Gordon storms into the lounge room at Dural and tells Barbara, who's cleaning the coffee table, that Alison has plans drawn up to sell off fifty acres of Woombai as hobby farm. Barbara snaps, "You tell her she can't." Gordon, though, sighs that there's a good economic argument for what she has in mind, unfortunately. Barbara asks him if he's going to give in. Gordon, though, replies that he doesn't know how long he can hold out when Alison has business sense on her side. He adds that Alison is flying up this afternoon to look the site. He then announces that he's going up, too; he's not going to let her poke around there by herself. Barbara declares, "I'm coming with you. I'm not going to let her upset you any more than she has done already." Gordon sighs that he can't just lie down and let Alison walk all over him. Barbara tells him curtly that he doesn't have to; he just has to make Alison realise she's riding for the biggest fall of her life if she doesn't pull her head in.

Next door, Charlie sweeps into her drawing room and tells Alison that Marcia Coolidge has invited her to one of her luncheons. Alison offers her congratulations. Charlie explains that the invitation's because of Tom - Marcia thought he was sweet and has insisted she take him. She adds happily, "I just knew he'd get on with all my friends!" She then ponders out loud that she wonders what she should wear. Alison, however, tells her that she's sure she'll look wonderful in whatever she wears! Charlie suddenly remembers Alison's meeting with Gordon and she asks how it went. Alison replies that Gordon looked as though he was about to burst a few bloodvessels. Charlie warns Alison that she shouldn't go upsetting Gordon; not with his heart condition. Alison insists that she merely suggested selling off a part of Woombai. Charlie cries that he'll never do that. Alison retorts that it would make lot of money. She adds, "Heaven knows I could do with a bit right now." Tom suddenly bounds into the room and tells Charlie that they're all waiting. Charlie looks at him blankly and asks, "Waiting for what?" Tom explains, "The beach; you didn't forget?" Charlie sighs that she's sorry - there's been a change of plan: Marcia Coolidge has invited them to one of her luncheons. Tom asks incredulously, "You didn't accept?" Charlie replies, "For both of us." Tom snaps, "You shouldn't have. I don't want to go to a luncheon; I want to go to the beach." Charlie reminds him that this is Marcia Coolidge, and she tells him to go and change his clothes. Tom, though, retorts, "You go to luncheon; I'll spend the day at the beach."

A few moments later, Tom is standing outside. Charlie is running after him and she cries that she didn't think he'd mind. Tom retorts that he doesn't like being taken for granted; she didn't even ask. He goes on that he thought Marcia Coolidge was boring. Charlie cries that Marcia was the life and soul of the party. Tom mutters, "I didn't like the party, either." Charlie stares at him and exclaims that it was a wonderful party. Tom retorts, "For your friends, maybe, but it would seem we have very little in common." Charlie snaps, "Fine. I'm going to Marcia's luncheon. You can do whatever you like." With that, she storms back into the house. Tom approaches the car and Sally climbs out and suggests that maybe he should stay. Tom, though, insists, "Let's go."

Maynard Gilling is at Beryl's, and Fiona reintroduces him to Beryl, reminding her that they met last night. Beryl offers coffee. Spider, who's sitting on the couch, asks for a beer, but Beryl tells him that he can have coffee! She heads off to get it. Maynard sits down next to Spider and Fiona explains to him that Spider has a little nest-egg that he wants to invest. Spider adds that a man can't be too careful with his life savings. Maynard asks him how much he has, and Spider replies, "Two hundred." Looking impressed, Maynard remarks that that's quite a big amount. He adds that he's sure he can suggest something worthwhile for him. Beryl comes back from the kitchen and asks Maynard what he suggests as a good form of investment. Maynard replies, "Coffee futures." Spider asks him in surprise if he means the dregs left in a cup when it's finished! Fiona stares at him and warns, "Spider...". Maynard, however, explains that it means buying next year's crop now, on the belief that its market value will increase; that way, they'll make a profit. Spider mutters that you can't buy what doesn't exist. Beryl tells him impatiently to let Maynard explain.

