Episode 35

Episode 35: Late January, 1876
Scenes 2 and 4 written by Heather

Scene 1: John Henry's office, early evening. He, Charles, and Freddie are waiting with bated breath to hear who Richard's new lady love is.

John Henry: Who is this lady? Will she be joining you from England?

Richard: Well... the lady doesn't live in England, and she isn't even a lady, not by our usual definition, but you mustn't let that bias you. I proposed last week and just today she has accepted. She is... she is one of your maids, but please don't try to dissuade me from marrying her just for that. She is one of the sweetest, most caring women I've ever—

John Henry: Richard, stop! There's no need to defend her. I wouldn't care if she were a prostitute, as long as you know she isn't after your money.

Richard: I don't care if she is after my money, and I know she isn't anyway. She didn't want to marry me before because of what I would inherit. I'm giving it up because of her, and I don't regret it at all.

Charles: He's fallen hard, hasn't he?

John Henry: Most definitely. Who is she, Richard? Should we have her things moved to your room?

Richard: I should think not! I'm doing it right. Besides, she wouldn't let you. Do you promise what I tell you won't leave this room? I don't want Adam and Belinda to know yet.

Freddie: After you found out about Sally and me and didn't say anything it's only right that I extend the same courtesy to you. John Henry and Charles nod in agreement.

Richard: Thank you. I—

There is a knock at the door. John Henry bids the person to enter and Edward Eaton appears.

Charles: Sorry to tell you this, Eddie, as much as I like you, but this is a private conversation.

Richard: No, no. He can stay. I like your son-in-law.

Charles: Have a seat, Edward. Richard is going to deny his inheritance, marry a commoner, and move to Australia.

Edward: Lets out a hearty laugh. Oh, that is rich! And I thought this was a serious conversation.

Richard: It's true, young man.

Edward: Not really!

Richard: Yes, really, and Charles I resent you calling my future wife a commoner.

Charles: Do accept my heartfelt apology. You were about to reveal the identity of your beloved before Edward interrupted us. Do go on.

Richard: Well, she has a home of her own, and a son. She's a widow of four years, twenty-six, but you didn't get that from me. Her son is eight, his name is Jamie.

John Henry: Her! She's marrying you! But she hates the English.

Charles: Nearly screams. Who?

John Henry: Flora Campbell.

Charles: That woman swore at me and called me a pompous English bastard!

John Henry: Don't be insulted, Charles, I'm subject to that all the time. Consider yourself lucky. She didn't spit on you.

Richard: She spit on me.

Charles: And you fell in love with her.

Edward: Are we talking about that little red-haired spitfire upstairs? The one gives us all cold stares and barks orders at the help in Scottish whether they understand it or not?

Richard: A great beauty, isn't she?

Charles: Why does she still work here, John? Don't misunderstand me, Richard, I'm sure she's a lovely woman, but why do you let your help treat you in such a way.

John Henry: Flora is a good hard worker. She keeps the other girls in line and she needs the job. She's only patriotic, I wouldn't penalize her for that.

Charles: When's the wedding?

Richard: It isn't for certain yet. Soon. It will have to be in Boise for Flora's Presbyterian ceremony.

Charles: Denying your religion, too?

Richard: I think I did that a long time ago. We hope to leave before all of you do, and we on't want to stay in California long before our passage is secured.

John Henry: Talk to Georgie. She can have Hewitt take care of that for you, and she can be very discreet if you want her to. Are you really sure, Richard?

Richard: Yes, quite. I thank you all for your support and understanding. If you'll excuse me, I promised to eat dinner with my intended this evening.

John Henry: What shall I tell the others?

Richard: Anything but the truth. Tell them I've gone wenching. They'll believe that. Good evening.

Richard stands and joyfully smiles to himself as he leaves the room. The other men remain in stunned silence for a short time.

Charles: Who was that man?

John Henry: Damned if I know.

Scene 2: Belleterre, mid-afternoon, several days later. John Henry is waiting inside the general store, watching out the window. Two men play checkers beside him. The stage appears in the distance and soon stops in front of the store. When it does John Henry stands to open the door. A young man steps out.

John Henry: Madison Taylor?

The young man looks at him strangely, shakes his head, and begins helping the driver with the bags.

Madison: I am Madison Taylor.

John Henry turns to look up at a second passenger. He is surprised, to say the least. She is a slight yet stately beauty with flowing golden locks and sparkling amber-brown eyes. Her clothing is well-made.

John Henry: He rumples his brow, confused. Madison Taylor?

Madison: Smiling. Yes, and you must be Mr. Marshall. Am I correct?

John Henry: You are, but... Please do enlighten me. You must understand that we expected a man.

Madison: Most people do. My father, you see, was a senator, and he greatly admired President Madison’s administration. When he found out my mother was expecting, that was the first name that came into his mind.

