Andy tells Amanda that it's childish, if you ask him. Amanda
tells him to keep his voice down, as she doesn't want the others
to know. She adds that she's old enough to make up her own
mind. Andy tells her that her now and her the other
day don't go together. Amanda asks him what he's talking
about, and then asks if he means all that stuff about her wanting
to be around 'normal' people. She continues that she meant
it - it's just that people like Wayne get away with too much -
and if she's got the chance to do something about it, she'd be
crazy not to take it. Andy replies that he thinks it's crazy doing
anything that makes life heavy - life's too short. Amanda
asks if he thinks that because he's a drop-out! She then assures
him that she's not really mad. Andy replies that of course
she's not - she just takes getting used to!
Outside, Gordon is sitting with Barbara on a bench in the garden,
and he tells her that he can understand why she didn't tell him
earlier. Barbara cries that she didn't want anyone to
know; then Stephen guessed - although the way she's been,
she supposes it wasn't hard. She sobs that she just loved Roland
so much; you think you know someone... Gordon tells her
that the important thing is that Andy isn't the meat in the sandwich;
she's got to say something to him. Barbara says Stephen
is leaving for Woombai soon - she supposes she'd better speak
to Andy now.
Inside, Amanda tells Andy that the main thing is to get away
from Dural without too much fuss. Andy replies that he's really
not interested in how she does it. Amanda says it helps to talk
it over, but Andy tells her to find someone else. Barbara comes
in at that moment, and Amanda asks her how she is. Barbara just
asks for a few moments with Andy, and Amanda leaves them to it.
Andy tells Barbara that he's sorry she had to find out. Barbara
says, "Yes..." She then continues that she doesn't mean
to be rude, but this is her home; Stephen and Amanda are her guests,
and she thinks it would be better if Andy does his socialising
with them somewhere else. Andy says he understands. Barbara tells
him that she knows none of this is his fault. Andy replies that
he said he understands, and he adds that he'll just go upstairs
and say goodbye to Stephen. As he goes to leave the lounge room,
he asks Barbara if there's anything she wants him to tell his
mum. Barbara snaps, "No - no, thankyou." He goes. Barbara
closes the doors behind him and then turns and leans against them,
sighing heavily as she does so.
In the kitchen at the Palmers', Kevin rants that he can just
see the look on Wayne's face - he'll be so smug. Lynn
tells him that he'll just have to make the best of it. Kevin retorts
that if they didn't need the money so much, he'd tell Wayne what
to do with his job. Lynn sighs that she wishes he could.
Looking at his watch, Kevin says he'd better get a move on, as
he doesn't want Wayne calling him a bludger. He and Lynn head
into the lounge room; as they do so, Beryl comes into the room
from the hallway. She reminds Kevin what she said. Kevin agrees
that he'll be as polite to Wayne as Wayne is to him. Beryl heads
into the kitchen and Kevin and Lynn go to the front door. Lynn
remarks that at least Beryl has calmed down. Kevin agrees that
it's something - but he's still the baddy and Wayne is
'Mr. Nice Guy'. He adds that he wishes Amanda could have come
up with something.
Wayne is standing in the lounge room at Toorak, and he's on the
'phone to Don Morton. He tells him that he's been thinking since
he hung up earlier: once Morton has worked on Kevin Palmer, he
would like him to have a talk with his mother, Beryl; he adds
that Morton met her last week. Morton asks if she's the would-be
businesswoman. Wayne replies that she's thinking of giving her
money away to charity - it's no good to him if she does.
Morton asks if she isn't the full quid, or something. Wayne growls
that she's too noble for her own good. Morton replies,
"Or for yours, eh?!" He then continues that
as long as Wayne puts work his way, he'll talk 'til the cows come
home. He tells Wayne that he'll see him tomorrow, and they hang
up. Wayne stands there looking smug.
Barbara is sitting in the lounge room at Dural when Stephen comes
in and says they're going now. He adds that Margaret said to say
'thankyou' for having her. Barbara sits there and doesn't respond.
Stephen asks her if she's going to come and see them off. Barbara
stands up, but then goes to the bar and pours herself a drink.
Stephen remarks that it isn't even lunchtime, but Barbara just
snaps that she knows. Stephen tells her that it would be better
if she let herself go. Barbara snaps that she'll get over it.
Stephen tells him to call her when she does. He adds that he loves
her. Barbara tells him that she hopes the job turns out well,
and he thanks her. He leaves the room. Barbara sips her drink
and then puts the glass down on the bar, looking frustrated as
she does so.
