- It's nearly done. - I want the real Rose back.
You put her in harm's way, then you judge her.
Marriage is family. No point if you can't have children.
In the Catholic church,
annulment is possible under certain conditions.
Are you saying this to shock me?
If we went to a tribunal,
it wouldn't just be because I can't have children.
I knew before we were married and I kept it from you.
You lied to me.
Elizabeth Bligh, will you marry me?
Yes.
Yes, I will.
Some months ago I succumbed to blackmail,
the very thing we all fear, and I... caved.
- Who? - Regina Bligh.
Who is the father of the Nordmann child?
The milkman, or the dustman for all we know.
Or George Bligh.
I can't afford to go down for this.
You do not want to go back to your stupid, stupid wife,
do you? Do...
(Gunshot)
I was almost fooled into killing someone.
- Who is it that wants me dead? - Regina Bligh.
Everything points to Regina
killing this young school teacher.
One day she may stand trial,
but I want to deal with the fact that she's...
Well, she's mentally unhinged.
Yeah, no-one needs to know she's gone gaga.
Jack's been most helpful with these referrals.
Riverview Hall is one of the best.
Mrs Bligh! Oh, my gosh, there are people coming to get you.
- Who? - Doctors, I think.
Where is she?
(Horse whinnies)
(She breathes heavily)
(Whispers) There we go.
- (Baby murmurs) - There you are, sweetheart.
- Shh. - (Door opens)
Visitor. Problem.
George thinks it's wise you come to Ash Park.
GEORGE: Rose, Mrs Bligh's horse is missing.
Do you have any idea where she may have gone?
No, sir.
When was the last time you saw her?
- I'm not sure. - You hesitated.
I was as surprised as anyone when she wasn't in her room.
What do you know, girl? She is choosing her words.
Did you alert Mrs Bligh to what was afoot?
What she says about you's right.
Enough!
It might be best if you retire.
- Jack, can you stay? - If you think she is...
Mother, there are more important matters than your sensibilities.
And this might go better without strangers.
Certainly.
I'm here to help Mrs Bligh, not harm her.
He's right.
And no interruptions, unless it's to say that Sarah's here.
I'll check Regina's room.
There might be something there that'll help.
Rose, you're doing yourself no favours.
Just calm down and we can talk.
SARAH: I appreciate your coming over, Carolyn.
I'm not trying to be stubborn. It's just unnecessary.
She's very possibly dangerous.
Well, we're perfectly capable of defending ourselves.
She'll have Buckley's against this.
(Panting)
She may be desperate, far from rational.
That's right. You can't be committed if you can't be found.
I imagine she's well gone.
All right.
(Panting)
The absolute cheek of the girl!
- Shall we, er... - Honestly, is she stupid?
Lizzie. You used the girl for your own ends.
- It's unfair to judge her now. - Oh, so we embrace a viper?
At least give her the chance to make amends.
Douglas, your platitudes are really not at all helpful.
Morphine.
Empty, but as Henry said.
My tone was unfortunate.
- A hint of your former self? - Under trying circumstances.
This was in Mrs Bligh's room.
- You've seen others, yes? - That's her tonic.
It's called morphine.
She's addicted to it.
We have to find her, for her own good.
If she's run out of this, she may be suffering right now.
It's to help her sleep.
Rose, she has done dreadful things.
It's to calm her conscience.
You have to trust us.
What about me? You trust me?
You're always nice.
- Who do you trust, then? - Gino.
I'll get him here.
Poletti farm. Make it quick.
I don't want to talk to anyone.
At least listen to him.
The old musket'll be ready if she's needed.
Well, don't go popping off at shadows.
(Chuckles) Probably not a good night
for Doris to turn up unannounced, eh?
SARAH: I think we might need some more wood for the stove.
ROY: I'll bring some in.
Shh!
- Shh, shh, shh. - (Baby murmurs)
Everything they've said's true. She's crazy.
- No. - She's pazza.
