Requiem

Jennifer and her family leave the church after Bill's funeral

Terry Stapleton

John Barningham

## Brief Synopsis

*"Jennifer, shattered, tries to hold the family together.*

*Godfrey takes over the funeral and thankfully passes the Royston defence back to the Crown Solicitor's office.*

*Robert discovers that a large sum of money in Bill's safekeeping has vanished.*

*After the funeral, Jennifer approaches Godfrey about the Royston defence. Angry at her interference, he tells her that Bill has apparently embezzled a large sum of money from a client. Furthermore, other sums have mysteriously disappeared without explanation from Bill's accounts.*

*Jennifer's financial position is precarious."* - Crawford Productions

## Plot

At Godfrey's house, Godfrey and Robert discuss the "damn cheek" of Bill chartering a private aeroplane to Ballarat at the firm's expense. Robert tells Godfrey that Mrs Brookes mentioned it to him accidentally and that the purpose of the trip was to pick up "some witness" for the Royston trial.

Godfrey tells Robert that from what he hears it is much too late for a new witness, and the noose is practically already around Royston's neck.

Meanwhile, Vic has attended Bill and Jennifer's home to tell her of the aeroplane crash that has resulted in the deaths of the pilot, Charlie Templar and Bill.

Jennifer stares at him with disbelief. Vic tells her that he knows that there is nothing he can say, nothing anyone can say to her, that it is just one of those things. He says that the Sergeant at Ballarat says that Bill's death would have been very quick, and he would have died on impact and would not have suffered.

Jennifer tells herself that it can't be true.

Sam runs into the room with his footy and seeing Vic, asks him if he wants to go and have a kick. Jennifer tells him that she and Grandpa are having a talk and asks him to go and play by himself for a little while. Vic tells Sam that he won't be long and Sam boasts that he can "handball really well now"and leaves the room.

Vic asks Jennifer to let him tell the kids and tells her that she doesn't have to take this all on by herself. Jennifer thanks him but politiefully refuses and tells him that she knows he is always there for her.

Back at Godfrey's house, Godfrey is speaking to Tommy and Robert and proposes voting Bill out of the partnership given his recent behaviour with the Royston case. Robert and Tommy are shocked and think that Godfrey is being a bit drastic. Godfrey however thinks that "this hair brain scheme has gone on long enough...he is either a Carson or he isn't." Robert comments that Jennifer may have persuaded Bill against his better judgement and Godfrey agrees declaring that there is a lesson in this for her as well.

Jennifer arrives at Godfrey's house and Amy answers the door telling her that everyone is in the study and that he is having one of his Sunday board meetings. Amy asks Jennifer if Bill is with her, and Jennifer, eyes downcast responds no.

Jennifer enters Godfrey's study accompanied by Amy. Godfrey tells her that her visit is timely as they have something important to put to "her husband". Godfrey asks Jennifer where the devil Bill is and Jennifer tells Godfrey she has some very bad news. She explains that the aeroplane returning from Ballarat crashed and that Bill is dead. She apologises.

The scene resumes with Amy crying being comforted by Robert, and Tommy looking down toward the floor. Godfrey asks Jennifer if the children know, and she responds that they know and they are home with Eileen, and that she must get back to them soon.

Jennifer explains that the pilot and Charlie Templar were also killed. Godfrey holding back tears tells Robert that they had better get to the office early tomorrow morning as there will be a lot to attend to. Godfrey tells Amy to go to her room as there is business to discuss. Amy can't believe that Godfrey can go on talking about business in the circumstances and storms out.

Jennifer takes the opportunity to leave and return to the children. Godfrey tells Tommy to drive Jennifer home. Godfrey tells Jennifer that no matter how awful their sense of loss is, it could be no less than hers. He tells her not to hesitate to ask for anything in the meantime and that he and Robert will take care of all of the necessary arrangements.

Godfrey struggles to contain his tears, and tells Robert to go home and tell Margery, and they will talk tomorrow at the office. Robert says goodnight and leaves. Once alone, Godfrey breaks down in tears.

