Episode 34
Episode 34: Mid-January, 1876
Scene 1: Belleterre, afternoon. Grace rides up at a break-neck speed, yells to a stablehand to saddle another horse, then runs into the house.
In the large drawing room, Grace runs in an gains the attentions of everyone. She rushes to Gabe and whispers.
Gabe: Louisa, run up and fetch my bag. Quickly
John Henry: Olivia?
Grace: Olivia's fine, Daddy. On my return I found Stuart... he's fallen from a horse and is badly injured.
Grace says no more, but follows Gabe outside. She is stopped by Nick just before she mounts her horse.
Nick: I'm coming with you.
Grace: Haven't you done enough?
Nick: What have I done?
Grace: I know Stuart's dirty little secret. She hasn't broken her leg. I found out her little secret and was coming straight back here, but she jumped on a horse and ran after me. Then she doubled over in pain and fell off the horse. Does Tess know about this?
Nick: Of course she does.
Grace: And she doesn't care?
Nick: About what? My God! You think it's mine!
Grace: Whose is it?
Nick: That's none of your business, but it's not mine.
Gabe: Comes out of the house just as the stablehand comes out with a saddled horse. Lead the way, Grace.
Grace mounts her horse and doesn't try to stop Nick when he gets on behind her. They three return to find Stuart still lying on the ground. Nick lifts her onto Grace's horse, leaving Grace to ride Stuart's, and they return to Tess and Nick's house where Gabe disappeared with Stuart into her bedroom. Grace and Nick sit and wait in the parlor.
Grace: Well?
Nick: I'm not telling you anything, Gracie. That's for Stuart to do, if she chooses to.
Grace: What sort of woman dresses like a man?
Nick: You do.
Grace: I don't pretend to be a man! How could he— she! How could she deceive us like that.
Nick: Keep your voice down, Grace. I understand how you're feeling, but it's not the most important thing right now.
Grace: No, it's Stuart's little bastard.
Nick: That was uncalled for, Grace. You don't know the circumstances.
Grace: The circumstances don't matter. She's unmarried and she's having a baby.
Nick: You're too young to understand everything Grace.
Grace: Explain it to me, then. Was she raped?
Nick: How do you even know what that is?
Grace: I'm not completely sheltered and ignorant like... well, like Julia. Was she?
Nick: No.
Grace: Then she has no excuse!
Nick: Gracie, your voice.
Grace: I don't care!
Nick: You should.
Tess: Walks in, breathless. How is she?
Nick: I don't know. You can probably go in. It's not a broken leg.
Tess: I didn't think so.
Tess knocks, then disappears into Stuart's room. Grace sits for a moment, then stands, then sits, then stands again and runs from the room.
Scene 2: In Stuart's room, a short time later. Stuart is lying down with Tess at her head, holding her hand. Gabe is examining her.
Stuart: I never wanted Grace to find out like that.
Tess: Hush, don't worry about that now. Nick will take care of her.
Gabe: You took a great risk, Stuart.
Stuart: I couldn't let Grace go off like that.
Gabe: You almost killed your baby.
Stuart: Maybe it would have been for the best.
Tess: Stuart! You mustn't say that!
Stuart: Why not? So far I've only caused problems and my baby is only going to cause more.
Tess: Oh, Stuart, you're wrong. Your baby is going to make one couple very happy.
Stuart: Perhaps, but the secret is going to be out now, and it won't be long before the baby's father is discovered.
Tess: Why? Because Grace knows?
Stuart: Yes.
Tess: Grace will keep the secret if Nick asks her to, and he will.
Gabe: It appears things have settled, Stuart, but I'm going to stay here with you just in case.
Tess: The baby is fine?
Gabe: For now, it appears so, yes. Stuart was very lucky. But Stuart, you are to stay in bed until you leave with Georgie. No one will ask questions since they all think you have a broken leg.
Stuart: I don't want to be a burdon.
Tess: We like you, Stuart. You could never be a burdon.
Cut to: A nearby field. Grace is again racing toward home, but Nick easily catches her.
Grace: Leave me alone, Nick!
Nick: Not yet. Not till you promise not to say anything to anyone about Stuart.
Grace: Ponders it for a moment. I— No! No, I won't promise anything. She deceived everyone and they have a right to know.
Grace takes off again, catching Nick off-guard. He chases her again, and easily catches her, this time taking the reins.
Nick: You will promise, Gracie. You don't have any idea how important it is.
Grace: Tell me and I'll promise!