- You would have told me. - I couldn't.
Why not?
I'm coming over. But, please, whatever you know...
I thought you were my friend.
I am, Rose, I am. But please, tell them everything you know.
I'm on my way.
I'm only saying cos he said to.
- Any sign of Sarah? - No.
Regina was away most of the afternoon.
Rose isn't sure why.
She returned just in time to see what was happening
and shot through. She wasn't happy.
So Sarah could be in danger.
Regina may have just run away, but who knows.
If she's run out of the opiate,
she's likely to be very agitated by now.
(Crickets chirping)
ANNA: I'll come. GINO: No.
Gino.
I don't want you there!
(Door opens and slams shut)
It'll be OK.
No, it won't be.
It can't be.
Gino's on his way.
He lied too.
You all lied.
I hate all of you.
Ha! Long time since I've done this.
Everything seems to be in hand,
as the actress said to the bishop.
- (Laughs) Cocoa? - Now you're talking.
Can you watch the milk for me?
I'm just going to check on his nibs.
You stay right there.
You, by the stove.
And we'll stay here.
That way your bastard might stay safe.
- Give him... - I said stay!
Don't think I won't hurt him.
Give me the excuse.
No!
You thought you'd won.
You spat out your spawn
and wrapped it around George like a chain!
You drove him to betray me,
so you could have him for yourself.
- (Baby cries) - You'll never have him.
You do what you want to me. Just don't hurt the child.
Oh, poor Mummy.
Oh, Mummy's upset.
Did you think you'd get away with it?
Don't test me.
Take the rifle.
Roy will leave with the child
and then it'll just be you and me.
Perhaps I want you to see him die.
It's me you want gone.
(Baby cries)
You hurt him and I'll be across this room and snap your neck
with my bare hands.
This is between us.
Give him the child!
(Baby grizzles)
Ssh, ssh.
You sit. Keep an eye on him.
(Car approaches)
One small thought to take to the grave.
It struck me on my way over what a favour George has done me.
Seeing me committed supplies my defence.
Not guilty by reason of insanity.
Don't die thinking me undone.
I'll see my way through this.
This... gives me such pleasure.
Regina!
- (Gunshot) - (Regina screams)
Let go of me! Let go of me!
Leave her! George.
- Put the gun down. - She's mine.
- She belongs to the law. - No.
(Gunshot)
I mean it.
Let her go.
- Missy! - Is David safe?
- He is. - Good, then stay out of this.
GEORGE: She wins if you pull that trigger.
We have no future if you do this.
David will lose his mother.
I will lose you.
ROY: Missy! That boy needs his mum.
Shoot me, you gutless whore!
Do it!
Think how good it will feel.
GEORGE: Sarah! This is what she wants.
Argh! (Groans)
(Regina continues groaning)
He's in the truck.
(George exhales)
I'm here. It's all right. Come here, darling.
Mummy's here. You're all right.
I've got you.
It's all right, sweetheart. I've got...
It's all right.
Mummy's here. It's OK.
This assures no-one believes her ravings as we move forward.
It gives her the perfect plea.
No! No! No! No!
You'll pay! All of you!
- Bitch! - It's all right, Mrs Bligh.
- We're not here to hurt you. - Bitch!
Bitch!
Barkin'.
There must be a way to see her charged without committal.
As I said, secure and disarmed while they make a full case.
We'll sedate her until she settles.
- Thank you, Doctor. - I'll keep you informed.
- She will be lashing out. - They frequently do.
- You all right? - Yes.
I'll pour us a jar.
- It's over. - For now.
- If anything had happened... - It didn't.
(Regina rants)
Here, sir. She's that upset.
Rose. I've been looking all over for you.
(Tearfully) She's been so kind to me.
I didn't want this to happen.
- She's not crazy. - She is.
No.
The sins she's committed,
and they needed you to help Mr Bligh see.
That's all.
You should have asked me.
Trusted me.
Why didn't you?
- Rose... - No.