In the kitchen at the country house, Donna scrunches up a piece of paper and throws it in the bin. Tim comes in from the hallway and asks what the paper was. Donna explains that it was a letter from Brett: he expects her to let him know when the baby is born. Tim points out that it's his kid too. Donna, though, snaps, "Not anymore, it isn't. He didn't want to know about me or the baby six months ago. He can't just walk back into our lives whenever he feels like it." Tim points out, "He only wants to know what's going on." Donna cries, "It's our baby now, Tim, not his." She then asks uncertainly, "You won't change your mind about us, will you?" Tim assures her that of course he won't; they'll be alright. Donna tells him that she doesn't want him to have anything to do with Brett. Tim says that if that's what she wants.... Donna then calms down and apologises for going off like that. She adds, "It just makes me scared, somehow." Tim tells her that she has nothing to worry about. He goes on, "I haven't been making things all that easy for you, lately. I've been trying hard not to make things work properly for us..." Donna, though, insists, "That's not true; you've been wonderful." Tim just murmurs, "I'll try harder from now on, OK?" Donna smiles at him weakly.

At Beryl's, Fiona exclaims to Maynard, "I think that sounds absolutely wonderful! Why didn't you tell me about it before?" Maynard points out, "We haven't seen each other for ages - and besides, it's a fairly new interest for me." Fiona asks Beryl what she thinks. Beryl, however, apologises to Maynard and explains that she would like to discuss it with her solicitor before she invests too much. Maynard assures her, "Of course." Turning to Spider, he adds, "As a matter of fact, I advise it for all three of you - particularly you, sir. It's a very big investment." Spider nods, "Of course, to some people, two hundred smackers mightn't sound like much, but to me, it's my life savings." A look of realisation crosses Maynard's face, and he murmurs, "I was under the impression…" He looks at Fiona, who's shaking her head, and he accepts in a resigned voice, "Ah... quite!" He then tells Beryl, Fiona and Spider that he'll leave them with some leaflets to study. Beryl thanks him for coming over. As he stands up to leave, he tells Fiona not to leave it so long next time. He then tells Spider that it was nice meeting him, and he and Fiona walk to the front door. By the door, he tells Fiona that the least she could have done was let him know - he thought Spider meant $200,000! Fiona laughs, "I know!" She then tells Maynard that she's sorry he won't stay for lunch. Maynard insists that it'll keep and he goes. Fiona heads into the kitchen - where Beryl is feeding Robert - and she asks her what she thinks. Beryl remarks that it sounds like a bit of a gamble. Fiona assures her, "A carefully calculated risk." Beryl points out that, still, it always pays to be wary. Spider comes in with a small book and asks where Tanganga is. Fiona replies, "In Africa." Spider asks Beryl if she's got an atlas. Beryl replies that there should be one in the boys' room. Spider shuffles off. When he's gone, Fiona changes the subject and asks Beryl if she's decided on a date for Robert's christening. Beryl tells her, "Yes: tomorrow, as a matter of fact." She goes on that she and David have discussed it and they'd very much like Fiona to be his godmother. Looking taken aback, Fiona asks, "Me?" Beryl tells her that she's the obvious choice. Fiona, suddenly looking very uncomfortable, blusters that that's a wonderful thought, but she can't accept. Looking surprised, Beryl asks, "Why on earth not?" Fiona replies hesitantly, "Robert's godparents should be on hand to look after him in case something should happen to you and David." Beryl points out, "You're not going anywhere, are you?" Fiona persists, "I live in Sydney. You should get someone from Melbourne." Beryl, though, insists, "We want you." Fiona murmurs, "It wouldn't work - honestly." Looking worried, Beryl asks her suspiciously if there's something she's not telling her. Fiona quickly says, "Of course not." Beryl, giving in, then sighs that if Fiona doesn't want the job, they'll find someone who does...