Back at home, Sarah comments that "it's just not fair" and Billy agrees with her and tells her that there is no reason why it happened to Bill and not someone else. Sarah comments that some people deserve to die, "murderers and people like Royston". She says she wishes that Bill had never met him because none of this would be happening. Billy reminds her that Bill thought that Royston was innocent and asks her to think about their mum who is going to need all of their support. Sarah supposes he is right.

Jennifer and Vic enter the room, and Jennifer tells Billy that Sam has gone to sleep in Billy's bed as he had asked her to sleep there. Vic tells Billy and Sarah that it has been a long day and they should get to bed soon. Eileen walks in with some dinner prepared for Jennifer. Jennifer thanks her but says she isn't hungry, eventually relenting. Vic offers to stay the night but Jennifer tells him that she and the children will manage, Billy and Sarah nod in agreement. Vic kisses Jennifer goodbye and she thanks him. He says goodnight to Billy and Sarah and leaves.

Jennifer sits down to eat and tells Billy and Sarah to finish their dinner.

After dinner, Eileen tells Jennifer that she is going to church for a moment and that she won't be long. She also tells Jennifer that she has made up the bed in the spare room in case she would feel more comfortable there. Jennifer tells her Eileen that she is very thoughtful and thanks her for all of her help and support. Before going to sleep, Jennifer checks on the children in bed. Seeing her, Billy tells her to try and get some sleep and she tells him to do the same.

At church, Eileen lights a candle and says a prayer in Bill's memory.

Jennifer eventually heads to bed. She lovingly looks at photographs by her bedside of her and Bill dancing and begins to cry.

In Court, Royston is confused when Godfrey is at Court instead of Bill. He asks the police officer accompanying him what is happening. The police officer tells him to be quiet and that he will find out soon enough. Judge Warren address Godfrey and tells him he understands that Godfrey has "an announcement of some gravity" to make to the Court. Godfrey informs the Court that Bill, who was appearing for the accused lost his life in an accident yesterday afternoon. Judge Warren comments that this is a great misfortune and expresses his sympathy to Godfrey and the Carson family adding that Bill was greatly respected within the legal community and his death will be keenly felt in the profession.

Godfrey tells Judge Warren that he has had a discussion with Prosecutor Bradford, and also with the Crown Solicitor's office and he is assured that there will be no objection to an application for an adjournment. Prosecutor Bradford confirms he has no objection to an adjournment. Judge Warren asks Godfrey if a couple of days will be long enough for him, and Godfrey responds that there may be some question of arranging alternative representation for Mr Royston. Judge Warren suggests a weak would be more appropriate. Royston looks on, shocked. Judge Warren then adjourns the Royston case for one week and asks Godfrey to also pay his respects to Mrs Carson.

Godfrey returns to the office where he is welcomed by Mrs Brookes. She passes on her condolences to Godfrey and he comments that Bill's death has been a terrible blow to all of them and asks that she get Tommy and Robert to come to his office.

Godfrey tells Tommy and Robert that they have been granted one week's adjournment in the Royston case which should give them enough time to brief somebody to take over. He half-jokingly asks if either of them know anyone clamming to commit themselves to the case. Robert responds "hardly" and Tommy questions if they are pulling out "just like that". Godfrey confirms that they are and to follow it through with the Crown Solicitor's Office. Robert confirms that he will.

Robert then tells Godfrey that Bill was meant to settle Mr Osgood's property purchase that morning, after he apparently deposited £3,000 with Bill last week, but it was too late for Bill to get the money into the Trust Fund. Godfrey tells Tommy to look after it, and Robert tells him that the money is locked in the safe. Tommy confirms that he will and asks Godfrey for his key. Godfrey hands him his key and tells him to get the money into their account immediately. Robert comments that they must ask Jennifer for Bill's key back. Tommy leaves to get the deposit organised.

Godfrey tells Robert that everyone at Court was very understanding, and that "old Warren said all the right things as usual", Robert agrees that he is very proper. Godfrey tells Robert there is a lot to be done, that he has engaged Mortimer to conduct the funeral and asks Robert to contact St Peter's. Robert awkwardly asks Godfrey if they shouldn't talk to Jennifer about "these things". Godfrey immediately responds "certainly not".

