" You remember Harry." " Hello, James." "There's just one little thing I need you to do for me." "Could you teach me Italian?" "I could pay you." "I trust Gino appreciated our gesture." "He's taught me a few words already." "And Gino having female company." "Gino's certainly no philanderer." "You, however, are a bitch." "Give me a kiss." "And he's made me feel... cheap and disgusting and... unworthy." "Hey." "Let's set a date." "Husband and wife." "Yes." "Mr. Menzies and Dame Pattie are in Sydney next week." "Let's invite them down for dinner." ""Vote for the man who had the PM at his table."" "We have them?" "Thankfully, it's all come together." "Oh, George!" "Oh, your success is my success." "She may well have secured George's election with this dinner." "Let's go back tomorrow, then." "Timing, my darling." "Timing is everything." "James isn't Georgie's father." " But you said..." " I didn't give birth to him." "I did do it for love." "I'm not... angry." "What do you want?" "Your return to Ash Park." "You'll come?" "For James, for Georgie." "It gives me leverage in silencing her." "Please... just between us." "Thanks for this." "It helps to know." "She gave me the goods on you." "Don't go feeding these kids your crazy Commie propaganda." "Now, listen here, Sergeant..." "No one goes missing without a reason." "If you're asking if I killed Bert Ford, no." " Why would I stay with you?" " Please!" " Shut up!" "Just shut up!" " Please, Bert!" "Please!" "Please!" "Bert!" "Colin, what have you done?" "Bert Ford." "A statement made in the House of Representatives in Canberra by Prime Minister Robert Menzies gave first details of a Soviet spy ring in Australia." "Vladimir Petrov, an official of the Russian Embassy whose home is in Canberra had told the full story." "At Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney, crowds gathered to watch Petrov's wife leave for Russia." "Australian security officers keep careful check, for disturbances are likely." "Two couriers sent from Moscow, both of them armed, and an Embassy official hustle Mrs. Petrov to the plane." "Make it two?" "Please." "Every time I close my eyes, I see Bert Ford's body popping up." "Well, it's unlikely, given how we weighed him down." "Well, we've got nothing to worry about, then." "Unless they question Eve." "Where's she now?" "Redfern, last time she wrote." "Maybe we should talk to her before the cops do." "I'll go this weekend." "I'll drive you." "We're in this together." "Thanks, Roy." "Uh, a moment, Mr. Briggs." "You'll need a ride home." "I hope you'll understand." "I don't have much choice, I'm afraid." ""We don't want her stuffing their heads full of rubbish"?" "It was about 10 of the parents." "I'm sorry." "It's because you got Mr. Poletti to come here." "To talk about Italy?" "I was trying to broaden their horizons." "They prefer someone who'll stick to the three R's." "Fine." "If that's what they want." "It's only until the new teacher starts." "But the... the trouble is, it's not only them." "Reverend Green." "Oh." "I was asked a direct question about being Jewish." "I answered frankly." "Reverend Green says you talked about converting." "I said conversion is possible..." "And that the Jews didn't kill Jesus." "Crucifixion was a Roman execution." "The Jews favored stoning." "I don't know any of that." "All I know is..." "I appreciate the help, but Reverend Green's offered his wife to come, so..." "I'm sorry if I've made things awkward." "That's okay." "Tread careful." "I know you mean no harm." "There are some saying different." "Sergeant Taylor?" "Just... some." "What's up?" "Let's go to Sydney." "I can go back on roster if you need me, but there's something I'd like to do." "No." "Go." "What's the bet Sergeant Taylor isn't stirring things up?" "I know." "Doctor, a moment." "I hear alarming rumors..." "Mrs. Nordmann banished for sacrilege." "I cannot believe it." "Then don't be spreading it." "As the possible target of innuendo myself, I sympathize." "The word "Red" was being used." "How's about helping me calm things down?" "Come on." "Mm." "Be it ever so garish..." "Ash Park is always home if you're not comfortable here." "Oh, thank you, George." "I may avail myself of that." "Tea, I think." " Father?" " Uh, no." "I should catch up with Regina before she returns to prepare for the prime minister." "You let me know how your meeting