Episode 490

Extended Summary

Celia is at the Diner with Tom and Andrew, recovering from almost being crushed to death by Martin in the tank! Martin tells her Lance has taken her bike to the panel beaters but Celia insists she wants a new bike. Martin apologises to Ben, and Marilyn hopes he won’t be in trouble with the army. Ben says he has other plans and goes and asks Carly when they’re going to announce their engagement. He wonders if he should ask Tom for her hand, but Carly wants to call Pippa first.

At the Stewart House, Viv and Emma are complaining about how much work they have to do over the school holidays. They lament Andrew’s replacement starting on Monday, but Ailsa says Andrew is looking forward to his trip. They are worried his replacement will be some strict old man. At least Emma has her hot date with Grant to look forward to.

Carly hangs up the Diner phone, having given Pippa the good news, and then tells Tom she has agreed to marry Ben. Tom is unsurprised but concerned that it’s so sudden. Celia overhears and congratulates Ben. Andrew is stunned but asks who says sudden impulses can’t make you happy! Carly thanks Andrew and says she owes him a lot. Andrew says likewise and gives her a kiss.

Back at the house, Tom is over his shock and pours some champagne (orange juice for Carly). Ben says he will call his parents later; his mother will need at least a day to call their thousands of relatives. Tom looks worried! Ben says it’s a Lucini family tradition to cook all the food for the wedding.

Martin and Marilyn arrive at the store to rent a video as Celia is trying to close up. Martin chooses a military movie and asks Marilyn if it’s true that chicks can’t resist a guy in uniform. He thinks being in the army would be alright; all expenses paid and a regular income.

Ben kisses Carly goodnight and leaves. Tom asks Carly what she’s got them into with this huge Italian family. He still doesn’t think Carly has had long enough to get to know Ben but Carly knows what she’s doing. Tom tells her she should tell her father as well. Carly isn’t keen but agrees so long as Tom gives her away.

Andrew is having breakfast at the Diner on Monday morning when Viv and Emma arrive. They’re still bemoaning having a new teacher and tell Andrew they liked the way he treated them as friends.

Fisher and Bobby are at the store and Celia breaks the news about Carly’s engagement. Bobby says knowing Carly she’ll change her mind by lunch time! She leaves to go and see Carly.

Marilyn bursts into the house to congratulate Carly and suggests a double wedding with her and Lance! Carly can’t get a word in. Bobby arrives and Marilyn leaves to open the hot dog stand. Bobby tells Carly they need to have a chat.

Andrew finishes his breakfast and he and Ailsa discuss Carly’s engagement. Grant arrives and Emma is embarrassed for him to see her in her school uniform. Grant tells her he doesn’t think they should go out. Emma is upset but Grant tells her it will make sense later.

Bobby and Carly are having a heated discussion over how many boys Carly has been out with this year. Carly says Bobby should be happy that she’s finally settling down. She thinks there’s something more going on and Bobby reveals that divorce papers have arrived from Frank. She apologises for shooting her mouth off.

Carly goes to Ben’s caravan but there’s no answer. Martin comes along and tells Carly he saw Ben leaving early this morning in his uniform, saying he had to get back to base; maybe he’s had second thoughts or was drunk when he asked Carly to marry him! Carly goes back to the house and Celia stops by with an engagement present; an Italian cookbook she bought in Rome. Ben arrives and Celia leaves. Ben has been to get a ring and gets down on one knee to propose properly to Carly.

Viv and Emma arrive at school and Emma is moaning about Grant cancelling their date. Apparently the news has spread as another girl makes fun of Emma. Emma tells her to rack off and Fisher reprimands Emma. Emma has a go at him for giving Andrew the push.

Tom is at the Diner and he and Ailsa say goodbye to Andrew. Andrew wishes Tom good luck with the wedding. He thinks Carly has grown up a lot and really does love Ben.

Carly is saying goodbye to Ben who tells her he will be back soon. Carly tells him she loves him in Italian. Ben gets into his car and drives away while Carly looks contentedly at her engagement ring.