I've been thinking,
and I'm going to move the gray mare in with the brumby again.
After all, it was her bloodline that produced Beau.
- And we need to let it… - …flourish.
This has nothing to do with Mrs. Klein's silly prediction.
- The post, Mrs. Bossier. - Oh, thank you, Betty.
Oh, Sybylla.
- There's post for you from The Bulletin. - Yes.
- May I be excused? - Yes, yes, yes.
Sorry, Betty!
I don't know how many more
sad breakfast faces I can bear.
She'll bounce back.
Look!
A letter from Julius.
- He remembers we're alive after all. - Don't be petty, Helen.
Did you know Julius knew Everard Grey?
- The governor? - That's Edward Grey.
This is his nephew.
Julius says that they met in London.
- And they're traveling back together. - Nice for some.
Apparently he's told him about my breeding program,
and Everard might be interested in buying the colt.
Well, well, he's a smart man.
Grey. Is that the same family who owns the bank?
Yes.
And a very large cattle station in New South Wales.
Perhaps we found our match.
For your colt and Sybylla.
Yes, well, they do both deserve to find the right person.
This letter was written two months ago.
I know. It's arrived quite quickly.
- It says they're due today. - Today, today?
- Today. - Today!
Betty!
But if you see me there
Oh, don't be so scared
From that day…
I'm just here to say that life is…
No, no.
No!
No.
What's all this?
"Dear Miss Melvyn,
we regret to inform you
that we won't be publishing your story at this time."
"Despite having some clarity of expression…"
They mean for a girl.
"…the editors feel that your story lacks veracity."
Nell, if my story had a man's name on it, they would never question my expertise.
What did they think of Cora?
"It seems unlikely that a woman can possess so many skills"?
Idiots.
- Nell! - Does that mean you're not getting paid?
Correct.
- Nellie! - What are you gonna you do?
- What do you do when you fall off a horse? - Never have.
You get right back up.
- Why didn't you answer? - I heard you coming.
Your uncle is coming back,
and he's bringing a friend to set you up with.
- How do you know? - I listen.
And he might buy that ugly fella.
- I need more time. - Me too.
You've got none.
He's coming today, and they want you back at the house.
This is a hurdle. It's not a finish line.
Wait! Syb!
So, we'll have roast lamb tonight with your special mint sauce,
followed by trifle.
Julius prefers my custard apples.
I have never heard him say that.
He goes on about Mrs. O'Brien's custard apples, Mother.
We'll have apples tonight, trifles tomorrow.
And when you are done here, check the bedrooms.
Mrs. O'Brien, please.
Did you do all this before I arrived?
- So what's Julius like? - Uh…
He's fun.
Mother's favorite, clearly.
Even though he never stays at Caddagat long enough to take it off her hands.
She should give it to you. You do all the work.
Sons inherit.
Men get everything.
Syb.
Did something happen at Five Bob?
Why do you ask?
Well, that cushion's taking a beating.
Also, you've been a bit off since you got back.
Harry lied to me.
If omission's a lie, and I think we can all agree it is.
He's engaged.
Really?
To whom?
Her name's Blanche.
Blanche who?
They haven't made the announcement, but Augusta says it'll be any day now.
I'm so sorry.
Did you have feelings?
Why do you say that?
Well, otherwise, why would you care?
We will find someone to match your spirit.
He just has to be a good man.
How can you tell?
That's why I'm here.
Does anyone in this house still read the post?
Helen!
Mother!
Anyone home?
There she is.
Hells Bells!
- Ah! - You can put me down. Put me down!
- Did you miss me? - It's been quieter without you.
Then I've arrived just in time to save you from Mother.
Promises, promises.
- Nellie, hey! - Julius!
- Great to see you! - Hey.
Julius.
Oh!
- The Queen of Caddagat. - Don't be silly, Julius.
- My darling. - Aw.
Ev! What are you doing back there?
- Come and meet the family. - Yep.
Mrs. Bossier.
Everard Grey.
Oh.
