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    Written by: Peter Pinne   Produced by: John Holmes   Directed by: Peter Andrikidis

Wayne and Beryl are sitting in the lounge room at Toorak, looking at various business-related papers. Wayne asks Beryl if she can make sense of it, but Beryl says, "Not really." Wayne suggests that they leave it for the day. Beryl thanks him for being so patient. Wayne hands her a cup of tea, and she glumly remarks that he must have thought her a real dunce. Wayne assures her that she's making a very good start. Beryl says she supposes she'll get the hang of it in time. She then wonders aloud what Wayne's business associates will say when they find out about her, as it's not usual for a housewife to become the director of a company this size. Wayne tells her that they're looking forward to meeting her. He then asks her what she's doing tonight, as he has a convention to go to, and he'd like her to come along. Beryl says she doesn't think so, but Wayne points out that it would be a good chance to meet the people she'll be dealing with. Beryl uncertainly says she doesn't think she's ready to face them yet, but Wayne tells her that of course she is - she'll have a good time and it'll be the best way to meet people. Beryl says she supposes it'll be a be good opportunity... Wayne adds that the offer of a loan still stands in case she wants to buy a new outfit. Beryl declines again, though, adding that she still has her credit card! Wayne asks her what she says. Beryl replies that, if she's going to be a businesswoman, she might as well get started!

Stephen and Fiona are sitting on the verandah outside the riding school when Charlie arrives back from a shopping trip. She asks if Patricia is about, but Stephen tells her that she's gone back to Sydney. Looking surprised, Charlie asks why. Stephen replies that it was the job Fiona offered him - Patricia wasn't too impressed. Charlie says she didn't think she would be. She asks Stephen if he's taken it, but Stephen says he hasn't. Fiona chips in that it's a pity. Stephen tells her that he's afraid his personal life comes first. He then continues that he's going to pack and head off as soon as he can, and he gets up and walks off. Charlie remarks to Fiona that it's strange Patricia rushing off over the job offer. She asks if she flew home, but Fiona says she didn't - she got a lift with Matt Kennedy. Looking intrigued, Charlie says, "Did she, now...?" She suddenly turns and runs after Stephen and asks him what really happened between him and Patricia. Stephen tells her that he doesn't want to go into details, adding that it's personal. Charlie tells him that, if he's thinking of rushing off after her, he's doing the wrong thing; he should leave it for the day. Stephen tells Charlie that it's nothing to do with her. Charlie indignantly replies that she does have some sense - she's been a friend of Patricia's for years, and she probably knows her moods better than anyone - even him. She continues that there's no point trying to get through to her when she's angry - it'll only make matters worse. Looking thoughtful, Stephen admits that maybe she's right. Charlie tells him that she knows she is. Stephen continues that Patricia's right, too - he let her down badly; he wants to make it up to her. Charlie tells him that things will be a lot clearer tomorrow, when they've both had time to think. Stephen says he agrees. He then adds that he'll still drive down today, but he'll stay with Gordon and Barbara tonight. Charlie tells him that she'll come with him. Stephen starts to say, "Thanks all the same...," but Charlie tells him that she doesn't want an argument - the last thing he needs is a five-hour hour trip on his own - he'll only start brooding. Stephen reluctantly tells her that he'll see her by the car in five minutes.

Matt is driving along with Patricia in the passenger seat. She's ranting that Stephen hasn't told her the truth since the day they met: first his money - he gave her the impression that he was worth a fortune when he only had a couple of dollars; his mother's money; he was working for her - and to make matters worse, the old battleaxe insisted that they produce a grandson or they'd be cut out of the will - which they were; and then she discovers that he already has a son - and has for twenty years; if he'd brought him out a month ago, Dee would have had what she wanted, and none of this ridiculous will business would have happened; but Stephen expected her to sit back and calmly accept all this - and she can't. She suddenly stops and apologises to Matt for not stopping since they left Woombai. Matt says that if it's helping her get it out of her system... Patricia tells him to say when he's had enough. Matt smiles and says, "No way," adding that he makes a living out of listening to people - and at his rates, he'll make a fortune!