Nick: I can't do that.
Grace starts to run again, but Nick is ready. He grabs her off her horse and places her upside down across his lap. She kicks and screams as he rides with her into the trees. He stops in a small clearing, carries her to a fallen log, and forces her to sit.
Nick: Stop fighting me, you know I'll win. Grace settles, but Nick doesn't let go as he kneels in front of her. Now, I want you to grow up and listen to me. Stuart's problems are closer to home than you think. If everyone finds out, it could very well kill someone we both love very much. I'm sorry I can't tell you who it is, but that is the way it must remain. I know you were sweet on Stuart when you thought she was a man, so I fully understand how hurt you must be. Stuart was always a friend to you, so now you have to be a friend to her. Now, will you promise not to tell anyone?
Grace: I—
Grace sighs and chokes up a little, then buries her head in her hands.
Nick: Gracie...
Grace: She looks up, tears staining her cheeks, and screams. Yes, I promise!
Grace sobs and cries into Nick's chest. He holds her tightly, letting her cry her heart out.
Scene 3: Church, several days later. Services have just ended and people are coming out the door and down the stairs. Connie has run off to play with some town children.
John Henry waits at the foot of the stairs and takes Danielle Carrol's arm when she descends them.
John Henry: I have good news for you, madame.
Danielle: Pour moi?
John Henry: Pour vous. I received a telegram yesterday evening that confirms what we've been hoping for some time. It appears our search for a replacement teacher has come to an end.
Danielle: That is wonderful! I loved teaching the little ones, but I am too told old for such things now.
John Henry: Exactly. You should be enjoying your retirement.
Danielle: Whence does this young lady come? And When?
John Henry: It is a young man hailing from the Boston area. The telegram was sent the day he departed from Boston. He is expected on Thursday's stage. Madison Taylor's his name. The board will meet with him Thursday and, if he is approved, he'll observe your class on Friday before taking over the following week.
Danielle: The teacher's cabin will require a good cleaning.
John Henry: There are plenty of elligible young women and mother's with elligible daughters willing to do that.
Danielle: There are several in my class. Shall I ask them about it tomorrow?
John Henry: It will not be necessary. Mrs. Haas is taking it up with the other ladies in your meeting today.
Danielle: Of course. I must go tell Lazarus the good news. Please, excuse me.
John Henry: By all means.
They split in two separate directions. John Henry walks to a small gathering of his family surrounding Gabe and Steven. Nearby, a workman on horseback waits with two horses.
Elizabeth: Are you certain you cannot stay longer, Dr. Hewitt?
Gabe: I only wish we could, but we've already delayed our departure. Steven will be missing several days of school as it is. I want to catch the train tomorrow morning.
Louisa: Will you write, Daddy?
Gabe: The minute I get back. I imagine between you and Georgie, you can keep me update on everything. He looks pointedly at Georgie. Isn't that right, Georgie?
Georgie: Of course.
Gabe: And remind Tess of what she's to do with Stuart's leg.
Nick: I will make sure Stuart stays abed.
Gabe: You'd better. He lowers his voice, only Nick and Georgie can hear. And Nick, if I ever hear of you laying a hand on my daughter again I'll forget the oath I took to preserve life. I don't care if you were drunk.
Nick: I understand.
Off to the side, Louisa stands with her brother.
Louisa: I suppose I'll miss you, Stevie.
Steven: Oh, but you are a brat. He gives his sister a hug, then looks around at the other people. Where is Grace?
Louisa: She isn't feeling well. You're not sweet on Grace, are you?
Steven: No, I— I merely wanted to say goodbye. We became friends.
Louisa: Only because you chose kissing her over defending my honor.
Steven: That is not it at all, Louisa.
Louisa: You're a terrible liar, Stevie. You always have been.
Steven: He smiles. Goodbye, Wesa.
More hugs and kisses are exchanged before Gabe and Steven ride with the extra workman down the road toward Boise. Georgie and Louisa stand close together as they wave, looking very much like mother and daughter.
Scene 4: Belleterre, several hours later. Most of the ladies have just returned from their church group and are gathering in a large dressing room upstairs. Victoria is absent. Georgie is at the head of them all pulling half-sewn gowns and bolts of fabric out of a trunk.
Victoria walks in quietly an attempts to sit down relatively unnoticed, but kicks her toe on an empty straight chair, creating a great racket.
Victoria: Sorry, Georgie. Please go on.
Elizabeth: Were you not visiting Olivia? You must tell us how she is doing.