Kevin opens the front door and walks into Toorak. As he does
so, Wayne comes out of the living room and says, "No hard
feelings?" Kevin ignores this and snaps that Wayne set him
up, didn't he. Wayne retorts that, even if he did, does Kevin
think he'd tell him? He then continues that, no, he didn't
set him up - but the main thing is that he isn't going to hold
a grudge, and he hopes Kevin doesn't, either. He adds that he
hopes Beryl isn't going straight back to Woombai, as he's been
forced into a business lunch tomorrow and could do with her support.
Kevin says he's not sure what her plans are, and he suggests
Wayne call her. Wayne tells Kevin that he wants him there,
too - there are a couple of clients that he can help butter up.
Kevin tells Wayne that he's the boss. Wayne
smiles and says, "You better believe it!"
That night, Lynn is doing the washing up in the kitchen at the
Palmers' as Kevin stands and tells her that Wayne was acting so
ruddy nice - he doesn't know what it is, but he's up to something.
Lynn warns him not to say anything to Beryl. Kevin asks if it
was OK with his father, Beryl staying down there for a few more
days. Lynn tells him that Beryl hasn't rung yet. Kevin asks why
not, and Lynn replies that she gets the feeling that Beryl feels
bad about agreeing to stay. Kevin laughs that he reckons she's
getting off on being a businesswoman! Lynn says she can't blame
her - she remembers what she was like when she first started modelling.
Kevin says his mother will miss it if she gives the money away,
but Lynn points out that it's her choice. Beryl comes in at that
moment and asks Kevin if he's seen the letter from Susie's, as
she wants to read it to David. She then adds that, before she
'phones, she'd better check what she's got to wear tomorrow; she
might have to pop out in the morning and get something. She leaves
the kitchen. Kevin tells Lynn that she's going to miss it alright.
David is lying in bed, asleep, at Woombai. There's a knock on
his bedroom door and Margaret then opens it. She quietly says,
"David..." She notices that he's asleep, and stands
in the doorway for a couple of seconds, looking at him. She then
walks into the room and closes the door quietly behind her. She
walks over to the bed and stands and looks at David lying there
peacefully. She then sits down on the chair next to the bed.
Fiona and Stephen walk into the reception area at the riding
school. Fiona says she's sorry Margaret couldn't join them - she's
met her, but she's never really had a chance to get to know her.
Stephen explains that he thinks she's just being tactful. He then
continues that there's something he'd like to do tonight: if the
books are in order, he'd like to do some homework. Terry suddenly
comes in, cheerfully throws Stephen's car keys to him and tells
him that it was just a bit of dirt in the carbie. Stephen thanks
him for looking at it. Terry says, "No worries." He
then says he's got to be off as it's darts night down the club
this evening and he doesn't want to be late! Stephen asks him
if they're still driving round the property in the morning, and
Terry replies that they sure are. Stephen tells him that he wants
to make an early start - no later than 7am. Terry says he'll be
there. He heads out, but Fiona goes after him and stops him out
in the corridor. She tells him that she knows how free and easy
Alan Pascoe is with them all, but Stephen is a different kettle
of fish - he's been in big business all his life. Terry says,
"So?" Fiona replies that she doesn't think he'd appreciate
his employees treating him like one of boys. Terry listens, but
then says he'll lose those ideas soon enough! He goes, leaving
Fiona looking slightly despairing.
David stirs in bed. He turns over, wakes up and sees Margaret
sitting on the chair. She tells him that she met Rosie outside
and she told her to come in. David moves around to get himself
comfortable, and Margaret goes to move his pillows, but he tells
her that he's OK. Margaret explains that Rosie didn't realise
he was sleeping. David says they told him that she'd
be down. Margaret replies that she thought a lot about what she
did. David tells her that it's not important, but Margaret says
is to her; she had six months with nothing else to do
but think - most of the time about him... and
his family; that's when she came up with the idea of paying off
the truck; at least she was doing something. David snaps
at her that they don't need her help - they're going
to pay her back the money just as soon as they can. Margaret says,
"Please don't..." but David retorts that he's not the
sort of bloke who likes owing anyone; they didn't have much to
do with each other before it happened and he doesn't see why it's
any different now. The 'phone next to his bed suddenly
starts ringing, and he reaches out to get it. It's Beryl, and
she asks him how he's going. David asks her to hold the line a
tick; he then turns to Margaret and tells her that it's Beryl.
Margaret says there are still things she'd like to say, but David
tells her that there's no point - she's sorry for what she did,
so they can just leave it at that. Margaret picks up her bag and
leaves the room. David returns to the 'phone and explains to Beryl
that he had someone there. Beryl asks who it was, but David tells
her that it was no one.
