Case Deferred

Tommy is found drunk in Jennifer's front yard after Bill's wake

## Brief Synopsis

*"Immediately after Bill's funeral Jennifer, despite Godfrey's objections, decides to continue with the Royston case alone, gaining the support of Arthur.*

*Tommy**'s political career starts to move and Gerard reports to Godfrey with more news about the missing money." -* Crawford Productions

## Plot

Margery approaches Amy who is smoking in the front garden and chastises her stating that it is "most unsuitable, especially today - there are guests". Amy responds that she doesn't give a hoot. Margery comments that even though they are upset, standards must be maintained. They start to argue and Amy apologises, clearly upset. Margery consoles her.

Robert then approaches and Margery asks if Godfrey is still upstairs. Robert confirms that Godfrey is still upstairs and that he and Jennifer and are still talking.

In Godfrey's study, Jennifer lashes out at Godfrey for making criminal accusations against Bill "today of all days". Godfrey agrees that it was entirely inappropriate, but tells Jennifer that she angered him with her persistence with the Royston case. Godfrey apologises to Jennifer for suggesting she may have been involved in the embezzlement of the £3,000, but says nevertheless, the subject is out in the open and he must stand by what he said. Jennifer tells him to then "substantiate it or withdraw it" before they leave the room.

Godfrey tells Jennifer that last Thursday, a client of Carson & Carson Mr. Osgood came to the office and gave Bill £3,000 in cash for a property settlement on Monday. Bill was supposed to bank the money into the firm's trust account. Bill then gave the money to Mrs Brookes who counted the money and put it into the firm's safe under Bill's supervision. Godfrey then tells Jennifer that there are only two keys to the safe. He has one, and Bill had the other, and when they came to open the safe on Monday - the money was gone. Godfrey then declares that £3,000 had not been removed by him. Jennifer says that if Bill did take the money, then she is sure that there must have been some perfectly good reason, believing that it will come to light as they go through his affairs. Godfrey wishes he could share her hope but that it was already clear that Bill's life was not in the good order that the family had thought, and until they untangle Bill's affairs they must protect his good name. Jennifer responds "you mean the family name" and Godfrey tells her "it's the same thing". He tells her he has already made good on the £3,000 from his own pocket. Jennifer responds that he needn't have and Godfrey tells her there is no alternative.

Godfrey tells Jennifer he only wants one thing from her - to renounce all interest in the Royston case. He further expects her to leave the firm and to stay at home and look after the children, and offers her all the support he can give, explaining that her life will be "preserved" and the children will be given everything that Bill would have wanted. Jennifer begins to protest but Godfrey tells her he is suddenly very tired and asks if they could discuss the future in more detail at some other time. As they are leaving the study, Godfrey tells Jennifer she has been very brave and he admires her spirit.

Vic (Grandpa Brown) drives Jennifer, Billy and Sarah home. He asks Jennifer if she is alright, and offers to stay and talk. Jennifer tells him that she is alright, and to take the car as he is due to start a shift at work. Vic tells Billy and Sarah that their father would have been proud of both of them today. He tells Jennifer she knows where he is if she needs him, or needs to talk and she thanks him before he leaves.

Upon reaching their front fence, Sarah calls out to Jennifer having spotted Tommy passed out in their front yard.

Jennifer and Billy lay Tommy out on the couch, and Jennifer tells Billy to get him a blanket from the spare room. Tommy, clearly inebriated, tells Jennifer he doesn't want to be any trouble but he just came to say...Jennifer cuts him off and tells him not to say anything, to just sleep.

Sam asks Jennifer what is wrong with Tommy, and Jennifer tells him that his uncle Tommy isn't feeling very well, and that he is going to have a sleep until he feels better. Jennifer asks Sam if he is alright and he responds that he is. He asks Jennifer if she saw him bury his daddy, and Jennifer tells him that she did. Sam tells Jennifer that he didn't like looking at the coffin and she tells him that she knows but that he was very, very brave. Sam tells Jennifer that Eileen says that his daddy is watching from heaven, and Jennifer tells him that of course he is and asks if he has finished his tea. Sam tells her that he has. Jennifer then asks Sam to go upstairs with Sarah and she will join them shortly for a long talk. Sarah then takes Sam upstairs and tells him she will read him a book.