John Henry: Mumbles in a teasing way. President Madison started a war against my country. Raises his voice to its regular level. But no matter. It still is a man's name.

Madison: I realize this, although my father did not, nor did he care. He had wanted a son, but he was given a daughter instead. He never once thought about changing his mind as far as the name went. He did compromise, however, by giving me a more feminine second name.

John Henry: I understand. My brother wanted a boy because he needed an heir. He has daughters named Carey, spelled the masculine way, and Samantha, though he has always called the latter Sam.

Madison: Did he ever get his boy?

John Henry: No, and now I'm left with the responsibility. Well, then, I know you must be tired, but we have a schoolboard meeting scheduled in... He checks his pocket watch... just under twenty minutes. We'll be meeting at the house of a good friend of mine. You should like him, too. If he says anything rude about your name, and he just might, please do me a favor and say something equally rude about his dog's. Her name is Princess.

Madison: Laughs. Will there be time to get settled in that cabin you mentioned in your telegram before the meeting? I was hoping to get settled before nightfall.

John Henry: I’m afraid there has been a slight change in plans. There was rather violent storm several nights ago. A tree branch fell and there is now a large hole in the roof of the cabin that we have not been able to repair. I have made arrangements for you to stay with my eldest son, Will. He has a large house but only he and his wife and baby live there. You'll like Marietta. A likeable girl.

Madison: Smiles. It sounds lovely.

John Henry: Shall we go, then?

Madison: Yes, I suppose we should.

John Henry: Speaks to one of his workmen waiting by a wagon. Have Miss Taylor's things loaded into the wagon and take them to my son's house.

The workman nods and gets to work. John Henry takes Madison's arm, leads her to his awaiting carriage, and helps her inside. He knocks on the roof and the driver pulls away toward Lazarus' house.

Scene 3: Belleterre, an hour later. Grace is sitting in her window gazing outside, a pencil and paper in hand. She wears a skirt and blouse and has a thick blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The lines scratched on her paper read:

There is a knock at the door, but Grace ignores it. It slowly opens and Sally enters.

Sally: Are you going to join us today, Grace?

Grace: No.

Sally: I know we don't have the play anymore, but you must continue with your studies.

Grace: Why? I can read and write and do more arithmetic than most women twice my age. What's really the point?

Sally: Your languages are lacking.

Grace: No one speak Latin and Ancient Greek, and I'll never visit Italy. I've been fluent in French since I was a young child.

Sally: What's the matter, Grace?

Grace: Nothing, just please leave me alone. I already finished my lessons last night, anyway. They're on the desk if you want them.

Sally: Last night? We were together until you went to bed.

Grace: I didn't sleep. Please, just— She sees her father's carriage stop at the stables. Never mind. I'm going to talk to Daddy.

Grace rushes across the room, jams her feet in a pair of heavy boots, and runs from the room with the blanket still held tightly around her. When she gets outside, her father is only half-way to the house. He stops when he sees her and she continues running to meet him.

John Henry: Is there something wrong, Gracie?

Grace: No, I don't know. Daddy, if I asked you for something and said it was very important to me, would you give it to me?

John Henry: That would depend, Gracie. Probably, though. You don't ask for much. What is it you want?

Grace: My own private place, away from the house. Just a small little house with one room and a fireplace.

John Henry: You're not moving out of the house, Grace.

Grace: That's not what it's for. I just want a place to go when I want to be all by myself.

John Henry: Is there a problem, Gracie? Does someone come into your room when you don't want them?

Grace: No, of course not! I wouldn't let anyone do that.

John Henry: Then, why?

Grace: Please, Daddy, I don't know exactly why. Will you?

John Henry: I believe so. Where do you want this little cabin?

Grace: By the hot springs, I think. I nice, cozy log cabin with thick walls.

John Henry: Other people use the hot springs, Grace.

Grace: Just family, and not very often. They could use my cabin when I wasn't there. Don't you think it would be nice to have a building there? Then people could use the hot springs and have a place to get dry without catching cold on the way back home.

John Henry: All right, you've convinced me. I'll speak with the foreman right now.

Grace: Oh, thank you, Daddy! It's just what I need.

Grace stands on her toes, throws her arms around her father's neck (wrapping the blanket around him in the process), and gives him a kiss.

Scene 4: Will and Marietta’s house, dusk. Nick, Tess, Georgie, and Louisa have just arrived for dinner and all are chatting by the fire in the informal parlor.

Tess: Is my replacement attractive?

Nick: Are you seeking a replacement for me?

Tess: No, not particularly. I wasn't thinking of myself. Mari?

Marietta: Yes, fairly attractive.

Nick: There will be competition for my favors?

Marietta: Actually, Mis—

Will: Now, now, dear. We mustn't deny Nick his little bit of fun. Wait till he meets Tess's replacement.