Barbara is talking on the 'phone on the bar in the lounge room
at Dural. She tells Patricia - who's on the other end - that she's
not in the habit of telling lies; if she wants to speak to Stephen,
try Woombai. She slams the 'phone down. Gordon comes in as she
does so, and asks what all the shouting was about. Barbara snaps
that it was Patricia - she has a hide ringing up at 7:30 in the
morning. Gordon comments that he thought she was in Perth. Barbara
snaps that she's obviously back - and she's still after Stephen.
Gordon remarks that she must have been keen to catch him before
he went to work. Barbara snaps that she hopes she got a shock
when she told her about his new job - that should put paid to
them once and for all. Gordon asks why she says that. Barbara
retorts that Patricia's not going to bury herself in the country;
no damn way. Gordon tells her that it doesn't suit her, being
nasty - not even when it's Patricia she's talking about. Barbara
calms down and says she's sorry; she's just trying to think of
something else to think about. Gordon tells her that she'll get
over it. Barbara says she's not so sure.
In the reception area at the riding school, Stephen angrily asks
where the hell Terry is; he said no later than 7am. Margaret tells
him to calm down, adding that things are far more relaxed in the
country. Stephen snaps that they're too relaxed, judging
by the books last night - the place is just about broke.
Margaret says she can't understand Fiona letting it run down like
that. Stephen replies that Fiona isn't a businesswoman - she trusts
her staff too much. A car horn suddenly roars outside, and Stephen
recognises it as Terry's. He snaps that Terry is half an hour
late and can't even come in and tell them he's there. Margaret
asks if she can come along too, and Stephen agrees. As they go
out, the 'phone starts ringing. The receptionist answers it and
then tells Stephen that it's his wife. Stephen tells the receptionist
to tell Patricia that he's too busy to talk to her. The receptionist
returns to the 'phone and tells Patricia to call back later. Stephen
goes out, but Margaret hangs back and tells the receptionist that
Stephen is having a few problems. She adds that, if his wife calls
again, the receptionist should tell her; she really doesn't
think Stephen should be bothered for a while. The receptionist
points out that he's the boss. Margaret says
she knows, but Patricia is her sister; it might help
if she talked to her. The receptionist says, "Fine."
Margaret looks pleased with herself.
As Stephen heads outside, Terry calls out that he's sorry for
being a bit late - he had a few too many beers last night! Stephen
snaps that he's not interested. He continues that Terry is paid
to be there on time, and he snaps at him to make sure
he is in future. Terry calmly replies that it's the same place
as it was half an hour ago, and he doesn't reckon it's going anywhere,
either. Stephen gets into the car. Terry asks Margaret what's
eating him. Margaret just shakes her head.
Later, at Woombai, Stephen tells Fiona that he knows the opinions
of the men after one morning are that he's a tyrant, but he's
very concerned - Alan Pascoe is well-meaning enough, but he lets
the men get away with far too much. Fiona asks if it's not just
a different attitude to work. Stephen replies that that's part
of it, but there's also what he saw this morning: men rolling
up late for work, stablehands standing around chatting while guests
waited for horses, a beginners' class cancelled because Alan gave
the instructor the day off and forgot to line up someone else;
and that's just in one morning - it's not the way to build up
good word-of-mouth, and they need it. Fiona asks if it's
that bad. Stephen tells her that she had all those improvements
done on Greg Flynn's say-so and he didn't come through with the
package for them; there's a lot of money going out and
not much coming in. Fiona asks him what he suggests.
Stephen replies that she hired him to make the place work, and
he wants to do it - but it's going to need a bomb under it. He
continues that he supposes he's really there to get her go-ahead.
Fiona asks him if he expects trouble. Stephen replies that it
depends on how the men react. He asks Fiona if he has her backing
- trouble or not. Fiona tells him to do what he has to do.
Lynn is ironing when Kevin gets home, and she remarks that he's
back early. She then asks where Beryl is, and Kevin replies that
she's still there. He then tells Lynn to guess what happened.
Lynn asks, "What?" Kevin asks her how she'd like to
go to London - to live! Lynn smiles broadly and asks him what
he's talking about. Kevin explains that he was talking to this
bloke called Don Morton - he was telling him about some friends
of his who are looking for Australians for their company; he's
a stockbroker - apparently they like training Australians for
the job because they're such good workers. He continues that this
guy, Don, is going to set him up an interview. He adds that Lynn
should have seen the look on Wayne's face - he heard them talking;
he'll be spitting chips if he gets a break like that! Lynn asks
him if he's got the right qualifications. Kevin replies that Don
seemed to think so; anyway, he's putting in a good word for him.
