"To think there could be such fire between two people
and that a first kiss would be filled with such passion."
It's a story. I made it up.
"New Year fireworks paled to a shadow
beside the light that exploded inside me at his touch."
Just late-night purple prose in need of a rewrite.
It's not actually about me.
"To think Frank Hawden
could make my dewy petal shiver with such delight."
Where were you when this activity was taking place?
None of this is Helen's fault.
Uh, Augusta wanted to watch fireworks from the house.
Ah. So Sybylla was left to her own devices.
Well, I went back, but I only found Julius.
I've never been so shocked.
Where are you going?
You have risked everything, Sybylla.
- And for what? - It meant nothing.
Oh, don't be such a fool.
- May I have my journal back? - No, you may not.
Just get up.
Ugh.
Oh, there you both are.
- Thank you for having us. - Are you feeling better?
Oh, so much better. Apologies for last night. Much refreshed.
Tea?
Not this morning, thank you.
Quite right. It's barely touching the sides.
Ah-ah-ah!
Happy Federation Day. Is that what we're calling it now?
Isn't dawn the best part of the day?
I just had the most incredible walk outside in the garden,
and I am so glad I have you all here.
Because Harry and I have an announcement.
- Uh, perhaps not. - Don't be silly. It's good news.
You are, and always will be, a gentleman of the highest order,
and I adore you.
But as you know, I do not wish to marry you.
Uh, thank you, Blanche, for your honesty.
Good! Well, that's sorted.
Sorry, when was this decided?
Last night. But don't worry, Gussie. You are completely blameless.
It was all Sybylla.
Oh no.
You know exactly what you want in life.
You have a dream and a talent.
You made me realize I've been living in fear of what everyone thought.
There's absolutely no need.
Right.
What will you do?
I have no idea.
But whatever it is, it will be on my terms.
You should know that I was never in love with Harry.
Not like he is with you.
Well. Lovely to meet you all. That was the best party of my life.
And, uh…
Keep in touch.
Write me a story.
Mrs. Klein, could you please organize a carriage for me?
I wonder where I left my shoes…
Well, uh… Condolences, Harry.
I'm fine. Thank you, Mrs. Bossier.
Frank.
I need to talk to you.
Hal.
No.
Are you all right?
Are you?
I wasn't in my right mind last night, Gus.
The best of life is but intoxication.
I said a lot of things.
And they made perfect sense.
Yeah, it's like I opened Pandora's box, and now I don't know how to shut the lid.
Yes. And why should you?
Because right now I feel a bit confused.
You are a smart, brave woman.
With a very sore head.
- I have some laudanum somewhere. - Oh, no.
Mrs. Klein will know what to do. Wait there. Mrs. Klein!
I am extremely disappointed in you.
- I completely agree. - Good.
Well, it certainly doesn't look good for you.
If this were to come out,
the consequences for Sybylla would be catastrophic.
It could ruin her reputation.
It was wrong of me.
- And I apologize-- - There's no good apologizing to me.
If her father were here, I'd speak to him.
Then consider me his proxy.
Right.
I'll do whatever it takes to make amends.
Indeed.
Do we know what's going on here?
Oh, Sybylla's been caught out doing the bear with Frank Hawden.
- Helen! - Syb!
It's not like we wanted anyone to know.
- Then you need to not document everything. - That was my private journal.
That you left lying around.
You've given my mother the ammunition to force Frank Hawden's hand.
- Don't I get a choice? - You've run out of those.
This is about saving your family.
And your reputation.
While you still can.
You're really truth-telling this morning.
I don't recognize this Helen.
I do.
All of this, for one mad moment.
Let's just hope there's a proposal coming.
Charlie.
- Leave it. - Charlie, please, just give him this.
There's something I have to tell him. He'll do the right thing once he sees me.
Right thing?
What's that?
Oh no, bub.
Really?
- Fine. - Thank you.
I'm not keeping this from your sister.
- Keeping what from me? - Nothing.
I'll see you at the cart, sis.
Don't let her boss you around, Charlie, okay? Remember, you promised.
She got you taking a letter to that copper, eh?
He should know.
- That's none of your business. - Don't be like that, Nell.
I just wanna help.
Is this about Betty?
Or me asking you to come droving?
Both.
And I'm not going anywhere, so just stop asking.
There you are, Mother. Mind your head.
Are you all right?
This is not good.
Not good?
You don't have to do anything you don't want to.
I know.
- Gertie? - Syb!
You're here!
At Caddagat.
Oh!
But why?
I've been sent to work for the McSwats.
Work?
For them?