Tommy and Mrs Brookes enter Godfrey's office. "The damndest thing" Tommy remarks, Mrs Brookes continues telling Godfrey that the money from Mr. Osgood does not appear to be in the safe. Godfrey is confused. Robert angrily asks where the money is. Mrs Brookes says that she doesn't understand at all, that she locked it away herself in Bill's presence and returned the key to him. Robert states that the only other key is Godfrey's key and Godfrey says he doesn't know anything about the matter! Robert reasons that Bill must have put the money in his safe at home, and Godfrey agrees that that's where it must be and that "the first thing [they] must do is see to the client's interest". Godfrey decides to draw a cash cheque and tells Tommy to draw the usual trust fund cheques for the settlement amounts and to let them know he will be a little late.

Arthur attends Jennifer's house and is welcomed by Billy. Arthur comments that he has come straight from the train from Ballarat and that he doesn't know what to say, that Bill's death is a terrible shock. He asks to offer his condolences to Jennifer. Billy tells Arthur that Jennifer has had a very difficult night with Sam and hasn't slept much. Arthur says although he doesn't want to disturb her, he was the last person to see Bill alive. Billy apologises and lets him inside.

Arthur gives his condolences to Jennifer and she thanks him for coming. Arthur asks Jennifer for her advice regarding the Royston case. Jennifer tells him she hasn't forgotten about it, and that she expects that Godfrey has requested an adjournment. Arthur is surprised, having assumed that the Royston case would be transferred to another firm. Jennifer assures him that this wouldn't be the case but that the firm will need to brief another Counsel to appear.

Arthur is glad that they are proceeding with the trial. He tells Jennifer that Bill was convinced that Charlie Templar's evidence would be sufficient for an acquittal. Jennifer tells Arthur that Bill told her this on the telephone. Jennifer asks Arthur to go and see Royston at the prison and explain what has happened and to assure him that Jennifer will do her best to assist him as soon as she can. Arthur willingly obliges and tells her that he is sure that Bill would have expected this from both of them.

Arthur then attends the office and greets Mrs Brookes. Mrs Brookes asks Arthur if he had heard about Bill, and Arthur responds that the passengers on the train were told about the plane crash when the train stopped at Footscray. Godfrey enters and Arthur offers his condolences. Godfrey thanks him and tells him to collect the Royston depositions. Arthur tells him that he will do so as soon as he has spoken to Royston. Godfrey tells him that Carson & Carson is no longer associated with the Royston case, and tells him that the Royston depositions are to be delivered to the Crown's offices as soon as Robert has looked over them.

At the prison, Royston asks the Warder if Bill located Charlie Templar. He stresses that he has a right to know. Warder Jansen responds that he has no rights in prison. He asks Royston if his name was Templar and delights in telling him that "the crash got him too" and that he was on his own now and the rope is all ready for him. Once locked in his cell, Royston begins to cry.

Back at Carson & Carson, Mrs Brookes bemoans to Arthur that there isn't any point her going through the books, that she knows that Mr Osgood's money isn't there. Arthur tells her not to worry about it, that it will be tracked down. Mrs Brookes replies that it's all very well to say that, but that someone has to take responsibility. Robert then enters and passes the Royston depositions to Arthur telling him they can go straight to the Crown's office. Arthur obliges. Robert then asks Mrs Brookes if she did in fact lock the safe and return the key immediately. Mrs Brookes takes office to this and tells him that she has been with Carson & Carson for almost 30 years. Robert tries to interject and tell her that nobody suspects she has taken the money, but she leaves the office in tears. Robert goes into Godfrey's office and tells him that he has just upset Mrs Brookes. Godfrey asks Robert to telephone Jennifer and have her check their safe at home for the money. Robert tells Godfrey that assuming the money is there, he will collect it when he and Margery attend to pass on their condolences. Godfrey angrily asks why he means by "assuming" and asks where else could it possibly be.