The 'phone rings at Woombai and Fiona answers it. Barbara comes on and says to Fiona that she wondered if she was still talking to her after the argument about Terry. Fiona assures her that it's alright, and Barbara asks if they can be friends again. Fiona says that, as far as she was concerned, they always were. Feeling relieved, Barbara asks how things are at Woombai. Fiona smiles and tells her that Patricia and Stephen had a fight - and Patricia left him. Looking surprised, Barbara asks Fiona what she did. Fiona assures her that she's innocent - she just offered Stephen a job! Barbara laughs, "Yes?!" Fiona insists that that's the truth - Patricia brought the split on herself. She then adds that Stephen hasn't said as much, but she thinks it has a lot to do with Matt Kennedy. Barbara asks her what she means, and Fiona explains that he's been up there on his holidays, and he and Patricia have been spending a lot of time together... Barbara says, "Well, well, well..." She then adds that it's taken long enough, but maybe the honeymoon is finally over. Fiona tells her that she'll find out for herself in a few hours, as Stephen is on his way down and wants to stay over. Barbara asks where Patricia is, and Fiona replies that she left with Matt. Barbara smiles as she says she'll have to put on the 'big sister' act; she'll get the scotch out! Fiona thanks her for calling and adds that she's sorry the news wasn't better. Barbara listens to this and then laughs that she bets Fiona's smile is as big as hers! The two women hang up. At Dural, Gordon comes over to Barbara and asks who that was. Barbara tells him that it was Fiona: Stephen and Patricia have had a big blow up - it looks like trouble in paradise at last...

At the Palmers', Beryl shows Lynn, Doug and David the new dress she's bought and asks what they think. Lynn says it's beautiful, but Doug and David just say grudgingly that it's alright; David sourly remarks that it must have cost an arm and a leg. Beryl points out that she can afford it. She then continues that she bought it for tonight: Wayne asked her to a business convention. David says he thought they were having a family meal tonight, and he asks if the convention is really that important. Beryl curtly tells him that she wouldn't have bought a new dress if she didn't think so. Doug remarks that Rosie will be disappointed about the meal. Sticking up for Beryl, Lynn tells her to go and enjoy herself, adding that it will be good for her. Beryl replies that that's what she thought - and she has an obligation now that she's part of the company. David tells her that she has an obligation to her family, as well. Beryl snaps that she knows that, but she can't be in two places at once. She heads off to her bedroom to get ready. Lynn goes into the kitchen. Doug says to David that he hopes Wayne has been and gone by the time Rosie gets back from next door - he's not too popular with her since she found out what he did to Jill and Fiona, and that business with Beth and Terry. David tells his father that they'll keep Rosie busy in the kitchen.

At Toorak, Wayne is dressed up to go out, and he tells Amanda not to wait up for him. Amanda snaps that she won't. She then adds that he could have invited her, but Wayne says not tonight; he's just going to win Beryl over one step further - and by tomorrow he'll have her eating out of his hand. Amanda asks why. Wayne tells him that Beryl will give him Power of Attorney. Amanda asks him how he'll manage that. Wayne replies that it's simple: he's got three contracts for her to sign - all legitimate; she'll read them, and when she's happy that she understands what's in them, he'll get her to sign them and the copies - only one of them won't be a copy; he'll slip in a Power of Attorney form without her realising; she'll sign it and be none the wiser. He smiles nastily, but Amanda looks worried.

In the lounge room at the Palmers', Rosie tells Doug that Vic and Muriel are so excited about Lynn and Kevin getting back together again! Beryl comes in and asks Rosie if she could lend a hand with the meal tonight, as she has to go out. Rosie's face drops, and she asks where. Beryl explains about the business convention, and adds that it can't be helped. She walks off again, leaving a disappointed Rosie to comment to David that she thought they were having a family dinner. David tells her, "You and the rest of us." There's suddenly a knock at the front door and Rosie goes to get it. Doug quickly rushes up from his chair and suggests that she go and get on in the kitchen. Rosie tells him that getting the door won't take long. She goes to answer it and finds Wayne standing there. Wayne looks just as shocked to see her, and he tenderly says "Rosie..." Rosie bluntly asks him what he's doing there. Wayne explains that he came to pick up Beryl. Looking upset, Rosie rushes off. Beryl comes to the door and asks Doug what's wrong with her. Doug says he'll tell her later. Wayne stands in the doorway, looking disappointed.