Rose! Where are you going?
- I'm just going. - Rose, I'm sorry.
- (Door opens) - Gino?
(Door closes)
I thought you might need me.
How is he?
He was dashing around looking for her when I left,
and inveighing against the family.
- Don't do anything foolish. - It's over.
- Anna! - No, no, it is.
He won't forgive me.
There's Rose.
I'm barren. And I kept it from him.
- Darling! - And there's more to come.
What do you mean?
I deliberately encouraged him to hire Harry.
When he finds out that Harry's like James...
It's another lie he has every right to hate me for.
Probably the straw that breaks the camel's back.
And I want to go.
- Darling... - No, I do.
I do. If I stay, we'll become
one of those couples that everyone pities.
"Poor Anna and Gino. They used to be so happy."
I'm giving him back his future, and I'm accepting my own.
But you love him.
That's why I've never felt so sure.
I do feel that there are others more worthy of your concern.
Do it because you want to, not for me.
Oh, Gino, there'll be no "want" about it.
She's nothing more than a sly minx. However,
I will pander to your request
by dismissing her with a reference.
But, after warning Regina, she is lucky to get that.
Forget it. You'll do more harm than good.
Easy, son.
Write the reference.
Stick it in the hallway. We'll grab it on the way out.
- But you... - I'm taking her home.
- And Anna? - I don't care what Anna thinks.
- I do not appreciate your tone. - That's too bad.
His recent disappointments forgive just so much.
It wouldn't kill you to offer the girl some comfort.
Oh, please!
It might kill you if you don't calm down.
I will not be patronised, Douglas.
We'll talk tomorrow.
Douglas, I expect your support.
I won't be your lapdog.
I'll send in Jack.
(Exhales sharply)
- James and Olivia? - I called.
- They know to take care. - Good.
Pen and paper.
No, no, no, no. (Clears throat) I'm all right.
Was that a glimpse of your wartime self tonight?
No, she'd be dead if it was.
I should have gone higher than Taylor straightaway.
Well, they wouldn't have believed you.
And I understand.
If you'd come to me, I... I may have let you down as well.
I'm sorry.
Oh, no, there's no apology needed.
She was frighteningly plausible.
I intend to see the Commissioner tomorrow.
Provide a statement.
Everyone will have to, in the long run,
about everything that's transpired,
starting with Milly Davis.
With any luck, I'll have something for you
to set the seal.
Drop by tomorrow morning.
You can meet the man Regina encouraged to kill me.
No-one will believe her now she's committed.
- When it comes to court... - She will try and ruin us.
I was tasked with your education
and I'm the one that's learnt the lesson.
What a house of straw we deviants live in.
Don't.
I always presumed myself safe.
We just have to see you both buffered when the time comes.
- The morphine. - It's her word against yours.
- Your family won't forgive it. - I won't give them a choice.
You're clearly not the only victim.
The main concern is any sexual allegations.
So, until the trial, we will play our roles to perfection.
- It could take months. - You're prepared to stay?
We will present a face to the world
even the most ill-inclined can't doubt.
Our love,
your love,
our friendship, they'll see us through.
I'll leave you two to say good night.
She hurt you in using you.
Don't add to it through blame.
I will have to stay here tonight.
And, if you feel comfortable...
...I'd really like to be held while I fall asleep.
Excuse me.
(Door opens and closes)
You don't mind?
(Sniffles) After that?
You know, whatever precautions we take,
it's still no guarantee.
We'll survive it.
Whatever happens.
I thought I was going to lose everything, that we would.
We have each other.
Still?
Always.
(Engine off)
You're absolutely sure?
Better to go before bitterness festers into worse.
It's all in the note.
Drive carefully.
Can you please tell everyone that I'm...
I'm really sorry.
I know they wanted us to survive.
All we want is for you to be happy.
I wish I could take your pain.
Just knowing that you're there.
- Before he comes... - Go.
Let me know you've arrived safely.
Mm-hm.