Margery and Robert prepare to leave Godfrey's house. Margery tells Godfrey that it was nice of him to invite them over for dinner, and that times like these it is so important to be a united family. Godfrey responds that as far as he was aware, they always have been. Felicity comments that it was a shame that Jennifer couldn't have stayed for dinner too. Godfrey disagrees telling her that she is in her proper place with the children. Robert and Margery say their goodnights, and they depart.

Godfrey tells Felicity that they haven't been alone all day, and that Margery doesn't know when enough is enough. Felicity tells Godfrey that she is worried about him, and Godfrey tells her not to be. She tells him he doesn't need to be granite with her, and that she knows what he has been through today. She tells him he is being far too strong and to give himself some time. He responds that time at his age is scarce. Felicity scoffs and tells him that if he talks like that, she won't marry him. He smiles telling her she is twisting his arm. She insists that he stay away from the office tomorrow. He tells her she may be right.

Later that evening back at Jennifer's house, Eilleen brings out some coffee for Tommy to bring him back to the land of the living and some "hot and tot punch". Tommy thanks her for the coffee but tries to refuse the punch. Eileen tells him that she doesn't care what he thinks, that he is not clearly not capable of running his own life and to drink up. Tommy downs the concoction and decries at the taste. Eileen tells him that her uncle Barry's motto is to kill or cure and that he was a drunken sot who was a shame and burden on her family. She tells Tommy that he is turning out just the same. Tommy asks her to please stop the sermons. Eileen exclaims that of all the things that dog mankind, driunkeness is by far the silliest, not the worse mind you, but the silliest because it is so easily prevented. "Is it?" Tommy asks.

Jennifer then enters the lounge room telling Tommy and Eileen that Sam has finally fallen asleep. Eileen comments that he is a poor little mite. She tells Jennifer she has made her a cup of tea and that she is going to bed. Tommy says goodnight to her. Jennifer tells Tommy that she feels like a squeezed rag, that Sam finally cried his little eyes out and so did she. Tommy apologises telling her he doesn't know what to say. Jennifer tells him not to worry and that his appearance was a welcome diversion. Tommy tells her it was unforgivable. That it was bad enough to "get rotten" today but to land on her doorstep...! Jennifer asks him why he came to her house. Tommy tells her he wasn't thinking clearly he supposed, but wanted to tell her how terrible he felt about it all, and adds if she would care how he feels. Jennifer tells him that she does care, and thanks him. Jennifer asks Tommy if he knows about "this money business" and he tells her that he does, but he doesn't believe Bill could have been in the wrong. He tells her he in not sure what the answer is but that Bill was "honourable to his fingertips". Jennifer agrees. Tommy tells her that he loved Bill, and he'll never know how much. Jennifer tells him that she is glad that he came.

Back at Godfrey's house, Gerard pours Godfrey a stiff drink. Godfrey comments that it was a gruesome day and that he always thought that Bill would be the one burying him. Gerard agrees. Godfrey laughs saying that the undertaker eyes him more greedily with every funeral that he attends, but that he'll give him a run for his money. Gerard tells him that he is sure that he will and Godfrey tells him to sit down. Godfrey asks Gerard what he thinks about the £3,000. Gerard responds that it is quite a mystery and Godfrey asks for his help. Gerard looks ominously at Godfrey.