These are just chocolates, but they are from Paris.
J'adore French chocolates.
Ladies.
Welcome to Caddagat, Mr. Grey.
Please, call me Everard.
And who is this?
Do you read our letters? It's Sybylla.
Lucy's girl.
Sybylla.
Well, what a surprise.
Wow.
Now I'm looking at you,
I can see a lot of Lucy hiding away behind those eyes.
What is that? Some mischief?
It's mostly concealed fury.
So much of Lucy. Where is she? Is she here?
No, just Sybylla.
Let's go inside. You must take us as we come, Everard.
You're in the country now.
It's good to be home.
Absolutely delicious, Mrs. O'Brien.
I've been dreaming of your lamb roast for months.
Well, you can't trust those Italians.
I couldn't agree more.
There's an ambush of garlic in every meal.
- Why's he so loud? - Never in my kitchen.
That's a tremendous comfort to me.
- Julius, stop shouting. - Stop!
Ah. I grew up in a barn.
That's why the opera's wasted on you.
- Opera wasted on me? - Yes.
No. My travels have changed me, Helen.
- I-- - I adore opera.
- No. - I do.
- What? - In fact…
Oh no.
- Stop. - It's come over me.
Julius!
Rupture a lung.
I miss the theater in London.
You like the theater?
Always underestimating me.
I've just invested in a new theater in Sydney.
- Really? - Mmm.
It's called the Alhambra. It's very grand.
We'll stage operas for Julius.
And Australian plays.
Australian storytelling.
Exactly. Our stories on the stage.
And people will pay for that?
I hope they'll come in droves.
Perhaps even you'll want to come to my place, Mrs. B.
- "Mrs. B"? - We'll see.
I'm still not convinced the theater is a respectable place for me.
It's a new century. Times are changing, Mother.
- In fact, would you play us a ragtime, Ev? - Oh.
- Please. - Please?
May I?
Why not? Why not?
Twist my arm.
- You'll love this. - Really?
- It's popping up over Europe. - I hope the piano's in tune.
Julius!
Yes!
Isn't it wonderful?
Please.
- Come on, you wave your arms around. - I don't know.
You go sideways.
Shall we?
What?
- Mother. - Oh no.
Mother, please. How can you resist?
Come on.
- He's on his knees. - No.
No, no.
- Mother. - You seem happier this evening.
- Show me again. - I've decided to rise above rejection.
Might I steal this dance?
Take her from me.
- Something to show you. - Take her.
Something like…
You can't escape me. Come on.
Old school. Let's do old school.
- That's not a real dance, Uncle J. - This is how it goes, Syb.
This is.
- Whoa! - Whoa!
Imagine having an entire theater hanging off your every word.
Intoxicating.
I'm Sybylla Melvyn.
Welcome to the Alhambra.
If you're gonna dream, make yourself useful.
So you like this Edward now?
Everard.
And I like the sound of his theater.
Hey, Nell.
Charlie.
Morning, miss.
I wasn't expecting to see you today.
Clearly.
Are you decent?
Not yet.
You don't have to wait, Harry.
I want to.
Decent.
I like what you've done with your hair.
Glad to see that you and Charlie made it out alive from Empire Day.
Yeah. Sergeant Baker sorted that out a few weeks ago.
Indeed.
Could you tell your aunt
that The Bulletin rejected my story?
Syb, I'm so sorry.
Why?
Doesn't matter.
I'm learning to live with rejection.
This is Beau.
He has a nice sloping shoulder.
Good length of rein.
Ah. Excellently sound.
And most importantly,
a kind eye.
Harry Beecham.
I wondered if I might see you.
Everard.
Hal!
- Julius. - Great to see you.
- You two know one another? - Hardly.
I know Harry through Blanche Derrick.
How is she?
Terrific, as far as I know.
She's the catch of the season.
But her heart is set on this one.
Mrs. Bossier, we're here to see your colt.
Absolutely. Here he is.
Yup.
Well, he, um, is certainly a handsome fellow.