Matt and Patricia arrive back at the Morrell apartment in Sydney, and Matt asks Patricia what she's doing about a meal. Patricia says she's not hungry. Matt continues that he saw a Chinese down the road, but Patricia insists that she'd prefer to be on her own. Matt tells her that he doesn't think so - it's the worst thing she could be in her current state of mind. Changing the subject, he then tells her that he thinks he owes her an apology: the last time he was there at the apartment, they had a big row about Angela - he thought Patricia was a very tough lady, but he was wrong - she might appear that way on the outside, but underneath, she appears to have a lot of love to give; he's sorry he misjudged her...

In the hallway at Dural, Stephen asks Barbara if she minds if he stays the night. Barbara assures him that it's fine, and adds that she's made up his bed! She asks what happened between him and Patricia, but Stephen says he doesn't want to talk about it. Barbara asks him if she's been carrying on. Stephen asks if that's what Fiona said, but Barbara tells him that it was a wild guess. Stephen replies that it's something like that. He then adds that it was his own fault - he brought it on himself and it's up to him to sort it out. Barbara asks him what he's going to do. Stephen tells her that he'll start again - he'll take the job in Sydney and try and win Patricia back. Barbara suggests to him that he freshen up and then have a drink. Stephen says he needs one - he spent the last five hours trapped in the car with Charlie! Barbara goes into the lounge room, where Gordon is just coming off the 'phone. She tells him that Stephen didn't say much, but Fiona's information is wrong - he's still very much in love with Patricia. She coldly adds, "Pity."

Patricia comments to Matt that wine doesn't go very well with Chinese food! She then thanks him for the company. Matt finishes his glass of wine and says he'd better be getting home. Patricia asks if that means she doesn't have to put up with him chasing her around the bedroom! Matt says, "Not tonight!" He asks if that's why she doesn't want him to stay. He then adds that they had fun at Woombai, but he knows when he's beaten - she talked of nothing but Stephen all day; she obviously loves him very much. Patricia retorts, "Unfortunately." Matt points out that not all relationships are cut-and-dried. Patricia says she doesn't think it's going to work, but Matt says it won't if she doesn't give it a chance. Patricia hugs him and thanks him for not making the night awkward. Matt tells her that it's professional ethics; another night, she'd better watch out! He goes. Patricia stands by the front door, looking worried.

The next morning, the doorbell rings and Patricia opens the door to find Charlie standing there. She tells Patricia that she would have called when she got back last night, but she thought it best not to disturb her...! Patricia retorts that Matt isn't there! Charlie continues that she came to tell Patricia that Stephen is back and he wants to patch things up - and he's not taking the job that Fiona offered him. Patricia sarcastically says, "Whoopee." Charlie tells her that he's coming over this morning. Patricia bluntly says she thinks she'll have to go out. The 'phone suddenly starts ringing and Patricia answers it. It's Andy, and he asks for Stephen. Patricia tells him that he's not there - he's at his sister's. Andy asks for the number, and Patricia impatiently asks him why he can't look it up in the 'phonebook. Andy explains that he doesn't know her name. Patricia tells him that the number is 438 5000. Andy thanks her and they both hang up. Charlie asks Patricia who it was, and Patricia replies that it was somebody for Stephen - it sounded like a kid... She suddenly realises who it was, and Charlie asks who. Patricia tells her that, actually, she didn't argue with Stephen about the job at Woombai - it was because she just discovered that he's got a twenty-year-old son - and she's sure that's who she was talking to...