(Engine starts)
(Door opens)
- Henry understands? - He does.
What do you get out of this?
Purpose.
- Gino, wait! - Not now.
- We need to talk. - What?
- Anna's gone. - Gone where?
She's on her way to the city.
I'm sorry to break it to you so harshly.
There's a note waiting at home.
- I can't go there now. - You're coming.
If that's what she wants.
- You don't mean that. - I don't care.
Gino!
- Gino, please. - No.
(Engine starts)
What's happened?
Anna's gone.
When George returns...
There's nothing that can't wait till morning.
- He may wish to do some... - Your doctor's talking.
Well, Anna and Gino will be first in my prayers.
Mine too.
Ring if you feel at all unwell.
I will.
That's what the bell's for. Don't hesitate.
Talk to Douglas. Anna and Gino are sorrow enough.
Seeing the man you love recoil from you is challenging.
May the morning bring happier things for us all.
(Door closes)
(He sighs)
I did try to stop Anna.
You couldn't tie her down.
You know, Gino never once comforted her.
Never once said a kind word
about her not being able to have children.
She shouldn't have to blame herself for everything.
I don't blame you. I was being stupid before.
Only two people can muck up a marriage.
And we're us, not them.
Us forever.
(Owl hoots)
(Leaves rustling)
SARAH: Come in.
For what I nearly did.
Oh, they're lovely, but unnecessary.
If I'd pulled the trigger that day
and learned what's what, I'd have shot myself.
You didn't.
There's not a lot that could forgive me.
I understand what grief does.
I've been in that place.
I have something for you, too.
These are compositions written by Milly's students,
expressing their loss.
She was greatly loved.
(Vehicle pulls up outside)
(Exhales) Sorry.
If there was any good in her luring you back,
it was so you could have these.
(Sniffles)
(Knocking on door)
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Um... George Bligh, this is Gordon Walsh,
the late Milly Davis's fiancé.
Well, this man's testimony will certainly support the case.
He's brave, I'll give him that,
prepared to reveal all to the police.
He craves justice, I'm sure.
- Good luck. - I'll report in.
- Do you still want this? - I will take it.
It might help explain to the Commissioner
the catalyst for the events of last night.
Would you like me to see Anna whilst I'm in the city?
Perhaps give her time. She's with Olivia today.
Jack's seeing Gino.
Let me know if there's anything I can do.
I will.
I bear a portion of the blame, for Anna.
Rose is simply the tip of the iceberg.
She's what brought it to a head.
Do you see no hope?
Anna doesn't, more to the point. A sad old tale.
What would have happened to Romeo and Juliet
if they hadn't died?
Or met late in life.
I've my own breach to heal.
Excuse me.
(Birdsong)
A personal favourite.
It or me?
Thank you.
Your quip gives me hope.
I did warn you that I could be other than as you know me.
But I thought that incarnation had vanished.
Crisis loosed her from her lair.
She's Elizabeth Bligh of Ash Park.
I prefer Lizzie.
(Chuckles) So do I, actually.
Would you trust me to drive a stake through the monster?
Yes.
(Chuckles) I do.
Although I'm disturbed by your metaphor from Mr Bram Stoker.
(Laughs) There she is, the Lizzie I love.
Let's get away.
Avoid Ash Park, except for the big occasions.
Trust me, will you?
Yes.
We'll trust each other.
For a favourite.
My favourite.
You're going off half-cocked, mate.
Mum and Dad said I could sell the farm if I wanted.
I'll find a place that's better for vines.
You won't have George's backing somewhere else.
I don't want anything from them.
Not any more.
- They did what they had to. - So am I.
Rose seems fine. Don't go blaming...
I want children. Anna can't have them.
And she wants a life I can't give her.
Rose isn't the problem.
You fought so hard to be together.
We were young. We thought we knew better.
We were blind. It's all in Anna's letter.
"Better we separate before we hate each other."
Oh, she's confused too.
The way I feel, we left it too late.