goes." "I can return if you wish." "Oh, James is dropping by while Anna's at her publisher's." "I shall be well attended." "As you should be." "George, um, a request?" "Of course." "Regina is privy to enough family business." "It's not required that she know about Georgie." "I agree." "Oh, good." "Despite everything, she has proven her worth, hasn't she?" "The prime minister is a coup." "But I will keep an eye on her." "You are familiar with the expression about dogs and fleas." "If you see me scratching, you, uh, you let me know." "Congratulations, Mama!" "Does Anna know?" "I want to see her face when I tell her." "And Mother's." "You're going up?" "Later today." "Five weeks isn't much time." "We're keeping it simple." "Just close locals and a few Sydney friends." " And not at Ash Park." " Oh, really?" "That way, Regina doesn't have to be invited." "Bravissimo, Mama." "So where will it be?" "Here, if you agree." "A simple, rustic affair." " Of course." "We'd love to, Mama!" " Thank you!" "One thing before I go." "Rose." "Rose?" "At the risk of spoiling the mood..." "Have you been seeing her?" "I'm suggesting nothing." "She brought over some food." "I'm teaching her Italian." " That's all?" " Yes." "I think Regina's encouraging it." "She's implied you're having an affair." "No." "Puttana." "Rose is an innocent party, I think." "She's fooled me if she's not." "Defuse it by telling Anna." "Then there'll be no misunderstanding." "Should I say anything to Rose?" "Not yet." "Feel free to tackle madam, though." " Ooh-ooh!" " Doris." "I come... seeking signatures." "Hmm?" "Oh, good morning, ma'am." "We've missed you." "Look!" "Look who it is, Georgie!" "It's Rose!" "Oh, he has grown." "You have, haven't you?" "Would you mind?" "Oh." "Uh-oh." "Exactly." "I'll get him all changed and sweet-smelling and bring him to you." "Hey." "Georgie." "Yes." "Yes." "Did you speak to Olivia before she left?" "We'll deal with matters at Ash Park." "I'm giving her some time to settle back in." "I was hoping I'd see her." "She's been through a rather emotional time, and I imagine she fears your disapproval." "Oh, dear." "She's unaware of your new view of life." "No more interference." "Another?" "Then I must go." "Henry's reaction to this faux reconciliation?" "I assume he's not causing ructions." "He's not like that." "I thought as much." "We have had a disagreement, but on another matter entirely." "Which you'll resolve?" "I trust so." "Embracing happiness has its problems." "All change does." "Now... is it wrong of me to think of voting against your father at the election?" "He'd have no need for a politician's wife if he fails to enter politics." "They're just married." "As much an expediency as yours and Olivia's." "I will sigh with relief the day they part." "Do you think he'd divorce her?" "George Bligh?" "Yes." "The Honourable George Bligh, MP?" "Probably not." "So I repeat..." "Should I vote for him?" "The day you vote for Labor, the world will tilt on its axis." "As it did the day they married." "Here's trouble." "Will I run her off the road?" "She'll keep." "You know I love you." "Show me." "I don't want to just be pretending." "I love you, James." "I know you do." "All spick and span." "Georgie's been crying a lot lately." "I don't want him disturbing the household." "Put my things in the cottage." "I love you." "47... 45." "She's down there somewhere." "Bugger." "And what's transpired in my absence?" "Miss Olivia's back." "She's moved into the cottage." "Oh, has she, now?" "And Miss Carolyn's about to head home." "Oh." "Olivia in, Carolyn out." "Infinitely preferable." "And Gino?" "He likes my visits." "Excellent." "Gather the staff." "The prime minister dines this Wednesday." "I remember Brian Taylor as a little boy." "Many a cat fell foul of his slingshot." "I feared for my Tiddles." "Only you, Doris." "You wanted to see me?" "Oh." "Glad you could make it." "Sergeant." "What's the trouble?" "No trouble." "I have something for you, Sergeant." "It's easy to get sidetracked by minority opinions." "What's this for?" "It's, uh, expressions of support for Sister Nordmann." "Just the tip of the iceberg." "Word's got out to people you're harassing her." "Wonder how that happened." "Small towns." "Lots of anger at her being turfed out of the school." "Seems I'm in agreement with a lot of folks on that one." "A few malcontents." "More than a