Victoria: Her spirits were lifted when I was there. She's feeling quite good actually. And she's started to write poetry!
Libbie: Liv hates poetry!
Victoria: As I am well aware. But we've disturbed Georgie and she'll only be here for another ten days.
Georgie: As long as Olivia is doing well. As I was just saying, I've already shown you sketches of the latest fashions in America. They are somewhat different in England, and I thank you ladies for bringing along those fashion magazines. And I mustn't forget that fabulous Worth gown, Belinda. It may not be of much use to you here, but it's all I can do not to take it apart stitch by stitch to see how to put another together.
Belinda: Speaks with a short, hostile tone. You had better not! I stood to be fitted for that dress for hours and it cost me half my month's clothing allowance.
Georgie: Shocked. I wasn't planning to do so. I was merely stating that I appreciated the fine workmanship.
Belinda: With a condescending tone. Perhaps you should learn to express your ideas more clearly.
Elizabeth: Young lady, I am afraid I must ask you to treat my guests with respect. Georgie does not have to do this for us.
Belinda: I have my own dresses, thank you.
Georgie: Then by all means, leave. I wouldn't want you remaining here out of obligation if you don't want to be here.
Belinda: Stands. I will never feel obligated to cheap tavern wh—
Victoria: Stands inches from Belinda's face. If you finish that sentence, Cousin, I swear to God, I will knock you on your ass and beat you senseless. I am quite sure Georgie could do it better than I, but she is too much of a lady. I however, have been corrupted by my brothers and my more outspoken younger sisters. I advise you to leave now.
Belinda stands her ground for a few seconds, but so does Victoria. She soon lets out a grunt, spins around, and stalks from the room. Victoria composes herself, turns around, and serenely takes her seat again. The other ladies look at her for a moment, but Georgie soon resumes talking as if nothing bitter occured.
Scene 5: John Henry's office, a short time later. He sits at his desk, Charles and Freddie in two chairs facing him. Richard soon enters.
Richard: I apologize. I know I said half past five, but Bin was complaining again. I didn't get the whole story. I think she rubbed the ladies wrong and is now insulted that they called her on it. It isn't important.
Freddie: Belinda's complaints rarely are, Father.
John Henry: Sit down, Richie. What is this meeting all about?
Richard sits, leans his arms on John Henry's desk, then sits up straight again. He is trying to hide a smile, but appears like a little boy with a secret.
Richard: I want to— He makes a long pause. I didn't think this would be so hard for me. I've lived my whole life wanting something, then waiting for it to fall into my hands.
Charles: Stancliff.
Richard: Yes. I... that's all I concentrated on. I didn't care about anything else. The result is two children with no direction in their lives and one whom I didn't really know until just recently. I've missed all the important things, and now I'm fifty-five and I'm running out of time to experience the good things in life.
John Henry: What are you saying, Richie?
Richard: I know I'm not making any sense. He leans his arms on the desk again. I want what you have.
John Henry: I'm sorry?
Richard: I don't want your home, your wife, and your children. I want my own home, wife, and family.
Charles: You can get those things on your own, Richie.
Richard: No, I can't. Not in England. This is where all of you fit in.
Charles: Speaks when it appears Richard will not continue. Yes, well...
Richard: I want to... I want to renounce my rights as heir.
Charles: What!
Richard: It isn't what I want anymore. It will go straight to you, John.
John Henry: Mumbles. We thought it would anyway.
Richard: What's that?
John Henry: We always assumed you would go before Charles.
Richard: Well... hmm... He shakes his head. Charles, I don't plan to return to England. Not when we leave here, anyway. You will take care of whatever needs to be done with the inheritance?
Charles: Yes, but I find all of this quite strange. What caused this sudden change?
Richard: I will explain it all. Freddie, I wish you would take care of all the financials. That means taking care of Bin and Adam. But, since I know you will not be returning until some time in the summer, I hope you will do it, Charles.
Both men nod in agreement.
Freddie: Where are you going, Father?
Richard: I have investments around the world, but I've decided on Australia. I own a great share of two banks and two gold mines, and I do have some friends there.
Freddie: Yes, I know, but why?
Richard: This will shock you.
Freddie: I believe I can manage.
Richard: I've met someone.
Freddie: That's nothing new, Father.
Richard: It is different this time. I think— God! I thought I'd never find myself saying this. I think I may be in love.
John Henry: It's about bloody time. Who is the lady? Will you be joining you from England?
Richard: Well...
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