Andy is standing staring across a river when he suddenly hears a car horn toot. He looks around and sees Stephen approaching him. He tells Stephen that he's sorry to bother him, but he wondered how he went telling his wife that she had a stepson. Stephen replies that she walked out on him. Andy looks shocked and says, "Serious?" Stephen replies that he's afraid so. Andy says he didn't think she'd do something like that, and Stephen admits that he didn't, either. Andy asks if there's anything he can do, but Stephen tells him just to keep a low profile, as he has to handle things very carefully; even calling him at Barbara's was very risky, as she doesn't know about him. Andy muses that it would probably make things worse if Barbara knew who his mum was. Stephen agrees, and he adds that he has enough problems without adding to them.

In the lounge room at Toorak, Amanda asks Wayne if he's still brooding about seeing Rosie last night. Wayne glumly replies that he'll never forget the look on her face when she saw him - she was so hurt... disappointed... Amanda remarks that she doesn't know why he's so down in the dumps. Wayne tells her that Rosie cares about him - well, she did until Fiona opened her big mouth about a few things. He adds that, if Rosie ever finds out about him tricking Beryl to hand over the Power of Attorney... Amanda tells him not to go ahead with it, then - if Rosie's so important, why not call her and make up? Wayne replies that it's too late - nothing he can say will change the way she feels about him. He adds that, seeing as he's got such a bad name, he might as well live up to it...

At the Palmers', Rosie asks Beryl if she's home for lunch. Beryl replies that she might be, but they shouldn't wait for her. Doug asks her what she's doing this morning, and Beryl replies that she's going to sign some papers - specimen signatures for cheque accounts, that sort of thing; Wayne wants to get it set up as soon as possible. Rosie snaps, "He would." Beryl tells Rosie that Wayne was very good to her last night - and he's very upset about the way things are between him and her. Rosie snaps that that's his problem. Beryl decides that she'd better be making tracks. Rosie asks her if she can find out if Wayne will be home this afternoon, as she wants to talk to him, but she doesn't want him to know she's coming. She adds that she's been making excuses for that boy for years; she thought that when he got away from Patricia he would have turned over a new leaf, but look what he's done - he changed his name to get money that's not even his. Beryl tells Rosie that he really does want to change, and she asks her to give him another chance. Rosie, though, says she's always done that; this time, she wants to tell him what she really thinks of him.

Stephen is at the Morrell apartment and Patricia asks him if he's come to throw her out. Stephen tells her that he hasn't - he came to talk about them getting back together again; but if that's not what she wants, he'll continue to support her... He adds that she can stay on there at the apartment. He then tells her that he turned down the job at Woombai. Patricia replies that Charlie told her. Stephen tells Patricia that he loves her, and he asks what he has to do to convince her. Patricia tells him to use his son to get the money that's rightfully theirs: he's Dee's grandson - he's got a legal right. Stephen asks if she means he should get Andy to contest the will. Patricia says, "Exactly." Stephen retorts that he's not going to involve Andy in a public slanging match - and even if he did, he'd probably refuse. Patricia asks why. Stephen explains that he doesn't care about money. Patricia replies that that's a pity - because Stephen's going to have to make him change his mind - and until he does, she's really not interested in being his wife...

In the lounge room at Toorak, Wayne tells Beryl that he needs six signatures: there are three contracts and she has to sign copies as well. He adds that Amanda will witness them. Beryl apologises for taking so long to read everything, but Wayne assures her that there's no rush. Beryl says they all look alright, and Wayne points out where she needs to sign. He goes through the papers and then 'realises' that one of the copies is missing. He goes over to the desk and picks up the Power of Attorney form. Amanda looks at him and Wayne smiles at her. He then slips the Power of Attorney form underneath the contract papers and gives the whole lot to Beryl to sign. As she does this, he adds that Amanda can start witnessing them. Amanda looks worried. Beryl works her way through the papers and then says there's one go to. Without even looking at the heading on the bottom sheet of paper, she signs it and then hands Wayne the pen. She asks if there's anything else she needs to do. Wayne tells her that there isn't; that's it. He smiles as he tells her that he's got everything he needs...

 

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