few slaps on the back at the pub last night." "I don't need my best nurse's reputation damaged." "There's the town's true feeling." "And more to come." "You Red too?" "Or just stupid enough to let her fool you?" "That's how they work, you know." "They get you bleeding hearts on side." "Just decent people banding together." "Decent?" "That what they call abortionists these days?" "Well... so much for the soft approach." "Clearly you're the bully they say you are." "Suspended for beating a unionist almost to death." "Demoted by being transferred here." "Yeah." "I made a few inquiries." "I'll enjoy seeing you charged." "However many slaps you get at the pub... trust me, there's a hell of a lot more behind her." "Movement at the station." "Uh, it might be best if I see her alone." "Righto." "Sister Adams?" "Sorry." "Sister Nordmann." "I forgot." "Don't tell me they're on at you, too." "Sure you don't want a cuppa?" "It's no fuss." "I'm all right." "Really." "Why has it all come up again now?" "I didn't say nothing." "Good." "They went on at me." "Asked me if I thought you'd done Bert in." "I've run foul of the new local sergeant." "He's out to cause trouble." "What you and Mr. Briggs did for us..." "I'd never say a word to harm you." "How is Colin?" "His teachers reckon he's got the makings of a scholarship boy." "That justifies every choice we made, then." "I told the cops any notion you'd hurt Bert's a load of bullshine." "Thank you." "Said he'd done a bunk, and who knows where." "And that's what I'll be sticking to." "Well, as long as everything's worked out and... and you're both happy now." "Very." "Well, except... shame on the family." "Terrible it was, but you reap what you sow." "I'm sorry, Sister, but you do." "Thank you." "You too." "Strife?" "We're fine." "What's the matter, then?" "It's nothing to do with Bert." "But there's another stop to make." "They did a real job on him." "He was set upon?" "Homo bashed in a laneway." "The sort of place his type do their filth." "Is he expected to recover?" "Yeah." "I'll be making alternative arrangements as soon as possible." "Why?" "Are you family?" "Yes." "It's all right, Harry." "It's Sarah." "Sister Adams." "You're safe now." "I took in a flick last night." " With whom?" " Alone." "I was trying to brush off my funk." "Well, Audrey Hepburn's guaranteed to help." "Better than "Beneath the Twelve-Mile Reef."" "Robert Wagner." "Rather dishy." "I wish you wouldn't." "The feminine tone." "That's another thing I disliked yesterday." "Yes, James." "I apologize." "Thank you." "You sure this is wise?" "Two men together?" "It's a matinee." "It's less obvious." "Besides, I come prepared." "Ah." "More introductions." "Ladies." "James Bligh, Daphne Morris, Grace Styles." " Hi." " Hello." "James was questioning the wisdom of our date at the movies." "Well, I bags Henry." "James, you're all mine." "We're cheering him up before he heads back to the country." "Thanks, ducky." "Yes, it could be the story..." "Daph and I met at school." "Poor Mummy's still filling my hope chest." "Hope-less." "You know how to pick 'em, Henry." "So pretty." "What a shame he don't have tits." "Uh, calm, girls." "You said to cheer him up." "Move your bum, Daph." "Thank you." "Two couples together." "Who's to know how we pair off later?" "Right, girls?" "Abso-bloody-lutely." "The art of survival." "Ah." "The boy's getting it." "You'll meet them on any beach right 'round Australia's 13,000 miles of coastline." "Members of the Australian Surf..." "No one can see." "He must study anatomy." "Not the kind seen in snappy costumes." "This kind." "Sir Richard's introduction was a great help." "Be sure to send him a note of thanks." "It's not a contract." "It's just the terms that they're offering." "How thrilling." "Oh." "Can you believe they knew about my run-in with Mr. Cowan?" "They will be expecting a work of considerable fire, then." "What subject do you propose?" "It's set in the '30s." "There's a woman, a young woman, in love with a young man outside her class." "She falls pregnant and has to give their baby away for fear it will cause repercussions... with his benefactress." "Have you discussed this with your mother and papa?" "It's a really good story." "That's not the issue, Anna." "A roman à clef inevitably risks offending or causing pain." "Stories taken from life, they have a certain air of truth." "And