Tommy tells Jennifer that Bill always saw your point of view, and then backed you to the hilt. Jennifer tells him that she knows. Tommy asks her if Bill told her about the "great bat wager" and Jennifer responds that she doesn't think so. Tommy tells her that Godfrey had given him a cricket bat for his ninth birthday. Bill was still living at home doing his articles. Jennifer comments that it was the year before she and Bill married. Tommy tells her that the bat was his pride and joy and that there was a real tough boy round the street called Russell Fox and that they both harboured this "burning infantile passion" for eight year old Mavis McDougall who had long blonde hair and lived in Stephenson Street. Tommy comments that she was very stuck up. Tommy says that Russell bet him that he couldn't get Mavis to Studley Park by the end of the week and keep her there for at least an hour, doing what wasn't specified, after all he was only nine years old. Jennifer adds that he was very precocious by the sounds of it and Tommy agrees. Tommy continues that he was so confident, he bet the cricket bat, and as the week drew to a close - Mavis remained behind her garden gate, not even speaking to him. Tommy says that finally on the Friday he coughed up his beloved cricket bat as promised but then became desperate as they had a family picnic on the Sunday, and that Godfrey would notice for sure that he no longer had his cricket bat, so he confided in Bill. Jennifer asked him what Bill said. Tommy replied that Bill went straight into town and bought Tommy a new bat telling him he had to preserve his honour and roared with laughter. Tommy conies that the joke was, Mavis capitulated on Monday, Russell consequently handed back the bat and Tommy ended up with two cricket bats. Jennifer and Tommy laugh, and Jennifer comments that it was a sweet story.

Tommy then becomes serious and turns away from Jennifer telling her that "that was pretty much the pattern" and asking her if she had any idea how many scrapes Bill got him out off. Jennifer tells Tommy that Bill believed in him. Tommy agrees and tells her now is determined to deserve it, that he is going to pull himself together for Bill's sake. He tells Jennifer that he wants to be someone for her to lean on. Jennifer protests, and Tommy tells her that he means it and to start with he will be giving up drinking completely and now. Jennifer tells him that is very nobel of him but now they could both do with some sleep. Tommy tells her he is serious and she will see.

Tommy tells he will walk over to pick up his car and that the fresh air will do him some good. He says goodnight and Jennifer thanks him for achieving the impossible, making her feel less sad.

Smoking a cigar, Godfrey tells Gerard that there is only one conclusion. Bill must have had a need for money that none of the family knew anything of.

Gerard tells him that it would seem so. Godfrey asks Gerard if he picked up on it as he is usually privy to gossip from the office and servants, and he is usually well-aware of what is going on. Gerard humbly thanks him but tells him that he did not, and that as far as Bill was concerned he is blank - everything was always above board. He then comments that the first thing that springs to mind is gambling. Godfrey scoffs and tells him "not Bill" - that he couldn't even drag him to the races. Gerard suggests perhaps there was another woman and Godfrey laughs stating that the righteous Jennifer wouldn't have let him get away with anything in that department. Gerard thinks maybe it was business related and Godfrey tells him Bill was "straight as a die" and the vital thing is that they must stop word getting out. Godfrey tells Gerard to make some "discreet enquiries" as he has his ways and means, and that he has never let him down before but he wants to know what Bill was up to.

Billy, Sarah and Sam all look forlorn as they try and eat their breakfast. Eileen bemoans the late bread delivery and asks Sarah what was wrong with her porridge and she responds that she is just not hungry. Eileen tells her that it is important during these times that she keep her strength up and that goes for Jennifer as well who apologises and says she will just have a tea. Jennifer tells Eileen that she should be home before lunch if anyone calls, that she is going to the office. Eileen questions why she is going to the office today and asks if she has any sense of decency. Jennifer tells her that there are some things she has to do.

Sarah asks Jennifer what is going to happen to the family, that is is a pretty big prospect for a fatherless family. Jennifer tells her she has been reading too many rubbishy novels but tells her it's a fair question. She tells the children she had a long talk to Grandpa Carson last night and that she is going to help them manage. Sarah comments that he is wonderful and Sam asks if they will keep on staying in their house. Jennifer tells him of course they will and that she will be home all the time to look after them. Billy asks about the Royston case, and Jennifer tells him it is no longer her business and that the partners will deal with it. Billy tells her it is likely that Grandpa Carson will offload the case and Jennifer tells him she doesn't know yet.

Sarah interrupts, telling Jennifer she isn't up to facing the girls just yet nd asks for another day off from school. Jennifer tells her no, that they must get on with their lives, that is what Bill would have wanted. Billy adds that Bill also wanted to see Royston get a fair trial. Jennifer looks away.

At Carson & Carson, Mrs. Brookes tells Arthur that she was the last one to see Mr. Osgood's money aside from whoever took it of course. She hopes that they can find an answer as the whole office is under a cloud. Jennifer enters the offices and Mrs. Brookes shocked, tells her that she wasn't expecting to see her this morning. Jennifer asks if Robert is in, and when told he is not, asks that when he arrives he be told that she is waiting to speak with him. She states that she will be in Bill's office for awhile. Arthur asks if she needs any help and Jennifer thanks him and says that she is fine.