Back at Jennifer's house, Margery is explaining to Sam that God loved his daddy very much and he wanted his daddy to be with Him straight away. She goes on to say that Bill was very lucky really and that Sam needn't worry about his daddy, that he will wake up when the world ends. Jennifer enters the room with a tray of tea and suggests they change the topic. Margery comments that it is a lovely room, and a pleasant house and questions whether Jennifer is planning to "keep it on". Jennifer responds that for the moment she is. Margery tells her that she must be very fond of her house, which is more than she can say for her modest dwelling. Having considered things for awhile, Sam comments that he doesn't want the world to end until after the grand final. Jennifer smiles.

Billy helps Eileen with the washing and they discuss Margery. Eileen doesn't much care for Margery and Billy comments that he feels sorry for her as she wants everyone to like her but keeps upsetting them. Eileen tells Billy that he is more of a christian soul than she is, and that every time she thinks of Margery she breaks half of the commandments in her own head. Eileen tells Billy that she is concerned about Sarah and that she thinks she is bottling up her grief. Billy agrees that Sarah doesn't want to talk about anything, that she has sort of gone dead inside. Sam coming in and overhearing asks, as only as Sam can, whether Sarah has "gone dead" too. Billy and Eileen smile at one another and Billy takes Sam out for a game of footy. Sam, already appropriately dressed in his Collingwood guernsey responds "yes please" and races out.

Back inside, Margery comments that she is surprised that Sam isn't more upset. Jennifer explains that night times are worse for Sam as Bill used to read to him before bed. Margery offers her and Robert's assistance to Jennifer and the children, and Jennifer thanks her. Robert enters the room telling Jennifer and Margery he is all finished. He comments that Bill had a methodical filing system and tells Jennifer he will take some of Bill's papers back to the office. Robert then asks Jennifer if Bill mentioned a property settlement he was handling for Ted Osgood. Jennifer comments that he didn't. Robert explains that Osgood left some money with Bill and wonders if Bill decided to leave the money in his personal safe over the weekend. Jennifer responds that Bill would have kept the money in the office safe and Robert agrees that that was what he had thought.

Jennifer asks if something is wrong, and whilst Robert assures her that everything is alright, he explains that the money isn't in the office safe either. Jennifer and Robert agree that it seems rather strange and Robert tells her not to worry about it, that there has obviously been some confusion. Robert then tells Margery it's time to leave. Jennifer tells Robert before he goes she would like to discuss some things with him regarding her plans for Bill's funeral. Robert awkwardly looks at her.

The following day in the office, Robert tells Godfrey that Bill and Jennifer's safe contained only housekeeping money, a matter of a few pounds, and that Jennifer knew nothing further. Robert questions whether Bill would have disposed of the money in some other way. Godfrey would prefer not to think about that at the moment and tells Robert he may discover something further when he goes through Bill's bank books.

Godfrey wants to get the funeral out of the way first and Robert tells Godfrey that Jennifer isn't happy with the funeral arrangements. saying Bill would have preferred a private ceremony. Godfrey responds that Bill was a Carson and will be buried as a Carson should be and that is the end of it! Robert tells Godfrey that Jennifer is insisting on going to the grave site. Godfrey questions Jennifer's sense of decorum, and comments that she is insufferable.

Robert adds that Jennifer wants all of the children to be at the Church including Sam. Godfrey believes that people will think that the Carson family have no sense of decency whatsoever. Robert nods in agreement.

At Jennifer's house, Jennifer and Eileen discuss Sarah whilst she plays piano in the background. Jennifer tells Eileen not to worry, that Sarah must find her own way of expressing her grief. Eileen asks Jennifer if she is sure about Sam attending the funeral. Jennifer tells her that she is really sure and even though it will be a big strain on him, there is nothing to be gained from shielding the children from the realities of Bill's death. Jennifer adds that she doesn't care if people "talk" that it will be important for Sam to be able to remember that he said goodbye to his father. Eileen tells Jennifer that she knows best.

Jennifer approaches Sarah as she continues to play the piano and gives her a hug.

The Carson family arrive at the Church and Godfrey asks Jennifer if he can escort the family inside. Godfrey tells Sam he is a brave boy, a real Carson, and Sam thanks him.