I'll be a governess. My wages will pay the interest on Papa's loan.
What is all this?
Papa sold Gertie.
They say governess, but it means servant.
That's enough, Sybylla.
You are very welcome here, my dear.
Come here, Gert. Give your uncle a hug.
Uncle Julius?
I certainly hope so.
No, you're all right. You're with family now.
You seem to be collecting grandchildren, Mother.
Here, Gertie.
But why are you here, Gertrude?
They wanted me to start right away, but I… I begged to see Sybylla first.
- Mr. McSwat's collecting me from Caddagat. - Go upstairs and wash your face, my dear.
- We have to save her, Granny. - Hm.
I'll leave that in your capable hands while you talk to Frank Hawden.
- Frank. - Come on.
Be in the drawing room in about an hour or so.
I look forward to it.
We need to talk.
When did you know?
That day when Everard left you.
Yeah.
I'm broken, Hels.
Oh, J.
I know right now it's so raw, but…
one day it'll feel like a dull ache.
Is that how it is for you?
Sounds dismal.
Hels…
Do you hate me now?
No.
No. No.
No.
No, my… darling brother.
I just wish you could have told me.
Yeah.
So do I.
J…
Last night, you weren't discreet.
I wasn't the only one there.
This is so much grander than I ever imagined.
It's a gilded cage.
What did Granny mean about Frank Hawden?
Oh, Gert, that is a long story.
Then start at the beginning, and don't skip a moment.
Come here.
It is so good to see you.
Attaboy.
- Jim. - Boss.
He's looking good.
Yeah. He's well balanced.
Uh, about last night…
I believe I may have said some things.
Things?
I think you know what I mean.
Yeah, we were all a bit drunk.
So I can trust you to keep it to yourself?
I think no man should have to defend anything he says after midnight.
So we're good.
I should get back to it.
Yeah, of course.
And thank you.
I'm sure you'll repay the favor.
I just mean you'd think of me when it might be time for me to step up.
To foreman.
How are you feeling?
Nervous.
Confused.
Trapped.
Frank Hawden is a solid solution.
Is that all there is for me?
Well, he sees your spirit.
Sybylla.
What are you still doing out here? He's waiting for you.
You look lovely.
It's maybe a bit bridal.
Granny chose it.
Syb, it's a shame it happened like this, but maybe it proves we're a good match.
- Everyone else seems to think so. - I think so.
I'm sorry Granny ambushed you.
True, I never expected her to be privy to our New Year's Eve shenanigans.
Frank.
I'm mortified.
Don't be.
Whatever brought us here, I have absolutely no regrets.
And your granny's right. I need to step up.
We both know my family want me to bring home a bride,
but I couldn't just marry anyone.
I think I was waiting for you.
We're like two sparks. We ignite one another.
Don't we have fun?
We do.
I'm not that bad, am I?
Frank.
Then let's do this, Syb.
We're already friends, and I know we could be more given time.
I would move to England?
- Right away, if you like. - I'd have to say goodbye to my parents.
Indeed. I know my mother.
She'll insist on hosting the wedding at home.
You have it all planned.
Hardly.
But I do have this.
Did your mother pack that for you?
She did, actually.
Come on, Syb.
What's stopping you?
Big day.
Indeed.
Marrying Frank Hawden.
For my sins.
Literally.
Don't think I wanna know about that.
Finally, someone who understands privacy.
They're all celebrating back at the house.
I heard them.
I would have been lost at Caddagat without you, Nell.
You've made this place feel different, that's for sure.
Do you mind if I stay out here for a bit?
Yeah.
Syb?
Do you love him?
He's a very good friend.
And if I marry him,
I'll be able to help Papa pay off his loans
and stop you going to the McSwats'.
Don't do it for us.
It's what I came here for, after all.
And Gert, it's also for the best.
And you love him?
I like him. Very much.
Sorry for all this.
Why are you sorry?
I'm indomitable.
- Morning. - Morning. Hm.
It appears Frank Hawden's leaving for England sooner than expected.
That's a shame.
He's taking Sybylla.
They're engaged, Hal.
Right.
That's that, then.
- Where are you going? - I have work to do.
They're having a party tomorrow, and we're invited.
Enjoy yourself.
You have to go.
There is nothing that will convince me to go to that party.
Except perhaps that a man never knows how to say goodbye.
- And a woman never knows when to say it. - It's too early for riddles, Gus.
I think you need to farewell Sybylla.
- How's he doing? - Yeah, he's tripping a bit this morning.
Ah. Perhaps he's a little long in the hoof.
Could you check his shoes?