I think it's no exaggeration to say,
we're looking at the future of the Australian stock horse.
He's certainly solid.
A better word is "hardy."
He's also resilient, and he's brave.
Sybylla, we don't need a thesaurus.
How does he take to new commands?
Smart as.
He's got more heart than any horse I've trained.
Nell's dad was the most talented horseman I ever met.
Sadly passed. A good man.
Indeed.
We'll be very sad to see him go, but he is well worth the price.
Buy him, Ev.
Uh, Theodore Hardwicke does like his thoroughbreds.
- He's my father's agent. - I know Theodore.
He used to work for my husband.
Oh, so you know his taste.
- Indeed. - Let's do a stockman's challenge.
We'll get Nell on the colt
against Jim on Caddagat's best thoroughbred.
Yeah, I'm up for it.
Give us your best, Jimmy.
Is that you, Sybylla?
Everyone is out there taking credit for Nell's work,
and you're keeping the farm afloat.
- Please don't start. - A man would be telling the whole world.
That's all I'm saying.
There's a letter here from your sister.
Let's hope things are better at Possum Gully.
- "Dearest Syb, there's no point…" - There's no point sugarcoating it.
Papa's been reckless again.
I told you I was seeing McSwat.
To work out a payment plan, not to borrow more.
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
Well, I suppose it's better than selling off your daughter.
- Keep it down! - I know you feel foolish about Harry.
I promise I won't tell anyone about what happened at Five Bob.
You're a special person, Syb,
and I'm desperate for you to find a love match.
Don't be like that, Lucy.
But perhaps don't take too long.
Come on.
- Come and take a seat. - Honestly. I haven't had a cup of tea yet.
But this will definitely make you happy.
Sit.
I have a plan
to get Everard Grey to notice me.
Oh. Now you have my attention.
Imagine a small private stage, a select audience of family and friends,
the lighting is beautiful,
and I step up.
Everard sees me in a setting that he loves so much, the theater.
- And then I begin to recite. - Oh no.
- No, wait! - No, no.
Wait!
Please sit down.
I'm a different person now.
I would never embarrass you like that again.
This will be the perfect surprise.
Sybylla.
Why can't you just wear a lovely dress and a charming smile?
Everard is a particular man.
If he'd been looking for someone like every other girl,
he would be married by now.
When is this surprise spectacle supposed to happen?
The evening after you get a huge prize for Beau,
because Nell is gonna win that stockman's challenge.
That is true.
I suppose there's no point in pretending
to be someone you're not.
But, Sybylla,
I swear--
I couldn't be more in earnest.
I promise.
You approve?
Now may I have my breakfast?
He's giving me the evil eye.
Don't look, then.
Where are my girls?
Mum! Oh, where did you come from?
A little birdie told me there's a stockman's challenge this week.
Mum!
Get out from there, you.
Oh! I can't believe you're here.
I thought you might want this.
Dad's watch, Nell.
For luck.
He's always with you, bub.
What?
Every time I do something good, they always talk about Dad like he did it.
He did teach you.
Yeah, but he's not here though.
But he'd tell you, just the same as me.
"Just show 'em what you can do, bub."
Oh, look out!
Hey, Charlie.
Hey, Betty.
What's this then?
Good to see you.
Good to see you too.
Mum, this is Charlie.
He works at Five Bob.
Not sure why he's shown up out of the blue.
- Oh, I can go if you don't want any help. - I don't remember asking for any.
- Where are you from, Charlie boy? - Up Queensland way.
Who you mob?
Don't know, Auntie.
Been working for the Beechams as long as I can remember.
He's a drover, Mum.
- Droving man? - Yeah. That's right.
Well, you keep asking those old people on your travels.
You'll find your family.
Right, well, uh, I've got work to do.
If you want to be helpful, I need a barrel to practice my turns.
Oh. I'm the barrel now?
Gee. She's a tough one, isn't she?
- He's the one from Empire Day. - That explains it.
"Dear Gert."
"Our parents are living proof
that love is unreliable."