Jennifer opens the door to Bill's office and is shocked to find Gerard behind the desk looking through books. She asks him what he is doing there. He says good morning to her and says that Mr. Carson asked him to tidy up Bill's things for him. Jennifer tells him not to bother and that is why she was there. Gerard responds "very good", and proceeds to leave. Jennifer opens up a suitcase and begins putting Bill's things inside, starting with a photograph of the two of them. She briefly reminisces.

At breakfast at Godfrey's residence, Godfrey pours himself a tea. Amy comments that she thought he left for the office ages ago and Godfrey tells her no, that Gerard was fetching him some work to do from home. Tommy reading the newspaper comments that Mr. Charlton has been sabre rattling in the House again. Godfrey tells him that he is clutching at every straw to discredit the Government before the election but that it won't do him any good. Tommy states that it is becoming more and more obviously every day that Charlton is just a lack of the unions. Godfrey is pleased that Tommy is finally beginning to understand. Amy clearly bored, excuses herself.

Tommy tells Godfrey that he thinks he has been letting things creep up on him, that yesterday Sir Humphrey Moore said that the Government was planning on calling an election in November and that was less than four months away. Godfrey asks if he can interpret this as serious interest from Tommy at last. Tommy tells him that it's for a multitude of reasons, and that he is wanting to give politics a try. Godfrey extremely pleased, tells him that he has been waiting to hear this for a very long time and that he will see if he can coax Sir Humphrey round for lunch because the vital thing is to find Tommy a safe seat. He then spots a dish that has been prepared for breakfast and excitedly claims "ahhh brains...delicious".

Back at the office Jennifer asks Mrs. Brookes if Godfrey used the safe after she had locked it and before Monday morning. Mrs. Brookes tells her not as far as she was aware, that he had no reason to and that there was nothing else current in the safe. She tells Jennifer that Godfrey keeps his key with him always. Robert then enters the office and tells Jennifer that he is glad she is there. Jennifer says hello to Robert and excuses Mrs. Brookes, and Robert closes the door. Robert asks Jennifer if she managed to get any sleep, and she responds that she had a little. Jennifer tells him that there is a lot she would like to ask him. Robert asks if she had looked at Bill's will. She tells him that she hasn't recently looked at it, but she roughly remembers it. Robert tells her that there is a settlement on each of the children and that they will receive a capital sum upon reaching their majority. In the meantime, Jennifer is to have the interest for their maintendnce and education. Robert tells her that there was just enough long-term investments to cover the settlements, and the costs of probate. He tells Jennifer that the balance of Bill's estate goes to her. Jennifer interjects that she presumes also the life insurance and the house will also go to her. Robert tells her that the house was heavily mortgaged and the life insurance will barely pay it off. Dismayed, Jennifer asks Robert "what else then?" and he responds "less than nothing" he's afraid. Jennifer clearly shocked asks if there were short-term investments, money in his account - something to keep them going. Robert tells her that he thought so too, but the bank tells him differently, all of Bill's bonds have been sold and his checking account is in the red. Jennifer exclaims that it can't be and Robert tells her that there have been largely uncharacteristic withdrawals out of Bill's account over the past 18 months and he was hoping Jennifer could shed some light. Jennifer tells him not at all, that she can't believe this! Robert then reminds her also of the £3,000. Jennifer asks if he is suggesting that should be a charge of the estate and Robert tells her no that Godfrey wouldn't have that.

Jennifer asks Robert if he believes that Bill embezzled that money and he tells her that at the moment he has to keep an open mind. Jennifer screams that he is as bad as his father and asks whether he knew how loyal Bill was to him. Robert tells her that as executor he must remain objective but the old man does sincerely want to help.

