My Brilliant Career (2026) s01e03 Episode Script

[soft, wistful music playing]
[Bossier] 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…
-[Helen] …flourish.
[laughs] This has nothing to do
with Mrs. Klein's silly prediction.
-[Betty] 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.
[Sybylla] Sorry, Betty!
[Bossier] I don't know how many more
sad breakfast faces I can bear.
[Helen] She'll bounce back.
[Bossier] 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.
[Bossier] 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… ♪
[birds calling]
[Beau huffs]
I'm just here to say that life is… ♪
[Sybylla] No, no.
No!
No.
-What's all this?
-[sighs]
"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.
-[Betty] Nell!
-Does that mean you're not getting paid?
Correct.
-[Betty] 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.
[sighs] 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.
-[Beau grunts]
-[gasps]
[whimsical music playing]
[Betty] Wait! Syb!
So, we'll have roast lamb tonight
with your special mint sauce,
followed by trifle.
[woman] 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.
[Sybylla] 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.
[Helen] 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.
[gentle music playing]
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.
[man] Does anyone in this house
still read the post?
Helen!
Mother!
Anyone home?
[laughing]
There she is.
Hells Bells! [exclaims]
-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.
-[both laugh]
-Nellie, hey!
-Julius!
-Great to see you!
-Hey.
[Bossier] Julius.
[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.
-[both chuckle]
These are just chocolates,
but they are from Paris.
J'adore French chocolates.
[Helen giggles]
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.
[Julius] Sybylla.
[chuckling] 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.
-[laughs]
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.
[Julius chuckles]
[scoffs]
[Julius] It's good to be home.
Absolutely delicious, Mrs. O'Brien.
I've been dreaming of your lamb roast
for months.
[O'Brien] Well, you can't trust
those Italians.
[Julius] I couldn't agree more.
There's an ambush of garlic in every meal.
-[Frank] Why's he so loud?
-[O'Brien] Never in my kitchen.
That's a tremendous comfort to me.
-Julius, stop shouting.
-[Frank] Stop!
Ah. I grew up in a barn.
[Helen] That's why
the opera's wasted on you.
-Opera wasted on me?
-[Helen] Yes.
No. My travels have changed me, Helen.
-[Helen] I--
-[Julius] I adore opera.
-[Helen] No.
-I do.
-[Helen] What?
-In fact… [singing]
Oh no.
-Stop.
-It's come over me. [singing]
Julius!
[laughs]
[Frank] 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?
-[Ev] Mmm.
It's called the Alhambra. It's very grand.
We'll stage operas for Julius.
[Julius laughs]
And Australian plays.
Australian storytelling.
Exactly. Our stories on the stage.
[Sybylla] And people will pay for that?
[Ev] 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?
[Ev] Twist my arm.
-You'll love this.
-[Helen] Really?
-It's popping up over Europe.
-I hope the piano's in tune.
[playing upbeat ragtime tune]
[group laughing]
Julius!
Yes!
Isn't it wonderful?
[Julius] Please.
-Come on, you wave your arms around.
-[Helen] I don't know.
[Julius] You go sideways. [laughs]
[Frank] Shall we?
[Helen] What?
-Mother.
-[Julius] Oh no.
Mother, please. How can you resist?
Come on.
-He's on his knees.
-No.
[Bossier] 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!
[jolly music cuts out]
Imagine having an entire theater
hanging off your every word.
Intoxicating.
I'm Sybylla Melvyn.
Welcome to the Alhambra.
[groans]
If you're gonna dream,
make yourself useful.
So you like this Edward now?
Everard.
And I like the sound of his theater.
[Charlie] Hey, Nell.
Charlie.
Morning, miss.
I wasn't expecting to see you today.
[Harry] 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.
[Julius] Hal!
-Julius.
-Great to see you.
-You two know one another?
-[Ev] 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.
[Julius chuckles]
Well, he, um,
is certainly a handsome fellow.
[Bossier] 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.
[Ev] How does he take to new commands?
[Nell] 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.
[coughs] Buy him, Ev.
[chuckles] 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.