"I'll play Granny's game long enough to prove to Everard
that I should write for his theater without the need of a marriage contract."
"I will get us out of this mess. I promise."
Here you are. How are your building skills?
Why?
Because it'll give you an actual job for a change.
That's rather rude.
Hm. I was trying for a joke.
To cover my personal distaste about having to ask anyone for a favor.
You need a favor from me?
Yes.
Hm.
Shall we?
Back when we were both small
I will show you
The dire…
Gosh, Sybylla!
Have you ever…
I will show you
Before it felt like a sin
No.
Before it felt like a sin
Felt like a sin
Before it felt like a sin
There's nothing for me
You know the world is small
But how he touched me
For that I feel before
Back in the city
Cold eyes and lips are dust
So turn and face me
Turn to the altar of lust
Pray for me, all for me
Before it felt like a sin
There was movement at the station
Because a girl had come to… town
No. Because the word had got around
Yes, that's it.
Scans so much better.
Hm. What rhymes with "suffragist"?
"Percussionist."
Uh, I might change that.
Her blood, it ran with ink
No.
It runs with deep blue ink
Her pen was sharp, but her pain was felt
Her pain was real
- His lies ran-- - Sybylla.
Harry.
I'm here to see Everard.
I'll leave you to it.
You shouldn't have heard about Blanche that way.
You're engaged,
and I'm very happy for you.
I am, but it's complicated.
Is that what Blanche would say?
Beecham.
Right on time.
Everard. How are you?
Good to see you.
It's just to tide me over until the shearing's done.
Yeah.
Well, I don't see any issues.
Short-term loan for a family like yours is something we do all the time.
That's a relief.
It's five o'clock somewhere.
Now, I feel I put my foot in it the other day.
About Blanche.
Ah. No, it's fine.
Okay.
There is an understanding between you, then.
I suppose.
That came out wrong.
It's just that I'm trying to do the right thing by everyone
and failing them all.
You're an honorable man, Beecham.
It's plain as day.
Sure.
But what's more important?
Love or honor?
Good question.
For me,
love trumps honor, every time.
Do whatever it takes to hold on to love, I say.
What if you've made a promise?
Made to be broken.
Yeah.
About this business, uh,
I'd appreciate it if we could keep it between us.
Oh, naturally. Cheers.
Here.
Still not fast enough.
- You'll have more on him on the day. - Yeah, hope so.
Something to say?
Feels like you've got something else to prove.
More than just a sale.
Yeah?
I wanna be foreman.
I've never said that out loud before.
Hm.
Well, I'd give you the job.
For you.
Thank you.
Here.
So, when are you going droving next?
Why? Are you gonna miss me?
No.
Next week.
And I'll miss you.
Nell Kirby.
Yah!
Nell.
Staying out here again?
Got something to say about it, Jim?
Nah.
Get some sleep. You'll need it all for tomorrow.
Yes, I like the look of that thoroughbred.
This fellow has a nice…
…brumbies were working to the breeding program?
If Harry doesn't buy them all first.
What do you think, Harry?
Well, Whyambeet is always in need of good stock…
You see, Everard, I can't abide lateness.
Well, he's normally punctual.
Do you think he's actually coming?
Ah. Here he comes now.
Mrs. Bossier.
Apologies. My horse threw a shoe.
Just in time, Mr. Hardwicke. We were about to start without you.
It's good to see you.
So…
Let's do it.
You know the rules.
Once around the course, then the brumby catch.
Quickest team wins.
Heads, you go first, Jim.
Tails, then it's you Nell.
Here we go.
Go, Jim!
Go, go, Jimmy!
Release the brumby!
You've still got time.
- He missed! - Aw, Jim!
Yes, Jim!
- Three minutes and twenty seconds. - Very good!
Good work.
You're up, Nell.
People asked me why I never find A place to stop and settle
Down, down, down
- Yah! - Hey, hey!
But I never wanted all those things
People need To justify their lives, lives, lives
- Go, Nell! - Come on, Nellie!
Release the brumby!