Jennifer says that she doesn't understand, that Robert is telling her that she has virtually no money and that to survive, she has to survive on the patronage of Godfrey Carson. Robert tells her that he knows how much his dad can wound, more than anyone else in the world but underneath all of that he does care for her welfare and that of the children. Jennifer sarcastically responds "the children's perhaps" and Robert promises her that Godfrey won't let her down, that he will cover bills, debts and see that she has a decent income. He tells Jennifer to play along with Godfrey, that she has nothing to lose and really that she has no other choice. Jennifer sadly stares at him holding back tears.

Robert and Jennifer leave the office and Robert tells her that he will call a taxi, she tells him not to worry that she will catch a tram. Arthur tells Robert that he just got through to the prison governor and that he has granted leave to interview at 3:00pm. Jennifer questions if this is to see Royston. Robert tells her that yes, Arthur is going to see Royston on his own, and when Jennifer asks what the purpose of the interview is, Robert tells her not to concern herself with it, that the matter is out of her hands. Jennifer tells him that she supposes Carsons are washing their hands of the case altogether. Robert agrees but tells her a suitable alternative will be suggested to Royston. Jennifer tells him in that case, she will attend the prison with Arthur. Robert tells her that is out of the question. Jennifer protests saying that she was the now that committed the firm to Royston's defence and that if the firm was now backing out of this commitment, she will tell Royston herself. She tells Robert that there is nothing else to discuss. Robert reminds her that Arthur will be the firm's spokesman that he will have no authority to offer any further assistance whatsoever. Jennifer glares at Robert and asks Arthur to pick her up from home. Arthur agrees and tells her he will pick her up at 2:15pm. Jennifer tells him that she will be waiting. She glares once again at Robert as she leaves the office.

Amy enters Godfrey's study and he tells her that he has invites Sir Humphrey Moore around for lunch and asks that she mediates with Cook. Amy tells him that she is sure that Mrs. Griffin will have her own ideas. Godfrey decries that that is just what he is afraid of, that Sir Humphrey should be spared Mrs. Griffin's macaroni and cheese. Amy asks what he suggests then and Godfrey tells her that he doesn't know, he then confirms with Amy that they taught her house keeping at finishing school and it's about time she took more of an interest in the house. Amy asks if it isn't a little late for her to be brushing up on the domestic virtues, and after all the house will soon have a new mistress. Godfrey chastises her telling her he is getting a little tired of her attitude to his marriage. Amy then sarcastically asks Godfrey has a list of suitable topics of conversation for lunch. Godfrey tells Amy that she won't be attending the lunch - that it is for men only. Amy angrily responds that in that case she will arrange for them to eat bully beef. She slams the door.

When Jennifer arrives home, Eileen tells her that Felicity is waiting for her, and that she could be forgiven for expecting to find Jennifer at home today instead of gallivanting around the city. Felicity invites Jennifer for a drive. Jennifer tells her that she is afraid that she is busy and that there are all kinds of loose ends to tie up. Felicity asks if she can give Jennifer some advice and tells her that she cannot bustle her way through this period. That grief and tranquility need their time and that if she allows herself that, the terrible grey cloud moves quicker - at least she found it did. Felicity tells Jennifer that she does have time, and Jennifer responds as long as she does what Godfrey Carson says, that is to "knuckle down at home" and accept his financial support. Felicity asks if there is any reason not to. Jennifer tells her that idleness has never appealed to her and Felicity responds that maintaining a household and raising a family is hardly idleness. Jennifer agrees but tells her that now it is not enough. Felicity tells Jennifer that her life has not been idle or empty, because she has a marvellous circle of friends and that they will all welcome Jennifer. Jennifer tells her she is a good person. Felicity says that when she is ready there will be plenty to do...bridge, tennis. Felicity also tells her that she would be welcome at her daddy's place at Flinders and that he would adore having Jennifer and the children come to stay. Jennifer tells her that it sounds lovely. Felicity tells Jennifer that she must be going and pleads with her one last time to please let Godfrey help. Jennifer comments that she can see Felicity really does love Godfrey and Felicity says that she does and that although Jennifer hasn't always seen eye to eye with Godfrey, he only has her interests at heart.