If you could both just maybe talk to Father Joe.
- I'd like you to go. - Come on, Gino.
You're the best of the lot, Jack, but please,
just go and don't come back.
- Goodbye. - No.
Come on, you can't... you can't...
I can. All the best for the future.
- Keep an eye on him. - I will.
(Car door opens and closes)
(Engine starts)
I'm agog at the sign I just saw.
You'll be more than that if you go up there.
- Go about your business. - Doctor!
As much as you love a gossip, you know when it's no help.
- You're upset. - I'm ruddy heartbroken.
Well, in that case,
I shall continue foraging for blackberries,
and woe betide anyone who broaches the matter with me,
whatever that matter might be.
You're a good stick, Doris.
Ah, yes.
Do you remember the day at the waterhole,
just after I'd arrived?
You held my hand and we jumped in.
(They laugh)
We were so happy.
Innocent.
If only we'd known.
It was the day I first truly felt us friends.
But you're leaving soon.
There's no reason to dash off.
- Your own life? - Can find me wherever I am.
The sad thing is, Livvy, I...
I still love him.
And I James.
But...
But it seems they're better off without us.
I see Gino with children, a wife and a vineyard.
It makes me happy, but it... breaks my heart.
Anna, I see you as a successful writer.
We can find ourselves together.
DAPHNE: Men are such brutes, poor darlings.
TOM: They're sports, the way they've joined us.
If either decides to forego men, the girls will swarm.
You're like that old recruitment poster.
"The dykes need you."
Put that one down in the history books.
- What? - Your first camp quip.
- My training is complete. - Is not. I've made them before.
- Not around me. - You should be on James's side.
Well, he hasn't.
Look at you two. Smitten.
We need to get Harry to town.
You should. What's in Inverness?
You. Sarah.
Friends are friends, wherever you are.
And I'm here.
I'm sure we could find you a job.
- Why would you? - Who wants to explain?
Well, it's like today, bringing us here to cheer us up.
Our kind has two families, Harry.
The one we're born with...
...and the one we collect along the way.
It supports us against a hostile world.
Welcome to the family.
Ain't love grand.
You're right, we will.
Survive.
(Squawking)
(Whimpers)
(Screams)
You look like an advertisement.
- For? - A fella stopping running.
Dawn'll be pleased.
(Chuckles) I'm just thinking at this point.
(Laughs)
God's in his Heaven and all's right with the world.
- What was that? - It's just a quote.
Robert Browning.
"God's in his heaven and all's right with the world."
(Chatter)
(Laughter)
I might start.
(Bell tinkles)
ELIZABETH: Oh, here we go.
Well, this is a speech, I must say,
I never expected to make - until very recently.
- Ha-ha. - Nor I to hear.
(Chuckles) However, I am truly delighted...
Exactly, George. Delighted. Thrilled.
And, in my case, vindicated.
(Laughs) Elizabeth never would accept
any of my predictions of wedlock.
But I will accept a little bit of shush, dear.
But I thought perhaps Miss Nordmann...
Oh, no, I do know, you introduced them.
A day's work well done.
I accept your mildest of rebukes, dear.
Continue, George. You were saying,
a speech you never expected to make.
Thank you, Prudence.
The youngest amongst us
will have to take me on faith when I say
that you reach an age where you assume a parent
will embrace a settled life.
For Mother, I saw predictable years.
Well, she's certainly confounded those expectations.
The way you describe them, thank goodness.
And there's Ash Park.
Always here, always your home, should you desire it.
Douglas, welcome to the family.
We are the richer for it.
I give you the groom.
- Douglas. - Douglas.
Thank you, George. I'm a very lucky man.
And now to you, Mother.
Did you seriously think you could sneak away and, I quote,
"avoid all the fuss"?
(Laughs)
GEORGE: There can be no fuss too great.
Why don't you do the toast?
May well make it worse, but here I go.
To the wonderful,
formidable, unique and reborn Elizabeth Bligh.
Mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother,
mother-in-law... and friend.
And, most importantly now, Mrs Douglas Goddard.
Oh, correction.
Mrs Lizzie Goddard.
She's much too unique to just be known under my name.
You're blushing, Grandma.
I am glowing, if I am anything.
- To Mother. - To Mother.
- Elizabeth. - Lizzie.
- I don't mean to be rude. - We all understand.
You coping?
It's hard, knowing that he's over there about to leave.
I had hoped he'd soften enough to at least say goodbye.
So had I.
Why don't you take the lead?
If a farewell is important.
Go over there?
Be prepared to feel worse, but it may help.
(Sighs) I don't know.
If you decide, just slip out. I'll make your excuses.
No, you're right.
It's worth the risk.
Come on.
- You want me? - Please. You and Mama.
I hope Anna's doing the right thing.
We're here for her if she's not.
Certainly brings a finality to it.
- I'm glad our day's delayed. - Indefinitely.
Perhaps now is time to mention it.
What?
I've decided my future.
Henry's showed the way.
And what is it? He never said.
It's mine to tell.
I swore him to silence.
You will be astounded.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Mrs Collins has arrived with a wedding present.
She didn't want to leave without my telling you.
I knew something was missing from the day.
Behave yourself, George. Send her in.
Isn't she that alarming woman who's always saying "indeed"?
Once met, never forgotten.
She's a kind, dear soul in a sometimes irritating package.
That's my Lizzie.
Oh, Mrs Bligh!
Oh, pardon, Mrs Goddard.
Do you know, I have not ventured from town
since stumbling across poor Sergeant Taylor.
Dreadful.
Even months later, I feel quite unsafe.
But I said to myself, "Doris Collins,
friendship before fear,"
so it was on my bike and here I am.
And I am... Oh! ...struck dumb
with the honour of being invited in.
Indeed I am.
A happy day for all.
Gino! (She knocks)
No truck.
- Perhaps... - He'd be here, if he was here.
Gino!
Gino?
(Door handle rattles)
Gino!
(Sobs)
It's happened.
(Wails)
I trust the tea's to your liking?
As only you can make it.
Anything for you, my darling.
I do love you, you know.
I forgive you.
She made you do it.
She'll suffer.
That whore and her brat. That whore and her brat!
What was the point of the camps?
(Sighs)
Tell her the deal is nothing about George and me,
but all the dirt on the family.
And for that, we'll get her off as lightly as possible.
Sit down.
Well, she's not up to it yet. She's still gaga.
Well, when she is.
What's the best we can pull off for her?
Without a formal confession, any case for killing the teacher
is circumstantial.
And the cop, Taylor, he crossed union radicals.
They could have tracked him down, shot him.
The only statement linking Regina and him
is from the Air Force chap and is nothing too concrete.
But let's say they do pull a case together,
which they well may not,
we'll just say she was driven to drugs and despair
at her husband's infidelity and they impaired her judgment.
She wasn't responsible for her actions.
Not too much mud on George. He still has his uses.
Well, he'd be sullied, but viable.
Good.
May I ask you why you're backing her?
For a dish I tried to deliver hot.
But they do say it's best served cold.
(Birdsong)
(Sighs)
- No sign of Anna? - Not yet.
Are you feeling all right with all the excitement?
I am. I'm just taking a moment to count my blessings.
- I'll leave you to it, then. - No, Sarah, stay.
You're very much one of them.
You wouldn't have said so once.
Which makes it all the more precious now.
Yes, it does.
What vistas ahead.
ELIZABETH: A whole new generation.
SARAH: May we stand as firm as the old.
You will.
- It almost calls for a toast. - It does.
I know you're dying to say it. Go on.
You're as bad as George.
Why don't you?
- Have we come that far? - I think we have.
Then...
...I'chaim, my dear friend.
To life.
(Exhales)
Ripped & Corrected By mstoll February 2017
Ripped & Corrected By mstoll Released on www.Addic7ed.com