[both chuckle]
[Helen] 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.
[Richard] I told you I was seeing McSwat.
To work out a payment plan,
not to borrow more.
[Richard] Sometimes you have
to spend money to make money.
[Lucy] Well, I suppose it's better
than selling off your daughter.
-[Richard] 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.
-[glass shatters]
-[Richard] Don't be like that, Lucy.
But perhaps don't take too long.
[solemn music playing]
Come on.
-Come and take a seat.
-Honestly. I haven't had a cup of tea yet.
-But this will definitely make you happy.
-[sighs]
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.
[sighs]
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?
[spirited music playing]
-[giggles]
-Walk! Walk!
He's giving me the evil eye.
Don't look, then.
-[huffs]
-No, no, I'm out.
[woman] 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.
-[chuckles warmly]
I thought you might want this.
[Betty] 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. [chuckles]
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.
[under breath] What's this then?
[Betty] Good to see you.
Good to see you too.
[gentle music playing]
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.
[mother clears throat]
-Where are you from, Charlie boy?
-Up Queensland way.
Who you mob?
[sighs]
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?
-[Betty] He's the one from Empire Day.
-[mother] That explains it.
[Beau huffs]
[Sybylla] "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?
["Sinner"
by The Last Dinner Party playing]
Back when we were both small ♪
I will show you ♪
The dire… ♪
[Ev] Gosh, Sybylla!
-Have you ever…
-[laughs]
[indistinct chatter]
I will show you ♪
Before it felt like a sin ♪
[both groan]
No.
Before it felt like a sin ♪
[group laughing]
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 ♪
-[laughing]
Pray for me, all for me ♪
Pray for me, all for me ♪
Pray for me, all for me ♪
Before it felt like a sin♪
[rebellious pop song ends]
[Sybylla] There was movement
at the station
Because a girl had come to… town
[hesitates] 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.
[light, somber music playing]
You're engaged,
and I'm very happy for you.
I am, but it's complicated.
Is that what Blanche would say?
[Ev] Beecham.
Right on time.
[sighs]
Everard. How are you?
Good to see you.
It's just to tide me over
until the shearing's done.
[softly] Yeah.
Well, I don't see any issues.
Short-term loan for a family like yours
is something we do all the time.
[sighs]
That's a relief.
It's five o'clock somewhere.
[scoffs]
[scoffs]
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. [sighs]
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.
[both chuckle]
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.
[Charlie] Hm.
Well, I'd give you the job.
[chuckles]
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.
[chuckles]
Yah!
[shouts]
Yah!
-[bright, dreamy music playing]
-[both shouting]
[Charlie shouts, laughs]
[Nell exclaims]
[Beau neighs]
[Jim] Nell.
Staying out here again?
Got something to say about it, Jim?
Nah.
Get some sleep.
You'll need it all for tomorrow.
[sighs]
[expectant music rises]
[horses neighing]
[agent] Yes, I like the look
of that thoroughbred.
[rider] This fellow has a nice…
[Julius] …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.
-[chuckles]
Just in time, Mr. Hardwicke.
We were about to start without you.
[softly] It's good to see you.
-[sighs]
-So…
[Ev exclaims] Let's do it.
[soft, heartfelt music rises]
[Bossier] 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.
["Born to Be Alive" performed
by Amyl and the Sniffers playing]
[Harry] Go, Jim!
[Julius] Go, go, Jimmy!
[man] Release the brumby!
[horse whinnies]
[Frank] You've still got time.
-[Sybylla] He missed!
-[Harry] Aw, Jim!
[Harry] Yes, Jim!
[horse whinnies]
-Three minutes and twenty seconds.
-[Frank] Very good!
[Julius] Good work.
[Charlie] 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!
[man] Release the brumby!
-[horse whinnies]
-Born to be alive ♪
-[Nell] Yah!
-It's good to be alive… ♪
[Nell panting]
[upbeat pop tune distorts and echoes]
[watch ticking]
[horse whinnies]
[softly] Yes.
It's good to be alive ♪
-[Frank] Come on, Nell!
