Home

back

Summary Page

This page contains most of the content from the main 'story line' characters. It is designed to allow an easy way of keeping up with the story on slow connections (or for reading later). It is, of course, no substitute for the real thing!

Series Two So Far

In this episode:
Rose Garden
Martin's Garden
Walk Near the Lake
Announcement

Series Two So Far...

Stoney Grove owners Ann Simmons and Simon Tinsley split. Ann returns to the Caribbean and rents a house on Nevis from Doug Wood, an American ex-pat. She begins to explore the "other" Stoney Grove, a ruined eighteenth-century plantation house. She also spends several months transcribing an autobiographical account of the life of Stoney Grove's first lady, Fanny Rawlins Blake. Part is on Nevis; the rest is in a locked box in England that Emma discovers and opens. Simon makes an unexpected visit to deliver the manuscript to Ann. Under a moonlit Caribbean sky, he and Ann reconcile. Simon returns to Sussex; Ann remains on Nevis.

Back in England, Simon decides to channel his energies into making the house an important tourist destination. He sets up a series of regular meetings with the staff and other assorted residents of the property, and works through a plan that   includes guided tours through the house and an agreement with Segovia TV to film an upcoming miniseries on the property.

Simon's longtime friend Phil  leaves his wife Caroline to live the life of leisure with Simon. After several weeks of separation, he realises that he’s made a terrible mistake. Caroline takes him back, grudgingly. His former employers do not.

Emma Knytleigh, project historian, discovers that housekeeper Shirley Johnson’s grandson John is the son of Jerry Anderson, a local antiques-dealer turned thief. She also learns that Frank Churchill, the resident hermit, is the illegitimate son of Ellen Hall (also known as Helena O'Rall, the famous romance novelist whose book is the basis for Segovia TV's miniseries). Shirley, infuriated with Emma's meddling in family business, discovers drugs in Emma's rooms and turns her over to the police. John admits that some of the drugs are his. The rest come from Ann, who sent them to England for analysis, suspecting that they are connected historically with the murder of Fanny’s husband. Emma leaves Stoney Grove as a result of the drug bust, preferring to live with Reverend Nigel Banks. Ann would like to come home, but must wait for her solicitor to have drug charges against her dismissed.

Martin Johnson reveals to Emma and Shirley that he's always known he couldn't be John's grandfather, and Shirley admits that Monty Hall was her lover before she married Martin.  The two go off to do some soul searching about their marriage in the relative privacy of Lyme Regis, and return on solid ground.

Simon's involvement with the Puckering Gazette hits a low point as the Editor, learning of his imminent dismissal, publishes a final issue filled with accusations and innuendo. Simon is left picking up the pieces of his publishing empire and his relationship with Ann. He decides that fair maid was never won by faint heart, and heads towards the Caribbean once more.

On Nevis and the surrounding islands, Simon and Ann strengthen their relationship, and Ann decides to return with him to Stoney Grove. The couple decides to purchase a house on Nevis as well to provide them with a get-away from time to time.  

Rose Garden

Arthur Daily: Hello. I don’t think we’ve had a chance to meet. I’m Arthur Daily.
Evelyn Prosser: Hi. I’m Evelyn.
Arthur Daily: Evelyn. That’s a lovely name. What’s your connection with this place?
Evelyn: I work here.
Arthur Daily: And what kind of work dirties your pretty hands?
Evelyn: I’m an archaeologist.
Arthur Daily: Oh, yes. I see. That’s quite good. Well. Find anything good lately?
Evelyn: As a matter of fact, I have. Some traces of the eighteenth century garden, and some signs of Roman occupation. It’s out of context, but still, a good clue that something was going on here then.
Arthur Daily: How fascinating! You know I’ve never met an archaeologist before. This is quite a delight.
Evelyn: And what is your connection to Stoney Grove, Mr. Daily?
Arthur Daily: I’m the producer of "Last Taxi to Kensington." We start filming in the fall. I thought I’d pop round and see Simon now that he’s back. Good to keep in touch on these things.
Evelyn: Oh, right. We need to talk then. I’ve heard rumour that you plan to muck with the grounds.
Arthur Daily: Nothing to worry your pretty head about. Just a few minor things really. Moving the entrance road, planting some trees and shrubs, putting in some more wiring for lights, throwing up a few buildings, that sort of thing.
Evelyn: That’s exactly the sort of thing that worries me! Everything on your list is a potential disaster archaeologically.
Arthur Daily: Really? Who’d have thought? Well, maybe we should meet and talk about this further. In fact, it seems to me that we may have to have several meetings to resolve this. Would dinner next Thursday be a good starting point?