Born to be alive
- Yah! - It's good to be alive…
Yes.
It's good to be alive
- Come on, Nell! - Time!
Three minutes and…
Three seconds! Nell's the winner!
Bravo! Bravo!
- Yes! - Nice!
- Yes! - Well done, Nell!
Yay!
Well, gentlemen, let the bidding… begin.
£200.
220.
240.
260.
£400!
- Congratulations, Mr. Hardwicke. - Thank you.
And to you, Mother.
I knew we'd win.
Well, I'm sorry I missed it.
No, you're not. But I forgive you.
Helen's not interested in horses.
That is not true.
But she loves selling them.
And celebrating them.
We're keen to celebrate this.
Like baby magpies.
So how long has it been, Mr. Hardwicke?
Well, it'd have to be ten years.
Since you left me for another stable.
Hm.
I far preferred working for you, Winifred.
You know me.
- Shall we cheers? - I think so.
- Why don't you take a seat, Helen? - At sunset, yes?
I know about the lanterns.
You can trust me, Syb.
You happy? Little brother.
I'll take some.
Sybylla.
- Hm? - Augusta.
- This is quite the outfit. - I would never miss a horse event.
But you weren't there.
Well, I kept Helen company. She's an inside person.
More importantly,
I was desperately sorry to hear your news about The Bulletin.
Yes, well, I'm learning to deal with unpleasant news.
Are we good?
Of course.
You are by far the most interesting person I know
in the whole district.
As you are to me.
Now what's all this new mischief, hm?
You'll see.
Ah!
- Julius, as I live and breathe. Hello! - Ah!
Okay, everyone, gather yourselves. Grab a lantern.
Next up is something from Sybylla.
- This way, please! - What's happening?
I have no idea. But I do know it's this way.
Things perked up since I've been gone.
To be fair, only since your niece arrived.
Did your bank look at the books?
They did.
And I'm very sorry, Beecham, but they're worried you're overextended.
All those new farms.
You don't have control over any of them.
That's because the intention is
they'll all buy them back from me when they can.
Exactly.
But… uh, when?
Look, if it were up to me, I would… I would say yes.
But I'm just the messenger.
Here, try this lot.
They're less cautious than my father, but reputable.
Okay.
Sorry.
Welcome.
The Girl from Possum Gully.
With apologies to Banjo Paterson.
There was movement at the station
For the word had got around
That the girl from Possum Gully Had come to stay
But the Englishman cried
"There's not a penny to rub together Let alone a pound"
No.
So all the tried and noted suitors
From stations near and far
They came to woo
They rode there overnight
But the girl from Possum Gully
Set a high bar
And knocked them back Wham, bang
- With such delight - Syb!
To Three Shilling station she was sent
- Let the suffragist have a go - Oh, that's me.
- But Henry of the Undertow - Oh!
He wasn't pleased
He never said more than two words
When lies would do
And that girl talked
- Above or under water with ease - Oh, that's true.
A secret shared is a secret lost
And one day his story did unfold
And her blood
It ran with deep blue ink The danger now was clear
Her pen was sharp
Her words were cold
But the pain was real
And true as sunset pink
And so the girl from Possum Gully
Is a household name today
Perhaps she's raw and a little uncouth
And some will say her poem's too long
Is that right, Mr. Grey?
But where her heart's concerned
She will always live her truth
- Bravo! - Brava!
Bravo!
Marvelous, Sybylla!
- Marvelous. - Very witty, Sybylla.
Definite improvement on the original.
Good enough for the Alhambra?
I… I don't see why not.
I have more poems I could show you, and I could write for other performers.
It doesn't have to be me.
I work hard, and I write fast.
Then let's find a moment to talk later.
Yes?
In private.
I might have a proposition that could change both of our futures.
What did he say?
He wants to talk later.
- In private. - Shall we head back to the house?
I never thought I'd say this, but well done, Sybylla.
Now, Julius, that is an excellent idea.
Come on, then. Drinks back at the house.
Psst!
What are you…?