Lynn smiles and says it would be incredible if it came off! She
asks if Beryl knows, and Kevin replies that she's rapt, too; Don
spent a lot of time telling her all about it as well. Lynn happily
says it sounds like they've got a lot to thank him for - whoever
he is!
Beryl is standing talking to Don Morton in the lounge room at
Toorak. He tells her that it's been nice seeing her again, and
he adds that he'll do everything he can for Kevin. Beryl thanks
him. He walks to the front door, where Wayne is standing, having
just said goodbye to some of the other guests. Morton remarks,
"My God, she can talk!" Wayne thanks him and tells him
that he's done a great job on both of them. Morton replies
that, as far as the position goes, Kevin will have to make a good
show the same as everyone else; all he can do is put
in a good word for him. Wayne says he'll keep his fingers crossed.
Morton continues that he thinks he softened Beryl up, too; she
did most of the talking, but it's looking promising. Wayne tells
him that he owes him one. Morton calls out, "Bye, Beryl."
Beryl calls back, "Bye." Wayne smiles, looking pleased
with himself, then shuts the door and goes inside. He joins Beryl
in the lounge room, where she's starting to tidy away the leftover
food and drink. Wayne tells her to leave it, as the caterers are
coming back to clear it up. He then invites her to sit down, and
tells her as she does so that she was quite a hit with Don. Beryl
comments that he seems a nice man. She then adds that it was good
of him to take such an interest in Kevin. Wayne tells her that
he was impressed with both of them. He continues that
Don admires what she's doing for charity - he's quite big on the
charity gig. Beryl remarks, "So he was saying." Wayne
tells her that Morton does it a lot differently to her. Beryl
recalls that he was saying: he makes his money work for him and
then gives away the profits. Wayne asks her if she's
thought of doing the same thing. Beryl says she's not clever enough
to do that, but Wayne replies that she could be in time. He asks
if she knows what Don called her: a closet businesswoman - she's
had none of the opportunities but has all the potential; it's
a shame she's getting rid of all the money. Beryl looks round
at the expensive-looking decor, and says she has to admit that
she does like all this. Wayne tells her to think about if for
a few days - he knows her attitude to the promise she made, and
he thinks it's admirable, but there's more than one way
to skin a cat. He continues that, if she took Don's advice, she'd
get all the fun of being a businesswoman and do all the good she
wanted, too...
Margaret is walking towards the Woombai homestead, but she stops
in her tracks as she notices and hears Stephen yelling at Terry
about the men not working hard enough. She listens momentarily
and then goes into the reception area. She asks the receptionist
if she's got any idea what's going on between the two men. The
receptionist explains that Terry just tried to give Stephen some
advice, but Stephen got hot under the collar. Margaret suggests
that perhaps it was the way Terry went about it, but the recepionist
replies that Terry was fine - it was Mr. Morrell who
started arguing. She adds that he's only been there for a couple
of days and reckons he knows everything; he's going the right
way about getting everyone to jack-up on him. Margaret says she's
sure they'll work it out. The receptionist tells her that, if
they don't, she'll be behind Terry all the way.
Changing the subject, she suddenly remembers that Patricia called
again; she hands Margaret a piece of paper and says she doesn't
reckon the timing's too good. Margaret reads the piece of paper,
smiles and says, "I see..."
Outside, Terry yells at Stephen that they've just got a different
way of doing things up there. Stephen retorts that Terry
should have a look at the books. Terry snaps that he
just came to give Stephen some advice; if he doesn't want it,
he's asking for trouble. Stephen asks if that's a threat. Terry,
looking incredulous, snaps that he doesn't believe him
- for someone who's been in business as long as him, he's pretty
thick when it comes to handling men. Stephen snaps at
Terry to get back to work or he may be the first to go. Upon hearing
this, Terry tells him to stuff his job. He starts to
walk off and snaps that he reckons plenty of the others will do
the same thing before too long. Stephen angrily calls out, "Terry."
Terry turns and snaps, "You heard me." Stephen walks
over to Margaret and tells her that Terry is a stubborn idiot
- but he'll be back. Indicating the piece of paper she's holding,
Margaret tells Stephen that he needs this like a hole
in the head: Patricia is coming up tomorrow. She asks him if he's
going to put her off. Stephen snaps that, if she wants to waste
time, let her - he's in just the mood to tell her what
he thinks of her. He walks off. Margaret stands there, smiling
and looking pleased with herself...
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