Emma: Are you feeling all right, Frank?
Frank: Yes, I think so.
Emma: Have you had a chance to talk to Ann and Simon?
Frank: Yes, it’s been good to see them. I’m glad they’re back. I think they’ll stay here now.
Emma: Seems likely. They have great news, don’t you think?
Frank: I’m not really sure. I think it will take some sorting out. Not everyone is happy with the plans.
Emma: What do you mean?
Frank: Nothing. Nothing at all.
Emma: Frank, who isn’t happy?
Frank: If I tell you, you’ll worry.
Emma: No, go on. I promise I won’t.
Frank: Well, SHE told me that SHE didn’t give it much of a chance of success, and Mr. Dinnell is upset by the thought of all the changes it will entail. He’s become quite settled, you know. And Mr. Hall isn’t happy.
Emma: Which one?
Frank: Basil. Doesn’t sit well with his conservative side.
Emma: He told you this?
Frank: No, I heard him talking to Monty about it.
Emma: Oh, Frank.
Frank: No, it’s quite all right, really. Nobody is too agitated. They’re all willing to wait and see what happens. In a few days they’ll settle down I suspect.
Emma: I hope so. I don’t want you to have to go back to hospital.
Frank: Oh no! I’m fine. Really. It’s just the others who are a bit at sixes and sevens. No need to worry about me.
Emma: You sure?
Frank: I am. And thanks for looking after me.  I mean that.
Emma: You're welcome--always.

John: Hello, beautiful.
Emma: Hi.
John: Well, that wasn’t much of a kiss. What’s the matter?
Emma: Where’ve you been? I’ve been here for ages.
John: Sorry love. I got tied up with Gran. We’ve been talking.
Emma: Oh, lord. Now what does she want?
John: Nothing much. Just to tell me that….I’m rich!
Emma: What? What are you talking about?
John: Well, it seems that Monty Hall left some money for me in his will after all. He put it into some kind of a trust fund, and Gran was the beneficiary until I came of age. She’s been minding it, but it’s for me. Quite a tidy sum, actually.
Emma: Why didn’t she tell you this last year on your birthday?
John: Well, it’s a bit embarrassing, but she said that the will stipulated that I should get it when I became a man. So I think when she knew that you and I were, you know, then I came into my inheritance.
Emma: Are you telling me I was the first?
John: Well no, not exactly, but Gran wouldn’t have known about that, would she?
Emma: Oh John! Did she show you the will?
John: No. Just a bank account. Looked pretty good to me.
Emma: And has she been drawing on the account?
John: Yes, she’s taken some money out. But just the interest.
Emma: How much did she take?
John: Emma! Stop! She’s been responsible for it for all these years; she’s welcome to a bit now and then. I don’t mind.
Emma: How much?
John: A few thousand quid. But it doesn’t matter. There’s plenty in there. I can work here forever and we’ll still be all right for money.
Emma: John, your own grandmother is stealing from you, and you don’t care?
John: Could be worse. She could be meddling in my love life!
Emma: She did that too, as I recall.
John: Didn’t have much luck in the end though, did she? [kissing her]
Emma: Maybe not.
John: Come on then. Fancy taking a walk with a rich man?
Emma: Only if he’s you.

Winston: What’s happenin’?
Evelyn: Hello. Nothing much really. Just hiding out. I was getting chatted up by a middle-aged man with an over-inflated ego. It’s an occupational hazard, I’m afraid.
Winston: I’m Winston Williamson.
Evelyn: Nice to meet you. I’m Evelyn. Are you a friend of James’s?
Winston: No, I don’t think so. I’m staying with Ann and Simon until I start university.
Evelyn: Oh. Are you from Nevis then?
Winston: Yeah, that’s right.
Evelyn: It sounds like a beautiful place. I’d like to visit sometime.
Winston: I’m glad to be leaving. Not much happenin’ on Nevis these days. Can I get you a drink?
Evelyn: Yes thanks. A pint of Flaming Monk would be lovely.
Winston: Oh, I think they're calling us in.