Nell?
I hear Sybylla's going to England with Mr. Hawden.
Yes. Wonderful news, isn't it?
Thing is, I've lived here my whole life,
and I've worked for you as long as I can remember.
My father taught me everything I know, and…
I think I'd do a good job.
What is this, Nell?
I wanna be your foreman.
Well, fancy that.
Well, I'd have to think about it, of course.
But I like the idea. I really do.
Okay.
Here you are.
You never stop.
Well, horses don't groom themselves.
I was ungracious when you presented me the keys.
Agreed.
Well, I'd like to accept them, properly.
Thank you.
I'm ready to take over the farm.
With your help, obviously.
I'm staying at Caddagat.
- For good, this time. - Finally.
To have you here, building on our family's legacy,
perhaps building one of your own.
Well, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.
Well, it's quite a day.
You know, I've just had a conversation with Nell about the foreman's position.
- With Nell? - Yes.
Well, I have some thoughts on that too.
Helen.
Are those books ready for Julius?
Do you know, I don't even remember the last time I went to the stables?
Of course. You can't stand the smell.
Exactly.
Well, you no longer have to worry about that.
You're so right.
You know we have books in England.
What will I read on the boat?
I think of this as our room.
You looked so sad and pretty that first night.
That girl didn't have a clue.
There's something I have to say.
You know how much I enjoy your eccentricities.
- You mean the way I am? - Exactly.
And I don't want to change a thing about you, but my family…
They're old-fashioned.
They do live in a manor house in Somerset.
Yeah, and they don't like jokes.
At least, they don't understand mine.
I find it best not to try.
When we're alone, we can be ourselves, totally free,
but when we're with them, they'll have expectations.
Like what?
That you'll be exactly like them.
But you want me to be myself sometimes?
Definitely.
But mostly like them.
And my writing?
Oh, you can definitely do that.
Though, best to keep any further writing about fireworks between us.
You read my journal?
I read your New Year's Eve entry.
Twice, actually.
You have it?
Yes.
Your grandmother gave it--
You talk to me about freedom. You are treating me like your property.
You have to start trusting me, Syb.
We're in this together. I promise you.
Good.
I knew you'd understand the…
complexities.
Oh.
Yes, it's lovely.
- She looks lovely. - Doesn't she just?
You look incredible.
Ah! Sybylla. Frank. What delightful news. Mm?
- Could I get you a drink? - Yes, please.
Are you happy?
I am.
Then I'm pleased for you.
But what a day it will be
when a woman doesn't need a man for protection.
Only herself.
Hello!
- Hello. - Good to see you.
Yes, I know…
You took your time.
- Did you get my note? - This is the first chance I had.
Betty, I have news.
I have something to tell you too.
Jack, I'm pregnant.
We still have time. You know, it's still early days.
- Time? - For our wedding.
A lot of people do it. My parents did. They were really happy.
I promise I'll look after you, Betty.
And the baby.
What does that mean?
That's what I was trying to tell you.
I've had a promotion. I'm leaving Gool Gool.
I could come with you.
You know that can't happen.
Why?
I'm a policeman.
They'd take everything away from me. We'd have nothing.
I'll come and see you whenever I can.
I'll send money every month, I promise.
Yeah.
You will. For our child.
But if you won't stand beside me proud,
I don't want anything to do with you.
- Betty, that-- - No.
You got what you wanted.
We're happy.
Cheers!
Exactly.
It's a celebration.
I appreciate that you came.
When do you leave?
Soon.
Open it after I've gone.
Thank you. Thank you all very much for coming.
Now, if, um, I may have your attention for just a few moments.
I came to this country friendless,
and now I'm leaving as part of this family.
- Hear! Hear! - Hear! Hear!
And that's all because of this woman.
Syb.
I could never have dreamt of finding an original like you.
Oh!
To Sybylla and Frank.
Sybylla and Frank.
- Sybylla and Frank. - Wonderful.
- Congratulations. - Bravo.
- This is wonderful. - Congratulations.
- Have another drink. - I will.
- Thank you. - Can I get you anything?
Get some… Let's have some cake.
Yes, we can make that happen.
- Get out of my room. - It's not yours. It's the foreman's.
Yes, and that's me.
Oh, Nell, you actually believe that.
Maybe chat to the Bossiers. They offered me the job this morning.
You're lying.
I expect your stuff out of my room by tomorrow.
What do we do with your hair? I'm not sure.
- Yes? - Nell's outside. She's not happy.
What's wrong with Nell?
- Nell? - Come on. Right, well, let's go.