they often do the real-life people a disservice." "I will try to be fair." "Naturally." "To you especially." "Few of us like a mirror held up to our actions." "I'll only write it if you all agree." "Well, I have been examining many of my past actions and attitudes of late, as you're aware." "Perhaps your novel will help me to forgive myself." "Grandmother." "Do not shy away from the truth, darling, but do treat a reformed woman kindly." "They're both great fun." "Ah." "He approves." "Yesterday was different." "You know, I find it interesting that you were more comfortable with that charade than you are with a group of men being themselves." "Well, I'm used to charades." "Lived one my whole life." "Mm." "And about to continue doing so." "I support you in whatever you think best." "What are you doing?" "Holding hands at the pictures has a certain effect." "Ah." "And I only have you till tomorrow." "We wasted all that time with Audrey." "Audrey the peacemaker." "We'd have argued if we'd come straight back." "I'll miss you." "And I you." "I love you." "Never heard that from a man." " Olivia's brother?" " We never used the word." "But it's how you felt?" "It's how I feel." "In time, perhaps." "Perhaps." "Are you sure you're up to this?" "It does feel like a return to prison, but I will adjust." "There's love enough remaining, I hope, to make it tolerable." "And it gives time for proper discussions of Georgie." "And Lloyd?" "Lloyd brought my body to life, and that is what I shall sorely miss." "Oh, thank heavens there is someone I can speak frankly to." "I'll take that as a compliment." "I'll be coming and going and only ever a telephone call away." "You don't think I'm doing wrong in sleeping here?" "Whatever makes it tolerable." "To depart on a brighter note, news of a romantic nature is forthcoming." "How mysterious." "As soon as the city contingent is informed." "No." "If you're thinking what I think you're thinking, yes." "Oh!" "Congratulations!" "But mum's the word until Mum's been told." "A charming tableau." "Watch what you share with her." "I must be going!" "Well, don't let me delay you." "I shall return." "As MacArthur said, and look how that turned out." "George and I are so grateful." "And we will find explanation for any choice of bed." "Your presence is essential for my night of triumph." "You've never been tempted to say it to a man?" "You must know." "Of course." "No." "The prime minister's retinue arrives late afternoon." "George will show him the property, then drinks and an early dinner, allowing time for their return journey." "We're rather being squeezed in." "You'll be contacted through the prime minister's office with the exact schedule." "I feel very honored." "Anything you need." "I suspect a crowd at the gates." "Make sure it's vetted." "We don't want any left-wing outbursts." "There'll be none of that." "Good." "You're becoming quite indispensable." "And our particular Communist?" "Smug as they come." "There'd be fewer behind her if they knew these facts." "That really is between us." "Best kept in reserve until your case is made." "All I need is one good witness or her dropping her guard." "Until then, let's see her gone?" "I would certainly breathe easier." "Consider it done." "You've no cause for fear, ma'am." "You are a great comfort." "Yes." "Mr. Poletti, ma'am." "Give us a moment and then show him in." "Nordmann had him at the school, talking to the kids." "And so with honeyed voice, the evil mind persuades the mob." "What's Italian for "policeman"?" "Carabinieri or polizia." "Saw your name on the list." "You all saved me a lot of trouble." "What does that mean?" "Come on." "I told you... not required." "She's part of it." "Anna wants me to thank you both." "For?" "Rose looking after me." "Well, you had something to do with it, no?" "If Rose took it upon herself..." "Ah." "She said you didn't, but Anna guessed, hmm?" "She wants you both to know she doesn't believe the rumors." "What rumors?" "Oh, there are some real gossipy types around here." "But it doesn't change anything." "We still want Rose to come over for lessons." "People are saying things about us?" "Oh, who cares?" "They're all liars anyway." "Anna said to come for dinner as soon as she's back." "She wants to thank you personally." "No need for you to bother." "Ladies." "Who would say things like that?" "How should I know?" "!" "♪ When you're smilin' ♪" "♪ When you're smilin' ♪" "♪ The whole world smiles with you ♪" "♪ When you're laughin' ♪" "♪ When you're laughin' ♪" "♪ The sun comes shining through ♪" "♪ But when you're cryin' ♪" "♪ You bring on the rain ♪" "♪ So stop that cryin' ♪" "♪ Be happy again ♪" "♪ Keep on smilin' ♪" "♪ 'Cause when you're smilin' ♪" "♪ The whole world smiles with you ♪" "I thought you'd have said by now." "That visit to Sydney." "The hospital." "Was that to see the old girl?" "Elizabeth?" "You thinking of dragging her in on this Regina business?" "I'd prefer not to, but I may." "So it wasn't her, then." "She's out of hospital." "Righto." "None of my beeswax." "How are you going with the clearing?" "You sure you're up to it on your own?" "Why?" "Well, you ever thought about hiring help?" "When you're ready to say who, I'll give 'em a go." "Not that I think it's got anything to do with that hospital visit." "You find Sir Richard's company so distasteful you'd miss my skewering of Regina?" "You can tell me all about it." "Well, he's no favorite of mine either, but I-I don't understand the exact nature of your problem with him." " I've explained many times." " Yeah." "In vague terms." "So you're definitely not coming?" "No." "There's something you're not saying." "Mother." "You are the ebullient bride-to-be on the surface, but your smile fades too easily, especially when he's mentioned." "What has he done?" "Nothing." "Has he behaved inappropriately towards you?" "He made a clumsy pass." "That's all." "Recently?" "I slapped his face." " Hard, I trust." " Yes." "Good." "Well, I might take issue with him when I see him tonight." "No." "Please." "Was it..." "Was it just a pass?" "Yes." "And the slap deterred him?" "Yes." "Carolyn, that doesn't make..." "Mother, please, just..." "let it be!" "If I find he has hurt you in any way... oh, a slap would be the least of his concerns." "What did he do?" "What?" "Oh, darling." "Oh, you should have told me." "Oh, darling." "Oh, you poor girl." "Yes!" "Yes!" "Oh." "Hello." "Hello." "Hello, cheeky monkey." "You're my cheeky monkey, aren't you?" "How are you feeling about him?" "We both love him, and that's the problem." "Yes." "Are you up to tonight?" "Duping the prime minister?" "It almost feels like espionage." "It's good to smile." "Smiles help." "James?" "I hope to make my way back into the house." "If you can." "Let me know when the other rooms are done." "Me, seeing a prime minister." "I can't believe it." "You'll see a lot more in Canberra." "I have some business in town." "I'll pick up those new posters." "That will be all." "And I'll be taking lunch at Anna's." "Anna's home?" "Set two extra places for tonight." "Anna and Gino?" "You can't be serious." "Perfectly." "We are entertaining the prime minister." "An Italian farmer is hardly appropriate." "I'll ignore that." "I'm..." "I'm thinking of him." "He can't but feel out of his depth." "He may surprise you." " George..." " Do it." "Please." "Mrs. Collins." "An exciting day, Mr. Bligh." "Well, Mr. Menzies isn't arriving for a good few hours." "I wish to secure a prime position." "You're expecting crowds?" "The prime minister amongst us?" "Indeed." "Indeed." "We'll see." "No, Mr. Bligh." "He will see that Inverness is behind you one hundred percent." "I trust you're right." "I know I am." " Yep?" " Have you got a moment?" "Ah." "Good." "I've just had another person telephone to tell me Sergeant Taylor questioned them about you." "It seems he's checking in with anyone on your rounds" " the day that Milly died." " He'll keep." "I need your help with something else." "Sure." "It won't make us popular with Ash Park." "How did you come across him?" "That's unimportant." "It's taken till now for him to be up to the journey." "And you want him here?" "Well, the private room's free." "Yeah, which would lower the chance" " of Ash Park getting wind of it." " Yes." "He was beaten to within an inch of his life." "There's no one to care for him in Sydney." "What about his sisters?" "Well, Amy's in service, and Eve rejects him." "He can recover here without any stigma attached to him." "I doubt George will thank you." "Elizabeth certainly won't, nor James." "I'm prepared to deal with all that." "Stuck in hospital, forgotten, head injuries." "It's René, isn't it?" "Perhaps." "Forget about Harry for the minute." "Will this help