At lunch, Sir Humphrey tells Godfrey and Tommy that safe seats "aren't two a penny" and that there is no doubt that the government will be returned and certainly with an increased majority. Godfrey asks about Edgar Swann's seat and adds that surely it was time that he was put out to pasture. They all laugh and Sir Humphrey agrees but tells Godfrey to try telling Edgar that. They all laugh once again. Sir Humphrey goes on to say that admittedly it would be an ideal electorate for young Thomas, with a lot of young families living there - it could do with some new blood. Godfrey asks if there are any means on prevailing on Swann? Sir Humphrey doubts it but says that there are other possibilities, bud adds that he can't guarantee preselection - that it's up to Tommy, that he hasn't been conspicuous at party functions. Tommy says that he realises this, and has been working on his background knowledge, that he didn't want to seem ill-prepared. Sir Humphrey tells him that that is all very well, but personalities count as much as anything. He has to meet people, lobby.

Godfrey tells Sir Humphrey not to worry, that Tommy is ready to roll up his sleeves. Tommy states that he doesn't think it is going to be easy, but he happens to believe in this country, and that he'd like to play a part - however small, in its future. He says that he has faith in the direction the Mr. Bruce and the Nationalists are steering them. Sir Humphrey is suitably impressed and calls for a drink. Godfrey offers Tommy some port, and he uncharacteristically passes saying he will need a clear head from now on.

Jennifer and Arthur arrive at Her Majesty's Prison and meet with Royston, who immediately passes on his condolences to Jennifer. Jennifer also expresses her regret to Royston about the death of his only witness, Templer. Royston comments that they are all back where they started. Jennifer tells Royston that Carson & Carson can no longer represent him. Royston is confused and asks why. Jennifer tells him that they have no one else qualified to conduct the case. Royston pleads with her, that there must be someone. Jennifer apologises and tells him "in any case that is the decision of the remaining partners of the firm". Royston asks Jennifer what he is supposed to do. Arthur tells Royston that the Crown Prosecutor will find Royston another lawyer to conduct his defence. Royston is alarmed at this thought, and Jennifer tells him that it is the obligation of the Crown Prosecutor to see that he has a satisfactory defence. Royston tells them both that they know that any defence they find will not be satisfactory, that it will be some one that doesn't know him, has not reason to trust him, that it will just be a "formality". Jennifer tells him that he is being unnecessarily pessimistic. He looks at Jennifer and desperately asks her why she can't defend him. She tells him that it is just not possible. Royston tells Jennifer that she is his last hope.

Jennifer tells him that she is not qualified, that she has no experience of conducting a criminal defence. Royston asks if there is a rule that says she cannot defend him and tells Jennifer that she can speak better for him than any living person, because she is the only one who believes him. He begs her for his life. Arthur looks on and Jennifer tells him that she cannot do it, and that is her final word. Royston berates Jennifer, telling her she is not willing to take a chance and has left him to hang. Outside the gaol, Arthur apologises to Jennifer telling her he should not have let her come. She tells Arthur that he couldn't have kept her away. Arthur tells her not to let what Royston says distress her and that he had no right to say it, that it was the firm that let Royston does, not her. Arthur then tells Jennifer that she could take on Royston's defence if she set her mind to it. Jennifer tells him not to be absurd. Jennifer asks Arthur if he agrees with Royston then, and Arthur confesses that with respect, he does.

As they approach the car, Arthur asks if she wants to be dropped home. She tells him no, that she would like to drop in on her father. Arthur coyly smiles.

When she arrives at Vic's house, he asks her for a hug and she tells him that she thinks she is ready for "that talk" now.

At Godfrey's residence, Tommy sits in the drawing room pouring over Hansard books. Alan Manning walks in and asks him what he is up to. Tommy tells him "just a spot of study". Alan looking over at his books tells him that it looks awfully dry. He tells Tommy that the Brooklyns are having a dance tonight. Alan bemoans the fact that he hasn't been invited because Ma Brooklyn doesn't like "frivolous young people" however Cindy has talked her around and so he can go after all. He is able to bring a friend and asks Tommy to attend. Tommy politely refuses, saying he shouldn't be going to dances at the moment and tells Alan that he has given up drinking - permanently. Alan scoffs in disbelief. Amy enters the room and sarcastically comments "awe inspiring isn't it?" She cheekily says hello to Alan who comments in her presence to Tommy, that "she is actually mad about me...she just hides it well". With that, Amy scoffs and eaves the room.