Martin's Garden

Reverend Banks: Well Martin, you’ve outdone yourself this year. The grounds look beautiful!
Martin: Thank you, Reverend. We’ve had a warm summer. It’s been good to have John about.
Reverend Banks: I imagine he must be a tremendous help to you.
Martin: He is. Gets on with things, not much fussing. Still, there’s a lot to get through.
Reverend Banks: I imagine there is.
Shirley: Good afternoon, Reverend Banks. I suppose you’re lonely these days up at the Vicarage, what with Emma coming back to live with us.
Reverend Banks: It is a bit quiet. I’ve enjoyed her company.
Shirley: Well, I suppose some folks might. Still, it’s better that she’s gone. Doesn’t do to have the two of you living together in sin, does it?
Reverend Banks: Well, it was hardly that. No sin at all really, apart from the occasional game of poker with Father Hoole.
Shirley: Well, you’re lucky then, you are. She’s been a handful here, I can tell you. Still, she’s been good to Frank. Don’t know if the poor man could have managed without her, really. She’s been spending quite a lot of time in his little cottage, trying to keep him cheerful. I’m not sure it’s for the best in the long run, what with her being with John and all, but for now he’s perked up.
Reverend Banks: Then it’s for the best that she came back. Frank certainly needs her company more than I do. Still, I do miss her.

Arthur Daily: Fine place you’ve got here Tinsley, great spot. You wait until we get the film crew here; you’ll hardly recognise it.
Simon: Well we do rather want to recognise it. I thought you wanted the place because of how it looked.
Arthur Daily: Oh well, yes. You do have to make accommodations though. Don’t worry, we’ll put it all back to pieces. And I’m sure you won’t mind what’s going back into your bank account, eh?
Simon: Not sure I’ll see any of that.
Arthur Daily: Oh I know, the taxes today. They’ll drive the creativity out right of Britain, is what I say. We get a star and they head for Hollywood. Americans eh, what can you do with them?
Simon: Well actually…

Red Covers: Great party.
Frank: Hello, Mr. Covers. Glad you could come this afternoon.
Red Covers: Good to see you Frank. Don’t really approve of these lavish parties with their capitalist agendas, but they asked me to come in my official capacity of Village Elder. You do what you can.
Frank: Nice suit.
Red Covers: Been feeling under the weather, I’ve heard.
Frank: Too much going on, that’s all. I’m better.
Red Covers: Well, it doesn’t do one any good to get run down. What you need is a bit of a rest, some quiet time.
Frank: Quiet time. Yes, that is what I need.

Mr. Tinsley Snr: Hello Simon, I’ve been talking to Arlette here, we were discussing ungrateful children.
Mrs. Williamson: This man fathered you, you know. Elder people deserve respect from their children. You know what respect is?
Simon: Oh well yes, I think we covered it in school once.
Mrs. Williamson: See, that’s what you get. Young people today think they’re clever. You leave your poor father in this house alone. The man can’t even see the cricket because you won’t get a satellite. Cricket is a West Indian sport you know. You can’t do just one small thing for your father?
Simon: I’m sure we can talk about it some more. Does Winston play cricket?
Mrs. Williamson: Of course! Boy was a fearsome fast bowler before he went wasting his time on basketball.
Simon: Well maybe I’ll go and talk to him about playing for the Irregulars. See you later.
Mrs. Williamson: I know he’s your son, but that boy’s got no sense.
Mr. Tinsley Snr: Oh, I know, it’s from his mother’s side.