-[man] Time!
Three minutes and…
Three seconds! Nell's the winner!
[Bossier] Bravo! Bravo!
-Yes!
-Nice!
[all cheering]
-[Betty] Yes!
-[Frank] Well done, Nell!
[Julius] Yay!
[gentle music rises]
Well, gentlemen, let the bidding… begin.
£200.
-[Bossier] £400!
-[all laugh]
-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.
[Julius] 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.
[Julius] You know me.
-Shall we cheers?
-[Ev] I think so.
-Why don't you take a seat, Helen?
-[whispers] At sunset, yes?
I know about the lanterns.
You can trust me, Syb.
[Helen] You happy? Little brother.
[Ev sighs]
I'll take some.
Sybylla.
-Hm?
-[Sybylla] Augusta.
-This is quite the outfit.
-I would never miss a horse event.
[chuckles] 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.
[giggles] Ah!
-Julius, as I live and breathe. Hello!
-[Julius] Ah!
[Frank] Okay, everyone, gather yourselves.
Grab a lantern.
Next up is something from Sybylla.
-This way, please!
-[Augusta] What's happening?
I have no idea.
But I do know it's this way.
[Julius] Things perked up
since I've been gone.
[Frank] 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.
[softly] Okay.
Sorry.
Welcome.
-[playful music rises]
-[group chuckles]
[cheering]
[Ev chuckles]
The Girl from Possum Gully.
-With apologies to Banjo Paterson.
-[group chuckles]
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
-[group laughs]
But the girl from Possum Gully
Set a high bar
And knocked them back
Wham, bang
-With such delight
-[Helen] Syb!
[group laughs]
To Three Shilling station she was sent
-Let the suffragist have a go
-Oh, that's me.
-But Henry of the Undertow
-[Augusta] Oh!
[group chuckles]
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
-[Helen] 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?
-[laughs]
But where her heart's concerned
She will always live her truth
[wistful music playing]
-Bravo!
-Brava!
-[cheering]
-[Augusta] Bravo!
Bravo! [laughs]
[Frank] 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.
[inhales sharply] 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.
-[Julius] Shall we head back to the house?
I never thought I'd say this,
but well done, Sybylla.
[Frank] Now, Julius,
that is an excellent idea.
Come on, then. Drinks back at the house.
[wistful music fades]
[Baker] Psst!
Psst!
[Betty] 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!
[Baker chuckles]
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…
[somber music playing]
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.
[Betty chuckles]
-[giggles]
-[laughs]
[Julius grunts] 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.
-[Julius] So what's this big proposal?
-[Ev] You'll love it.
I just need to sell it to your…
[Julius] Are you mad?
[Ev] The opposite.
This could be the perfect solution.
[Julius] 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.
-[Julius] Steady on.
-This is my niece.
-[Ev] Exactly.
Any girl would be boots and all
with your mother and sister.
But she's different. Right?
She's different.
[low, bittersweet music playing]
This is the perfect solution.
For us.
Well done, Syb.
You pulled it off.
It was rather good.
[Sybylla] Mm.
That's a muted response,
not your usual form.
[softly] 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?
[sighs] 'Course not.
I'm plotting my next story.
[softly] Sounds a bit too scandalous
for publication.
[chuckles] Yes.
I think I need a new idea.
"Love that lives in the shadows."
How sad.
[Ev] Sybylla?
Hi.
Can I talk to you for a moment, please?
Sure.
Ah. Take a seat, sorry. Uh…
[chuckles nervously]
Okay, when I came to Caddagat,
the last thing
that I expected to find was…
[sighs] …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.
[gentle music playing]
[softly] You idiot.
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… [huffs]
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.
[shouts]
["Head and My Heart"
by Ruelle & AG playing]
Everard, wait.
[Julius] Ev!
-[Sybylla] 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.
-[Julius] Leave? Why? What's happening?
-There is nothing to discuss.
-What? This… Talk to me.
-There's…
[Julius] Hey, talk to me.
[Ev] 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 ♪
[moody, ethereal tune fades]
[reflective piano music playing]
[music fades]