Stay here.
Nell.
Is Jim the foreman now?
You will always have a job here.
- But Mr. Bossier is in charge now. - But you said--
Uh-uh. I said I'd think about it.
Then why let me believe I had a chance?
Of course you did. Because of your father.
But I'm not my father, am I?
I'm not white. I'm not a man.
- I'm me. - That is enough.
Yeah?
Because I'm done. I'm leaving.
If you let them send you to England, they'll be deciding your worth, Sybylla.
Not you.
Betty, come on.
- Nell! - Nah!
That's a shame. And very short-sighted.
Come on, let's go inside.
I'll be in soon.
"To Harry on his 12th birthday."
"Enjoy the adventure, my lad."
"Dad."
"It is not down in any map."
"True places never are."
I was never more true than in the moments I spent with you.
Goodbye.
Harry.
You write to me about true places?
My true place is my mind, Harry.
It is the only thing that has ever been truly mine.
And now all it can think about is you!
Which is so annoyingly distracting!
And it's clearly ridiculous
because I am marrying Frank Hawden, and that is that.
No, you stay right where you are.
I have come to tell you that I will never see you again.
So don't give me any more books!
So, you left your own party, rode for over an hour,
to come here and tell me you'll never see me again.
Decidedly, yes.
You think this a joke?
This is my life!
Then why are you wasting it on Frank Hawden?
You don't love him.
What if I do?
Then you're lying.
You lied to me about Blanche.
You know I was never in love with Blanche.
I am completely wrong for you.
You…
are the only one for me, Syb.
The way you write
is exactly how I see the world.
You say the things I have in my head but I would never say out loud.
We belong together.
Here.
I love you, Sybylla.
Take it back.
No.
If you don't love me,
I promise I'll let you go.
Of course I love you, Harry Beecham.
Marry me?
Yes.
What are you doing out here?
My fiancée ran away from her own engagement party.
Pfft.
She sounds awful.
It's Beecham, isn't it?
We had fun, didn't we?
The most.
Yeah.
Say goodbye to the Bossiers for me?
- You're leaving? - Yeah, first thing.
There's nothing for me here.
What will you tell your parents?
Honestly…
I have no clue.
You will find the right person for this.
I do love you, Syb.
So long, mucker.
Gus.
I have news.
I've asked Sybylla to marry me.
And she said yes.
You are so like Yufang.
Mother.
How so?
She always put love before everything.
So you think she'd be happy for us then?
What is it, Gus?
You need to read this.
Why all this bother, bub?
We need the money, Mum.
Why?
The baby.
The baby doesn't care if you're the foreman or not.
Yeah. Well, I deserved that job. I'm the best horse trainer they have.
It doesn't matter.
You've got to stop trying to run their race.
So what do I do? I'm responsible for her.
Do you think she thinks that?
I don't.
See?
She has her own path.
And you've got yours.
Charlie asked me to go droving.
It's pretty hard on him.
He's a good man.
And if he knows you, he'll be waiting.
What, do you want me to leave?
You are full of fire, my girl.
And you've got a gift.
If they don't want that at Caddagat, then you go and take it somewhere else.
But I don't want to leave you.
You'll always come home.
You've got no choice in that.
- And Betty? - I'll be fine, Nell.
I've got a job.
I'm gonna have my baby. and I'm going to tell them
they were born out of love.
Even if Daddy is a coward.
You'd be telling him the truth.
Him?
No, this one's a girl. I can feel it.
You two coming up here or what?
Come.
Mm.
He's coming.
I know it.
Harry?
What's happened?
I thought I could keep it all together, but…
the bank's refused me.
What do you mean?
The drought in Queensland. It's made Whyambeet worthless.
Can't sell it. Can't borrow against it.
They're gonna repossess Five Bob.
No.
I've lost everything, Syb.
Harry, I have been poor before.
And I'll be poor again. I don't care.
I do.
Augusta still has her place in the city.
I'm gonna head out droving with Charlie.
You're leaving?
Don't you see?
I'm worthless.
I can't marry you, Syb. I won't do that to you.
Harry.
- I'm so sorry. - Harry! Harry!
Hup!
What happened? What… Why is he leaving?
Harry!
I'll wait.
I can't ask you to do that.
When have I ever done what someone else asked?
It could be years.
Then it's years.
The bank's claimed Five Bob.
It's all gone. We're not getting married.
- Gertie should stay here. - Syb, no.
I'll go to the McSwats' instead.
Don't do this.
It's time I had a new adventure.
Hiding out inside my head
It's me again
It's no surprise I'm on my own
My own