Frank: Excuse me sir.
Arthur Daily: Yes?
Frank: My name is Frank Churchill. I don’t think we’ve had a chance to meet yet.
Arthur Daily: No, don’t think we have.
Frank: Sorry to disturb. It’s just that I own the rights to the book. Ellen Hall was my mother, you see.
Arthur Daily: I’m not following you.
Frank: She wrote it. Last Taxi. Her pen name was Helena O’Rall.
Arthur Daily: Can you prove this?
Frank: Yes, I think I can.
Arthur Daily: Well you've just come into a pretty penny then, haven't you? Man could do quite a lot for himself  with what we've paid. But I’m afraid you’ll have to take this up with the the solicitors.
Frank: Why, do they know her too?
Arthur Daily: Know whom?
Frank: The young lady who came with you. I’d like to meet her. Actually, I think I know her.
Arthur Daily: Is that all you want?
Frank: Yes. Isn’t that enough?
Arthur Daily: Well, let’s go meet her then. Glad to be of assistance... Irene, this is Mr. Frank Churchill. Mr. Churchill, Irene Wilson.
Irene: Hello.
Frank: Hello.
Irene: Have we met before?
Frank: I think we might have.
Arthur Daily: Hold on, Tinsley's got an announcement.

Walk Near the Lake

Chester: Ann, you look well.
Ann: Hello Chester. Thank you for coming this afternoon.
Chester: Glad to be back in old Blighty?
Ann: Yes, I am. I’ve missed it here.
Chester: Planning to stay this time?
Ann: Yes. I was ready to come home.
Chester: Well, we’re glad to have you. So, I hear rumour of an announcement coming. Can you give me any hints?
Ann: Sorry, I don’t want to spoil the surprise. But I hope you’ll support us.
Chester: Whatever you decide to do Ann, you know I’ll always be here for you.
Ann: Thanks Chester. You’re a good friend.
Chester: I try.

Announcement

Simon: Okay, gather ‘round everybody. Ann and I have a couple of announcements to make. Everyone here? Good. Well firstly, I guess we’d like to say we’re all glad you could be here with us today. It’s been eighteen months since we first came to this house and it’s been quite an experience. I don’t think Ann and I had any idea what we were taking on when we arrived and though, at times, it’s been almost too much for us, I think we’ve come through it with a better understanding of what we want.
Ann: When I first came here I had an idea of England and what was English. In the beginning everything seemed the same as in the States, but then I realized it was all very different. It was hard. But there are some wonderful people here that I’ve come to care for, and the more I’ve learned about this place the more I’ve come to love it.
Martin: So you’ll be staying then?
Ann: Yes, Martin, we’ll be staying.
Simon: But there’ll be some changes. Ann and I have been talking and we’ve come to a decision.
Chester [to himself]: I knew it, they’re going to get married. She’s a fool, I tell you, he’s no good for her.
Simon: We’ve decided to form the Stoney Grove Trust, a non-profit organisation for the promotion and protection of Stoney Grove.
Chester: Oh, thank God!
Simon: Well that’s more enthusiasm than I expected, but thank you, Chester. In fact we’d like to ask that you, along with Emma and Evelyn, form an advisory committee to the Board. I’ve already spoken to Phil Porkridge who has agreed to serve as the organisation secretary and accountant.
Shirley: So who’s on the Board then? A bunch of bankers?
Mrs. Williamson: You go girl, you tell him.
Ann: Actually, Shirley we thought long and hard about the people who are connected to this place and how they should be involved. We had the money to buy it, but we realize now that it’s too much for just us to manage. There are too many stories here, too many people involved. We’d like to ask you and Martin, along with John, to join us on the Board. We also hope that Frank will be able to take part, as well as Mrs. Williamson, representing all of Stoney Grove’s past and present.
Mrs. Williamson: Well, that’s only right. I always said that Miss Simmons was a decent lady. But I'm not staying here. I have a home to go to.
Simon: Absolutely, we must get you home safe. But we thought that with Winston starting university here he could represent you in your unfortunate absence. We’d also like to hold a place for the Village Elder, a position at present ably held by Arthur Covers. That way the interests of the village will also be represented.
Arthur: I’d be pleased to accept on behalf of the working people of Puckering.
Simon: Well that's great then. Everyone’s happy!
Ann: Simon, I think there was something else.
Simon: Oh yes, of course. Well um, yes, there is something else as well. Ann and I have been talking and, as you know, we’re back together again and, well that’s great. And Ann has agreed to come back to England and all, and stay here, with me, and well, I’m very happy.
Ann: What Simon is trying to say is that he’s asked me to marry him and I’ve accepted. We're engaged.
Emma: Chester, are you all right? Chester? I think he’s fainted!