Stephen came back from their overseas trip and made
the big announcement. Amanda sourly says he could have let her
know. Barbara points out that, when Stephen makes up his mind
to do something, he does it; now he's decided he's in
love with Patricia, and there's very little they can say to change
that. Amanda has a wry look on her face... Out in the hallway,
John emerges from the study with Gordon, who suggests they play
billiards before having a drink. He adds that he hasn't met his
new niece yet, but she's quite a girl from what Barbara's told
him. John says she certainly is! Gordon asks John how
he is, but John just replies, "OK." Gordon
asks if there's trouble with Jill, and John admits that they've
split up for a while. Gordon jokes that, in that case,
he'll let John thrash him at billiards! In the lounge room, Barbara
tells Amanda that it was a whirlwind romance: no one took it seriously.
Amanda says her daddy obviously did - he's always had women falling
at his feet, but he's never proposed to any of them before.
Barbara says Patricia's not the sort to fall at men's
feet. Amanda remarks that her aunt doesn't like Patricia
very much, but Barbara says it doesn't matter if she
likes her - Amanda must make up her own mind. Amanda
persists that Barbara doesn't like her. Barbara says the last
thing she wants to do is make trouble for Stephen by badmouthing
his wife, but the fact is, she can't stand her, and she thinks
they'll find they've made a very big mistake. Amanda says that's
exactly what she thinks. Barbara tells her that it doesn't
mean she won't like Patricia, but Amanda replies, "You wanna
bet?" Barbara says Amanda won't know until she meets her,
but Amanda says she doesn't want to. Barbara says that's
not the point: Amanda should have gone to Melbourne the minute
her father asked her to. Amanda says she'll be there - in spirit,
anyway...
At Toorak, Patricia, Stephen and Charlie are sitting
around, smoking. Patricia suggests they start dinner: the beouf
bourginon will be wondering what's happened to it! Stephen snaps,
"Not to mention what's happened to our other guest."
Patricia suggests that Amanda has probably been held up somewhere,
and she can join them when she arrives. Stephen snaps that it
infuriates him to be kept waiting. Charlie tells him that he knows
how unreliable kids are - she doesn't know how
her poor parents survived having her around for all those
years! Stephen snaps that Amanda should know better. Patricia
remarks that she's famished, and she'll go and serve. At that
moment, there's a knock at the door, and Stephen says that'll
be Amanda. He goes to get it, and Patricia joins him. It's not
Amanda at the door, though - it's a young man, who, waving a piece
of paper in front of him, says he has a telegram for Stephen.
Stephen goes to take it, but the man says it's a singing
telegram! Charlie joins them and says "Oh, darling,
what a laugh!" Stephen snaps that it's a load of
American nonsense. To the tune of 'Glory, glory, hallelujah!',
the man sings:
"I wish I could be there to see the happy
man and wife,
Dear Patricia, keep your guard up as you start your married life,
You may have my father's chequebook but prepare yourself for strife,
Get out while there's still time.
You'll be sorry that you met him,
He will use you if you let him,
Cut your losses and forget him,
Get out while there's still time."
The telegram concludes with the words:
'Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Morrell, love Amanda.'
The man hands the telegram to Patricia. She looks
at Stephen; both are stony-faced.
|