At the beach in Sydney, a stereo is on and music is blasting out. Andy remarks that this is the life! Samantha helps him set up the sun umbrella. He then asks if anyone's coming in for swim, and when no one responds, he jokes that they're a load of pikers! He strips off his shirt and runs down to the water. Samantha goes and sits down next to Adam, and she asks him if he doesn't like the beach, as he doesn't seem too pleased to be there. Adam explains that guesses he's feeling guilty coming out and having some fun. Samantha asks him if Leigh would want him to be sad. Adam shakes his head. Sam tells him, "Of course not - no more than Amanda would want me to sit here and have a horrible time." She asks what better place there is to start enjoying life again than the beach. Adam murmurs, "I can't think of one." A short distance away, Sally is sitting with a worried-looking Tom, and she asks him if he wishes he hadn't come after all. Tom replies that he shouldn't have been so hard on Charlie. Sally though, tells him that she thinks he was right: Charlie needs a jolt every now and then or she takes over completely. She adds that her mother never holds a grudge; she'll be fine when he gets home. She adds, "Cheer up, or we'll all wish you had gone with her." She then throws sand down the back of his t-shirt. Tom jokes that she's a little wretch! Sally stands up and starts running down the beach. Tom gets up and starts chasing her! Meanwhile, Samantha walks over to where Kelly is sitting putting some suncream on her legs. She offers a hand, but Kelly retorts, " I know where my legs are, thanks." Samantha points out, "If you can find your back, you're better than I am." Kelly hands over the cream reluctantly. As she rubs it into Kelly's back, Samantha tells her, "I'm sorry if I've been a bit possessive over Andy. It's just that he's an old friend and I needed him. But I shouldn't have ripped into you." Kelly, though, says she's the one who should apologise: she's been obsessed, too, and she hardly knows Andy. Samantha tells Kelly that she should see the way Andy looks at her. She immediately realises her mistake and apologises. Kelly, though, laughs that she's used to it. Samantha assures her, "Andy and I will always be friends, but that's all we'll be - so don't worry about it, OK?" Further down the beach, Tom is still chasing Sally. They eventually collapse to the sand and Sally laughs that she didn't know she was so fit! Tom looking around at the empty space around them, comments, "Far from the madding crowd..." Sally suggests that they should go back and join the others. Tom, though, asks, "Do you like crowds?" Sally shakes her head. They stand up and start walking.

David is at Beryl's, and as he walks into the lounge room with Fiona, she tells him, "It wouldn't be practical, David; I live too far away." David retorts that that doesn't make sense. Fiona, though, goes on, "I don't feel like taking on the responsibility. I'm past the age where I would want to bring up a child. It wouldn't be fair on Robert." She then says she'll go and get changed before they go to the solicitor. She heads off. Left alone with David, Beryl says, "I'm sure Fiona is not telling us the truth about why she doesn't want to be Robert's godmother." David suggests that maybe she's just not interested. Beryl, though, insists, "She loves kids; she adores being involved." She then explains that she rang Irene yesterday but she said it was unethical for doctors to discuss their patients. David asks if Fiona's sick. Beryl replies, "She must be." David points out that they can't force Fiona to tell them. Beryl sighs, "I suppose not. But it must be something serious if she's turned down our request."

Tom and Sally are paddling in the shallow waters at the beach. Sally bends down and picks up a shell. Tom looks at it and comments that it's beautiful. The two of them then look into each other's eyes and suddenly kiss passionately. When they pull apart, Sally stands there, looking guilty.

A short time later, Tom and Sally are sitting on the sand. Tom is saying, "I'm sorry if I upset you - but I'm not sorry it happened." Sally murmurs, "Neither am I." Tom asks what they're going to do. Sally tells him, "Forget it." Tom goes on, "You mother's very special to me." Sally replies that Charlie is a very special person. She then announces that she'll go back to Melbourne. She adds that, apart from anything else, she's no good at pretending about this. Tom asks her when she'll go, and she replies that it'll be tomorrow, probably. Tom remarks that he's too old for her anyway. Sally, though, quickly tells him that he isn't - he's just right. She then suggests sadly that they'd better be getting back to the others. They stand up and Tom asks if they can still be friends. Sally replies, "Of course. I just think it's a good idea if we don't see too much of each other for a while." With that, they start walking slowly over to the rest of the party.

A while later, Tom and Sally rejoin Samantha and Adam. Adam comments that he thought they might have lost them! Samantha comments jokingly that they weren't doing anything they shouldn't, she hopes. Tom retorts that they were walking. Adam, however, looks at them suspiciously...

David is sitting in the lounge room at the country house when Beryl and Fiona walk in. He asks them how they got on. Beryl replies that the solicitor said it was all above-board. David asks her if she's going ahead with it, then. Beryl, though, sighs that she doesn't know; she can't get rid of the feeling that there might be something wrong with it. David points out that the futures market is pretty big these days. Beryl comments that that it just seems too simple. David tells her that that it's her money, and she can do what she likes with it. Beryl hesitates and then sighs, "Alright, I'll do it."