Where have you been? I haven't seen you in weeks.
Do you want Gool Gool to become lawless?
- Just so I can see you? - I'm busy too!
Why do we have to sneak around? I wanna tell people about us.
Betty, all I want
is to tell the whole world how I feel about you.
- Yeah, really? So why don't you? - And…
I need to tell my family first.
I wanna do it properly.
I just want them to know you.
'Cause I'm mad about you.
You must know that.
Ah.
Syb! Ah!
We're just off for a breath of fresh air.
You were… you were amazing tonight, Sybylla.
You're a marvel.
You really owned that stage.
A new star is born.
- So what's this big proposal? - You'll love it.
I just need to sell it to your…
Are you mad?
The opposite. This could be the perfect solution.
No.
I asked you to come to Caddagat
so you'd understand how I feel about this place.
Not so you'd… do this.
Yeah, and I see it now.
You're a farmer, J. It's in your blood.
But I can't live here.
I know!
Sybylla's a hoot, and this way you can come visit me whenever,
and no one will ask any questions.
- What, you really want to marry her? - Of course not.
Not like that.
She's gagging to get out.
- The desperation's dripping off of her. - Steady on.
- This is my niece. - Exactly.
Any girl would be boots and all with your mother and sister.
But she's different. Right?
She's different.
This is the perfect solution.
For us.
Well done, Syb.
You pulled it off.
It was rather good.
Mm.
That's a muted response, not your usual form.
Frank.
Have you ever known an instance, where…
two men might wanna…
kiss one another?
Um…
That.
Well…
Yes. Mm.
Can it mean anything other than love?
Prison.
Not saying I agree with the law.
I think if you're willing to risk everything, it must be real.
Real but secret.
Yes.
That's the world we live in.
Is it someone we know?
'Course not.
I'm plotting my next story.
Sounds a bit too scandalous for publication.
Yes.
I think I need a new idea.
"Love that lives in the shadows."
How sad.
Sybylla?
Hi.
Can I talk to you for a moment, please?
Sure.
Ah. Take a seat, sorry. Uh…
Okay, when I came to Caddagat,
the last thing that I expected to find was…
…was love.
I was quite surprised myself.
I can't hold it in anymore.
You've completely captivated me.
I've been thinking about life without you, and I can't leave without asking…
for you to marry me.
But you don't even know what I want.
Oh…
What is it? I'll give you anything.
I wanna look after my family.
And I want to write.
I want to earn my own money.
- And work in your theater. - Of course.
Of course. You'll be the face of the Alhambra.
All of Sydney society will be at your feet.
As my wife.
I thought the looks that you've been giving me,
your poem…
It was a sample of my work.
Ah…
I never actually thought that you'd wanna marry me.
I played a game.
But I saw you kissing my uncle.
And I know that you're in love with him.
You idiot.
No, I care so much for both of you.
- That's a-- - Shut up, you stupid girl.
Do you know the damage you could do with these accusations?
I…
It could have been perfect. Your little independence dream.
Our cover. But you've ruined everything.
I would never tell anyone.
You'd better not.
Bye.
Goodbye, Sybylla.
Everard, wait.
Ev!
- Oh no! - What's going on?
Why do you have your bag?
I'm so sorry.
Ev. Ev, what's happening?
Please call your man. I need to leave right away.
- Leave? Why? What's happening? - There is nothing to discuss.
- What? This… Talk to me. - There's…
Hey, talk to me.
There is nothing to discuss! I am done with you and your family!
Done with my family? What are you talking about?
- Everard's leaving? - What, what are you…? I mean…
- I have never been so humiliated. - Calm down.
Stay. You're acting like a child.
I've never seen Julius so upset.
It's over. Just accept it.
What are they talking about?
Such a cruel game
But it's not over yet
I turned him down.
He asked me to marry him, and I said no.
You turned down Everard Grey?
I'm sorry.
So am I.
It's over between my head and my heart
This is very bad, Sybylla.
What happens now
What happens when
The light starts to flip
The light starts to dim