As Jennifer and Vic exit the Church after the funeral, Vic comments that all of that pompous and ceremony didn't seem like Bill. Jennifer tells him that they all mean well. Vic says that the Law Institute fella seemed like a "stuffy sort of bloke" and through her tears Jennifer laughs commenting that that was what Bill used to say. Jennifer tells Sam he will be going home with Eileen and that she was very proud of him. She tells Sarah to go with Margery and Felicity and gives her a hug. Vic takes Sarah over to them.

Jennifer is then approached by an old woman who offers her condolences and to say thank you from her and her son. She goes on to say that George realises that his case is hopeless now but wanted to offer his condolences to Jennifer. Jennifer then realises that the woman is Mrs Royston, George's mother. Jennifer tells her to tell George not to give up hope and that this doesn't meant that he won't get a fair trial. Mrs Royston thanks her, and Billy escorts Jennifer to the awaiting car.

Whilst arriving back at the Carson household, Margery tells Felicity that it is selfish of Jennifer to want to do things her own way all of the time and wonders what people will think at the cemetery. Felicity comments that she isn't sure that they should do things just to suit other people. Margery asks her if the feelings of one's kith and kin simply don't matter and Felicity responds that of course they matter, but that she would have thought that one's kith and kin would be the first to understand. Margery still does not think it was right that Jennifer should have insisted that Sam be brought to the funeral. Felicity states that perhaps Sam wanted to attend. Margery says that that is the whole problem, people doing what they want to do rather than what they ought to do. She believes Sam is in danger of growing up and becoming like his mother, eccentric.

Now standing at the dinner table, Felicity tells Margery they shouldn't let convention rule their lives, and Margery wonders how anyone would know how to behave without convention. Amy adds that convention is simply "all bumpkin", just something made up by some people to make other people miserable. Amy then comments to Felicity that she will know all about convention once she marries Godfrey. Margery trying to contain her smile, comments that Amy can be "so tiresome at times".

It rains heavily at the cemetery whilst Jennifer and all of the Carson men look over Bill's burial. Billy holds an umbrella over Jennifer and consoles her. She throws a rose onto Bill's coffin and tells him to have a safe journey. Everyone leaves the cemetery and heads back to Godfrey's residence.

Gerard offers everyone drinks and Tommy comments that he is doing a sterling job. Sir Humphrey approaches and asks Tommy how he is holding up. Tommy responds that he is doing well all things considered. Sir Humphrey tells Tommy that all of Godfrey's hopes rest with him now that Bill is dead, and that although Robert is a good lawyer and will probably take over the firm, Tommy has been cut out for bigger things. Tommy comments that he wishes he felt like he was deserving of all of that confidence and Sir Humphrey tells him not to sell himself short.

On the other side of the room Margery asks Robert if he has had a word to Godfrey yet about "that little problem" and whilst Robert doesn't think that it is either the time or the place, Margery believes it is better to let everyone know there they stand, and that he is going to have to face up to it sooner or later. Robert knows this.

Felicity tells Godfrey he looks very tired and comments that his grandchildren are doing him proud, commenting that Billy is a very handsome lad. Godfrey comments that Billy is just like his father at the same age. Felicity reminds Godfrey that he has other sons, and grandchildren and that life will go on. Godfrey excuses himself to have a word with Robert.

Godfrey asks Robert if by chance he was wishing that everyone go away and Robert wonders if he is being that obvious. Godfrey comments that he is feeling the same way, and suggests that they slip away to his study for a quiet drink.

In his study Godfrey tells Robert they have shared some hard days together recently and they deserve a moment of peace. Godfrey prepares them both a drink and they toast "the future". Godfrey then tells Robert they will need to discuss the firm, the settlement of Bill's shares and so forth. He continues that he will be relying on Robert quite a lot now and asks if he can have Bill's paperwork ready for a board meeting on Friday. Robert then tells Godfrey that he has been through Bill's bank books, and that Bill's finances are in ruins. He continues to state that over the last nine months there have been regular large withdrawals of money, £100, £300...always in cash. He tells Godfrey that there is no record of these withdrawals anywhere and no sign of Osgood's £3,000 - that it has vanished without a trace. Godfrey stares at Robert bewildered.

Downstairs, Tommy grabs another drink from Gerard and Amy tells him he is drinking too much and that today of all days he should try and remain sober. Tommy tells her that "little girls should be seen and not heard".