Gerard walks in excusing himself and hands Tommy a bundle of Bulletin Newspapers that Godfrey asked him to pass on. Alan laughs, and Tommy offers him a drink. Alan asks him why he has sworn off drinking. Tommy tells him his life is worth more than being drunk all the time, and further he has decided he is going to make the next Parliament. Alan tells him to remember that virtue is it's own reward. He accepts a drink and tells Tommy that he is coming back for him at 8:00pm.

Gerard asks if he is needed, because if he isn't he will be starting his enquiries. Godfrey excuses him of course and wishes him luck.

Gerard starts questioning people in William Street, and accompanying businesses and lanes. He is seen questioning Mr. Paxton and a Madame. He is seen taking notes whilst talking to a stage-door keeper and his enquiries eventually lead him to a Miss. Cooper. He asks if she can help him. She smiles and nods.

At Vic's house, Jennifer asks Vic if she thinks Bill could have taken the money. She doesn't think he could have but concedes that the money is gone, and there was a telephone call the night before Bill went to Ballarat. Jennifer doesn't know who it was, but Bill said it was urgent. Bill told her that he had to go to the office, it was about 9:00pm. Jennifer tells Vic that Bill didn't get home until after 11.30pm and he never got the chance to explain. Jennifer says she hasn't mentioned it to the Carsons. Vic questions why she hasn't said anything; that perhaps she does think that Bill could have embezzled the money. Jennifer retorts back "of course not!" then confesses that she just doesn't know anymore.

Vic asks her if she is considering Godfrey's proposals. Jennifer confesses that she is and Vic tells her that he is disappointed in her. Vic says that he can't believe that Bill was guilty of anything improper and he thinks that Jennifer should be thinking along the same lines and doing her damnedest to prove it. He tells her giving up work, and settling for support from Godfrey Carson is "one way of coping" he supposes but not quite what they had in mind in the old days when Jennifer's mum used to take in ironing in order to keep Jennifer attending university. He reminisces that Jennifer used to sit up until 2:00am or 3:00am studying and that she had a lot of confidence in those days, which was shared by her parents and that the thought of all of the wonderful things that she was going to do made it all worthwhile. Jennifer looks at her graduation photo longingly, then puts it down telling Vic she had better go as the children will be wondering where she is. Vic replies "whatever you want Jenny".

Jennifer is next seen sitting opposite Godfrey in his study. "I can only assume you have taken leave of your senses" he exclaims to her. He tells her that she couldn't possibly act as Counsel for Royston, for one thing she has no experience at the bar, that she'd make an utter fool of herself. Jennifer tells him she has helped Bill prepare dozens of briefs, including Royston's. Godfrey tells her that is good and well, but does she realise how intimidating it is to face a jury, particularly when bearing the responsibility of a man's life. Jennifer quips in that someone has to represent Royston and Godfrey tells her to leave it to someone better experienced "and at least leave it to a man". Jennifer says she will not listen to that argument. Godfrey tells her that there are a handful of women that have been to the bar in Australia, and not one of them has ever taken on a murder trial. Godfrey says it is a particularly disgusting case, a woman appearing would be little short of obscene. Jennifer believes that a woman appearing may advantage the defence seen as the victim was female. Godfrey isn't concerned with rubbish like Royston being advantaged, he is concerned about with Carson name, He does not want to see his daughter-in-law laughed out of court - he forbids it. Jennifer tells him that she did not come to his house for his approval, merely as a courtesy to present him with her decision. Godfrey asks her from whom she proposes to take instruction, and that it certainly won't be Carson & Carson. Jennifer tells him that she will set up her own office.

Godfrey, laughing responds that it's impossible to reach her "on any rational level". He tells Jennifer that if she "persists with this lunacy" she will get no support from him, financial or otherwise". Jennifer retorts that she want s nothing from him. That the children's settlements will cover their eduction and the rest she shall earn herself. Godfrey tells her when she comes to her senses, to come back to him. Jennifer tells him not to worry, she will be back. That she is going to defend Royston, clear Bill's name and then she will be back.