Tess: I suppose he's Mrs. Carrol's replacement. She's been teaching there almost as long as I have.

A well-dressed young woman in a plain but respectable gown enters.

Marietta: Elsa?

Elsa: Dinner is served, ma'am.

Marietta: Thank you. Please call our guest down, and kiss the baby while you are upstairs.

Elsa: I would not forget something as important, ma'am.

The six move to the smaller dining room, but do not seat themselves. The food is already sitting in covered platters on the table. Madison Taylor appears some time later appearing slightly disheveled but somewhat refreshed.

Madison: I am sorry to have kept everyone waiting so long. I was lying down to rest for a moment, and I must have drifted off.

Marietta: There is no need to apologize, ma chčre. You have had a long day.

Will: Everyone, this is Madison Taylor, the new schoolteacher.

Nick: Mumbles loud enough for Tess and Georgie to hear. Good God, another one.

Both Tess and Georgie pinch Nick as Will continues with the introductions.

Will: Miss Taylor, I'd like you to meet Georgie Hewitt; her stepdaughter, Louisa—Dr. Hewitt has returned to San Francisco and Georgie will be following him shortly, but Louisa will be staying at least the year to study with my younger sisters—and this is Tess, one of your predecessors, and her husband and my brother, Nick. Watch out for him. He may be married but he's still a terrible flirt.

Madison: It's lovely to meet you all.

Georgie: You have an interesting name, Miss Taylor. As I grow older I find more and more and more young women with men's names like my own. May I ask how you came by it?

Madison: Sighing as she sits down at the table. I had a feeling you might ask me that...

Cut to: The members of the dinner party sitting in the parlor. Both couples sit close together and all appear tired.

Madison: I am hoping the cabin will be fixed soon so that I won’t become too much of a burdon on you and your family, Mr... er, Will.

Georgie: You still want to live there? They thought it would be all right for a man, but didn't think any woman would want to stay there after hearing about Leroy.

Madison: Who is this Leroy you speak of?

Georgie: John Henry didn't tell you about Leroy?

Madison: No.

Georgie: Well... Tess, you tell it.

Tess: It was in August, in the week before Nick and were to marry. I was staying at Belleterre so Georgie and her husband could have my cabin. They'd married just prior to leaving San Francisco for hear and hadn't had a honeymoon. Gabe was called out one night to a woman having trouble delivering her baby. Early the next morning, Leroy walked in and kidnapped Georgie. We're still not sure exactly how he found her, but he was a jealous former... beau of hers.

Madison: Appears worried. Where is this Leroy now? In jail, I hope?

Tess: Well...

Georgie: Bluntly. I killed him. Madison gasps sharply. Yes, well... the circumstances surrounding that are an even longer and more unpleasant story.

Madison Slowly lets out her breath. Well, I suppose you had to have had a good reason.

Georgie: Yes, well... Anyway, perhaps you would have been better off not knowing, but you would have heard the story eventually. I didn't think you'd want to stay there. I will not even go near the place.

Madison: I understand how you must feel, Mrs. Hewitt. However, since this Leroy person is deceased, I see no reason why I shouldn’t return to—

Marietta: Cuts Madison off sharply.You will do no such thing! I had not planned on allowing you to return to the cabin. I was going to tell you tomorrow morning so I did not worry you about that horrid Mr. Buckley. You will stay here and we will have another cabin built for you. The men of the town enjoyed building the other one. It is winter and they have nothing else to do. Will and I have already discussed it.

Madison: Well... if you insist...

Marietta: I do. End of discussion.

Georgie: What made you decide to come to Liberty Creek, Miss Taylor?

Madison: Thinks for a moment before answering. I was simply becoming tired of life in the city. The crowds, the noise... it was all too overwhelming. I spent most of my life in Vermont, and relocated to Boston after my father's death this past Thanksgiving.

Will: What did your father do, Miss Taylor?

Madison: He was a senator, Senator Joseph Taylor.

Will: Really? He was a good man. My father and I met him once two years ago. We both thought very highly of him and were sorry to hear of his death. Please accept my belated condolences.

Madison: Thank you. He was a wonderful man, and he is greatly missed.Tries to hide a yawn.

Marietta: Miss Taylor, you must be very tired. It is impolited for us to keep you. We would not insulted if you retired.

Madison: I must admit, I am tired.

Marietta: By all means, please let me take you upstairs.

Madison: I am quite fine on my own, thank you, Madame. I wouldn’t dream of taking you from your guests. However, I think it is best that I retire for the night. Thank you for a lovely evening. She turns to the other guests. It was nice meeting all of you.

Madison leaves the room and slowly ascends the stairs, listening to the continuing discussion. She stops at the top of the stairs for a moment as the sound of laughter echos throughout the house. She starts to turn back, but changes her mind. Sighing deeply, she goes quietly into her room and shuts the door.