you?" "You." "Yes." "Damn the torpedoes, then." "Full speed ahead." "Back to work." "You're a man of the land." "I understand." "Thanks." "And sorry again, uh, about tonight." "Not at all." "I wouldn't fit in." "You might surprise yourself." "But I won't insist." "Oh." "I'll carry the Poletti flag for the both of us." "He doesn't give himself enough credit." "Well, put yourself in his shoes." "Dinner with the prime minister?" "That's what Regina said." "At least you're coming." "I might, um, pop over early." "She may need help." "It's nice to see you doing your best with her." "Tonight I will." "Thank you." "Put 'em on." " Huh?" " Ambulance is coming." "She's done it?" "Good riddance, I say." "She's done it." "Keep up the steam inhalations and do what you can to lift her spirits." "Worry can affect the asthma." "Oh, look, she's mostly through that stuff." "But some of the kids have been teasing her." "That wouldn't help." "I'll have a word to Bronwyn." "Thank you." "It's not easy on your own." "I don't know what I would have done the last week without Mr. Briggs." "Bringing us home from hospital and helping with the yard." "Roy?" "Oh, that's what he said to call him, but..." "I-I can't quite bring myself to say it yet." "Roy." "Yeah." "He..." "He's just been a wonder." "Thank you." "I-I must get on." "Been splashing out, have you?" "It belongs to the hospital." "I don't notice anyone else getting their own car." "One of the perquisites of my condition." "Got the doc right where you want him, haven't you?" "Sorry." "Is there a reason for this?" "I had the city blokes check up on Bert Ford's missus." "Interesting." "Yes?" "Says she never trusted you." "Reckoned she wouldn't put anything past you." "I'd add killing an innocent young teacher to that one." "I'm sure you would." "You're on a list." "Come near Ash Park today, you'll be hauled off." "That's good to know." "Thank you so much, Sergeant." "Consider yourself warned." "You haven't got a shred of evidence against me." "I've got a crazy woman with an ax to grind, hell-bent on sabotage." "No crazier than the next person." "Well, none of them got locked up in the loony bin, and I'll bet none of them fought for the Commies in Spain." "So till some better suspect turns up... and I don't see it... you're it." "If you don't mind, I have work to do." "Ah!" "Sergeant Taylor!" "You're no doubt here to see the crowds are not too unruly." "Making sure everything's hunky-dory." "Indeed." "Indeed." "I'm sure the numbers will swell." "I'd like you to move along peacefully." "I beg your pardon." "Pack up your stuff." " I..." " Go on." "Get." "Your name is on a list of troublemakers." "What list?" "Communist sympathizers." "Me!" "A pawn of Moscow!" "It's not a laughing matter!" "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry." "What else did he say?" "Uh, "I've got all your Commie signatures."" "His very words." "I don't understand." "The petition for Sarah." "He's using it against us." "Where's Mrs. Collins?" "Sir?" "Doris Collins was here earlier." "Not when I arrived." "I'm sure she'll be back." "Everything's in hand, sir." "It's not too late to go home and change." "When will you get another chance to meet the prime minister?" "No." "Grandmother's got something delicious planned." "You must be curious." "You can tell me about it later." "Just don't let Regina get away with anything." "I'll soften her up for Grandmother." "Ciao, bella." "Henry!" "Miss Bligh." "Mrs. Bligh." "I see I've caught you at a bad time." "My car has arrived, I'm afraid." "I'll make it quick, then." "Thank you." "I wish to take my lead from you." "Regarding?" "As George's doctor, I visit him periodically." "James and I are, as you have encouraged." "James is ostensibly back with Olivia." "Oh, what a tangled web we weave." "Therefore, should I excuse myself as Mr. Bligh's physician?" "Oh, the very fact that you ask impresses me." "Well, your understanding of James and I makes me keen to do what's right." "For my sake." "And for James'." "Well, George knows nothing of you other than as his physician." "I shall attempt to sound Olivia out." "James, I'm sure, will enjoy your visits, so I look forward to seeing you at Ash Park." "You're returning?" "At half past 6:00 tonight." "Precisely." "That's very specific." "Oh, it's for a very specific reason." "You're looking forward to it, then?" "Oh, you have no idea."