Jennifer back at her home, lets Arthur in who exclaims he came as soon as he could get away. He drops off the Royston case files and tells her that he hopes that is what she wanted. Jennifer tells him that it is and thanks him. Arthur tells her that he thinks she is doing the right thing, and after she telephoned him up he was so steamed up he could hardly finish his work. Arthur tells her that she has taken a lot on and has very little time. Jennifer tells him hat she realises this, and now with the one witness goes she will have to develop a whole new defence. Arthur tells her that he is there to help. Jennifer tells him that she couldn't expect anything of him, that he is an employee of Carson & Carson. Arthur tells her that he will volunteer after hours and Jennifer accepts his offer with gratitude. Jennifer tells Arthur that Mr. Carson thinks that the odds are stacked against her because she is a woman and asks him if he agrees. Arthur tells him that Justice Warren won't like it - they don't come much more conservative than him. Jennifer agrees but then says that he can't actually throw her out can he? The two giggle.

Alan Manning is in the Carson's drawing room looking dapper in his dinner suit fixing himself a cocktail. Tommy tells him he is not sure why he bothered to come. Alan tells him he thought he would have changed his mind, that he can't work all of the time. Tommy tells him that he is not drinking and so there is no point going to a party - that he wouldn't enjoy it. Alan thinks that Tommy is more upset about Bill's death than he is letting on. Tommy agrees "possibly". Alan apologises and tells him that he will push off. Tommy tells him to have fun and Alan tells him to "try and stop him".

Gerard walks in and says good evening to Tommy. He asks Tommy where Godfrey is, and Tommy tells him he thinks he is in his study. Gerard asks how he thinks Godfrey is. Tommy tells Gerard he thinks he is bearing up, and that he is pretty tough. Gerard tells Tommy that Godfrey asked him to try and discover what happened to the missing money. Tommy shocked replies "oh". Gerard continues that Godfrey asked him to report only to him, but Gerard wonders if Tommy thinks that Godfrey can take the strain of another shock after all that he has been through. Tommy tells him that it is very good of him to be concerned that he has been trying to take the pressure off Godfrey himself. Gerard tells Tommy that this is most commendable and tells him to keep it up and that they must try to avoid any unnecessary street for Godfrey. Tommy agrees and asks if there is any further way in which he can help. Gerard tells him he thinks he can handle it but he knows how important Tommy's career is to Godfrey and suggests that he concentrate on that. Tommy with a sense of worry in his eye, tells Gerard that indeed he will.

Gerard reports to Godfrey in his study. He tells Godfrey that he believes he has discovered what happened to the £3,000. Gerard tells Godfrey that there is someone that he wants Godfrey to meet who can tell him the story.

## Quotes

*"How dare you make criminal accusations against Bill today of all days, and then dismiss the subject and calmly proceed with your usual laying down of the law - as if nothing has been said"* - Jennifer Carson to Godfrey Carson (2.27)

*"I don't understand this. You're telling me that I have virtually no money, and that to survive I have to depend on the patronage of Godfrey Carson"* - Jennifer Carson to Robert Carson (23.36)

*"You may be dashing young Mr. Carson, man about town but you're not capable of running your own life for more than five minutes. Tonight proved that clearly enough"*. - Eileen Brennan to Tommy Carson (9.01)

*"What about you...you...why can't you defend me...you came to me in the first place because you thought I needed help, you listened to me when I said I didn't kill that girl..didn't you? Didn't you?"* - George Royston to Jennifer Carson (31.36)

*"It's that easy is it? To walk away?"* - George Royston to Jennifer Carson

*"My husband died three days ago don't you understand that?"* - Jennifer Carson to George Royston

*"That's no reason to walk out on me...oh I know your sort...I should have picked you, do-gooder society women who like to stand up for the underdog. You come around sobbing because you like to look noble to your posh friends...oh yes, it's all very fine until you get sick of it...or scared you're in too deep you might have to take some real chances, then you go scuttling back to your respectable houses and leave the poor charity case to go to hell...well you know what you can go do Mrs? You can go hang 'cause that's all you're leaving for me."* - George Royston to Jennifer Carson (32.30)

## Trivia

Prime Minister of the day, Stanley Melbourne Bruce was the first businessman to become prime minister, and this was reflected in his 'men, money and markets' approach to policy.