Scene 5: Upstairs at Belleterre, the next morning. Richard is walking down the hall.

Richard turns a corner, stops at a door, and is about to knock when he hears an argument from within.

Belinda: Angry. What are you doing in my room? Get out!

Flora: I'll no' have you speakin' to me like that, lass. I dinna ken you were still abed. I'll—

Belinda: I cannot even understand what you're saying, you ignorant fool. Get out of my room before I have you dismissed from my uncle's employ.

Flora: You'll no' be doin' that, I'm sure. Your uncle doesna like you.

Belinda: Get out!

Flora: That I'll do, and gladly.

Moments later the door opens and the tiny woman finds herself face-to-chest with Richard. Her read hair is pulled back, but some strangs still fly wildly about. The mischievous smile on her face proves that she enjoyed her argument with Belinda.

Flora: You've a lovely daughter, Lord Richard. I'm almost sorry we willna be havin' the lass livin' with us. I enjoyed that.

Richard: So I gather. Come walk with me. They walk down the hall for a short time before Richard speaks again. The plans are set, my dear. I was going to tell Bin just now of our engagement. We'll have to leave here next Friday, and marry in Boise that evening. The hotel arrangements have been made there. We'll stay the weekend so that you might attend church services on Sunday. Early Monday morning we'll board the train and arrive in San Francisco Tuesday night. We'll spend the night in a hotel there and board the ship for Australia the next day.

Flora: It's all happenin' so fast!

Richard: If you don't feel ready for marriage we don't have to do it just yet. You and Jamie could share a room and we can get to know each other more once we settle in Australia.

Flora: Dinna think about it! If I didna want to marry ye now, I wouldna do it. Richard smiles and tries to kiss her, but she ducks away. You'll no' be takin' any liberties yet, sir. That sort o' thing may be fine for other ladies, but I'm no' that sort o' woman. You'll keep your roamin' hands to yourself 'til we be properly joined. If you'll excuse me now, I've work to do.

Richard steps aside and dramatically gestures for the Scot to pass. When she disappears, Richard returns to his daughter's door and knocks.

Belinda: Yells. I told you to go away!

Richard: Enters. Your manners could do with some improvement, Bin.

Belinda: I'm sorry, Father. One of Uncle John's haughty little maids was in here a short time ago—uninvited, I'll add—and she was very rude.

Richard: I was listening at the door. Her rudeness was questionable; yours, on the other hand... But that is not why I'm here. I've already discussed this with your brothers and both are supportive. I do not look forward to revealing this secret to you, I suppose it's about time you were told. I'll not be returning to England. I'm leaving next Friday and will eventually be settling in Australia.

Belinda: Australia! But all my things are in England! All my friends are in England!

Richard: And those are just two of the reasons you'll be returning to England. I've had my fill of you, Bin. You're spoiled and rude and you think far to highly of yourself.

Belinda: Father! How could you say such a thing?

Richard: I say it because it's true. I will admit, I originally came here to confront my family, but I've changed. I've reconciled with them and I'm trying to make amends, but ever since you came here you've done nothing but embarrass me. I've had enough.

Belinda: I... Father, you can't!

Richard: Don't worry, I'm not cutting you off financially. You'll still have your allowance, though you will not be receiving little "gifts" in between payments. Freddie will be controlling all of that.

Belinda: Why... Stunned, she sinks into a chair. Why this sudden change of heart? And why Australia? It may be run by us, but it's even more primitive than this place.

Richard: I want what my little brother has, and I cannot obtain that while living in England. I must start anew. I have several interests there. I plan to purchase some of your cousin's horses and start raise them, or race them. I'm not sure. There's more, too, and you won't like it.

Belinda: How could there possibly be more? Isn't abandoning your family enough?

Richard: Hardly, Bin. You spend more time with your mother anyway, that's why you are the way you are. You may marry if you choose. That's what I'm doing.

Belinda: Jumps to her feet again. You're doing what?

Richard: I'm marrying.

Belinda: She must be pregnant.

Richard: Bin, if I married the first girl I got pregnant you would not be here.

Belinda: How large is her dowry, then?

Richard: She brings almost nothing into this marriage, just herself and her son. She's a widow.

Belinda: I see. You do realize she's marrying you for your money and your inheritance?

Richard: She is not. She would not agree to marry me unless I denied my inheritance.

Belinda: You're giving up Stancliff for this woman? I would like to meet the woman who'd make you do that. She must be an incredible beauty.

Richard: She is very beautiful, but not by your standards. You've already met her.

Belinda: Really? Who is she?

Richard: Flora Campbell.

Belinda: I have met no woman by that name.

Richard: Oh, but you have, my dear. You made a wonderful impression on your future step-mother. She was in this room just moments ago.

Continue to Episode 36

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