Tommy leaves the front door and gets into his car and drives away.

Inside, Felicity asks Amy if they can have a talk, that they have a lot to learn about one another and Amy replies that she thinks she knows enough about Felicity already. Amy leaves to check on the caterers.

Jennifer approaches and tells Felicity to try not to take Amy too much to heart, that she will accept her in time. Felicity asks Jennifer if she intends to keep working at Carson & Carson now and Jennifer responds that she hadn't thought about it until the funeral when talking with Royston's mother. Felicity comments that you don't imagine "people like Royston" having mothers. Jennifer asks her where Godfrey is and Felicity tells her that he is in his study with Robert. Jennifer excuses herself.

In the study, Godfrey and Robert discuss that Bill's estate is barely enough to cover Jennifer's living expenses. Godfrey tells him that it isn't a problem and that they will see to the children's living expenses. Jennifer knocks on the door and asks if she can have a talk with them both. Godfrey believes she has come to discuss Bill's estate, and assures her that he will establish a family trust for Billy, Sarah and Sam to ensure that they receive the best education possible. Jennifer thanks him for his generosity but asks if they can discuss that matter in a few days, certainly after the reading of the will. Jennifer then explains she had come to discuss Royston's defence and what steps the firm was taking at the moment. Godfrey tells he that that matter is best left to surviving partners to decide. Jennifer believes that it would be a fitting memorial to Bill that the man he died defending be acquitted. Robert interjects that just that day he had arranged for the Crown solicitors to arrange for them to find someone to continue defending Royston. Jennifer stresses that they need someone very good, with commitment to the case, that it is even more pressing than it was before, that they can't let Bill's death be for nothing.

Godfrey angrily stands up and begins screaming that Bill's death was for nothing and asks how she cannot see that, that Bill died in the defence of "some worthless killer". Jennifer stands up and now raises her voice exclaiming that "Royston did not kill that girl".

Godfrey goes on to say that if it hadn't been for Jennifer's "do-gooding" Bill would still be alive today. Jennifer shocked replies that the is unfair, and that the man she knew and loved wouldn't have "counted the cost in cause and justice". Godfrey asks that since Jennifer knew Bill so well, perhaps she could shed some light on Bill's financial activities because he and Robert find it "completely incomprehensible".

Robert tells Jennifer that as Executor of his will he has had to find out exactly how much is in his estate and is afraid to tell her that there is very little, that over the past twelve months Bill virtually depleted all of his capital reserves, resulting in the disappearance of £3,000 from the firm's safe. Jennifer astonished, responds that it can't be and that there must be some mistake. Godfrey tells her that there has been no mistake and asks if she knows anything about it, and that Bill has done something he would never have done until he met Jennifer. He asks whether she influenced Bill to commit embezzlement. Jennifer stares at him with disbelief.

## Quotes

*"...and I'll be damned if I let my firm's reputation be damaged overnight, simply because one of my sons couldn't keep his wife in place".* Godfrey (3.37)

*"You needn't worry about your daddy, because death is like a long sleep and daddy will wake up like all the faithful departed on the last day"* Margery to Sam

> *"When is the last day?"* Sam
>
>

> *"Well no one knows really"* Margery
>
>

> *"Is it soon?"* Sam
>
>

> *"Well I hope not, you see is the very last day of all when the world ends"* Margery
>
>

> *"Perhaps a change of topic Margery"* Jennifer (22.38)
>
>

*"I don't want the world to end...not 'til after the Grand Final"* Sam (23.24)

*"I realise this tragedy puts a heavy burden on you Tommy. Your father expected great things of Bill, now all of his hopes rest with you"* Sir Humphrey to Tommy (36.48)

*"Because my son has done something he would never have done until he met you. You had enough influence to persuade him to conduct the defence of some homicidal psychopath. Did you lead him into another madness, like embezzlement?"* Godfrey to Jennifer (45.19)

## Trivia

This episode screened on 25 January 1983 in a 2 hour special back-to-back with The Witness.

This is the first episode to screen with the new, slightly altered opening credits, removing Bill from the scenes with Jennifer.