At Woombai, Richard Dent is walking in the grounds with Gordon, Alison and Alan Pascoe. He tells them that the development costs would be minimal: they've already got sealed roads and electricity close-by. He unfolds a set of plans and goes on that the way they've divided up the five farms means the creek cuts through at least some of each property; it's perfect. Alan asks to take a closer look at the plans. Alison comments that there would be a high profit for a low outlay. She looks at Gordon. He tells her that he agrees that it's a good idea, but he doesn't like the idea of carving up the property. Alison insists that it's a once-off. Alan suddenly chips in that there's one big problem he can see. Alison asks sharply, "What problem?" Alan explains that the subdivision cuts right through their main riding track. Alison asks if they can't send the track round the division. Alan replies that they can't really: it's the most popular ride because it follows the creek for about seven miles and it ends up at the waterhole, where everyone likes to picnic. Gordon tells Alison that he's sorry, but that settles it. Alison, though, snaps angrily, "What do you mean 'that settles it'? You've latched onto a convenient excuse to justify something you'd already decided on." Gordon retorts, "The riding school makes a lot of money. I'm not going to ruin the business for the sake of some quick cash." He then turns to Dent and tells him that he's sorry. He walks off, leaving Alison looking annoyed.

Adam, Sally, and Tom are enjoying a glass of wine back at Charlie's. Charlie suddenly arrives home and Adam comments to her that they wondered when she was going to show. Charlie replies breezily that she was having such a lovely time at Marcia's that she decided to stay on for a while. Tom tells her that he's glad she enjoyed herself. Charlie asks how the beach was, and Tom replies, "Fine." With that, Charlie walks out to get some food from the kitchen. Sally tells Tom to go after her, adding that she's waiting for him to make the first move. Tom stands up reluctantly and goes. Left alone with Sally, Adam asks her suspiciously, "What's happening between you and Tom?" Sally retorts, "I don't know what you're talking about." Adam tells her, "I think you do..." Sally pleads, "Please, Adam." Adam concedes that it's none of his business. He adds that sometimes he thinks he's still a cop. Sally sighs, "Nothing's going on. Nothing's happened. It's just... we are attracted to each other, but that's all." She then adds sadly, "I feel so guilty. If Charlie found out about this, it would hurt her so much..." Adam asks her what they're going to do. Sally replies that they're going to keep out of each other's way. Adam comments that that's not going to be easy. Sally, though, retorts, "Yes it is: I'm going back to Melbourne first thing in the morning." She then cries, "I wish I'd never come to Sydney. I wish I 'd never met him." With that, she runs out.

Gordon, Alison and Alan are sitting at the living room table at the Woombai homestead. Barbara serves up some coffee, but Alan declines, explaining that one of the mares is about to foal and he has to check on her. He thanks Barbara for dinner and goes. Barbara, sitting down, comments to Alison, "I wouldn't have blamed him if he'd taken a swipe at you; you hardly spoke a civil word to him all evening. Are you usually that rude to guests?" Alison retorts, "Only when I want them out of their jobs." A look of shock crosses Gordon's face, and he asks sharply, "What?" Alison says curtly, "I don't want him managing Woombai." Gordon tells her that he'd be very difficult to replace. Alison, though, goes on, "Alan's prejudiced. He's worked for you for so long he'll do anything you say. Any improvements I want wouldn't have a chance." Gordon tells her that Alan is very loyal; he has the best interests of Woombai at heart. Alison, however, snaps, "Beside the point. Woombai could be making twice as much as it is - and with someone qualified in business management, it would be. And I do have a right to see the best person in the job." Gordon cries, "I can't just sack the man." Alison suggests, "Give him something else to do. Alan was foreman when Stephen managed the place, wasn't he?" Gordon just stares at her as she continues, "Earlier this evening, you made a great to-do about compromise: any idea either of us come up with should be judged on its own merits. Alright, I lost out on the subdivision, but I've got a damn good argument this time. Any manager we have should be the best qualified we can get, plus show no bias to either partner. So, here's a chance to show you're not all talk, Gordon. Get a new manager - one we can both work with." Gordon stares at her.