Episode 82

Episode 82: Mid-March 1877
Scene 4 written by Padeena
Scene 5 written by Heather

Scene 1: Belleterre, late afternoon. The rain is pouring down outside and Julia has just entered the house through the kitchen.

Mrs. Anders: Looks up, shocked. My dear! Why were you out in this rain?

Julia: Her eyes slightly lowered, she does not turn to face the kindly cook. It started on my way back from town. There was no where to go.

Mrs. Anders: You poor child. You must be freezing. They've just heated water for the washing but I'll have someone draw a bath for you.

Julia takes a few steps, but pauses at the foot of the servant's staircase. She opens her mouth to speak, but the moment passes and she slowly ascends the stairs. Once in her own bedroom, she slowly strips off her wet clothing, leaving them in a wet heap on her floor, and stands naked before a full-length mirror. Her long hair hangs in wet strands down to her waist front and back, half-covering her face as well. Julia examines herself, moving only her eyes, and is soon in a daze that only breaks with a knock on the door.

Maid: Miss, we have the water.

Julia turns her head to the door, then crosses her arms over her chest as she walks to her robe. She slips the robe over her arms and belts it tightly at her waist.

Julia: Come in.

A maid enters with two buckets of steaming water, followed by two more maids with the same.

Maid: My, you do look a fright. A bath will freshen you right up. Hot running water's convenient sometimes, but times like this you just don't want to wait do you? Just sit right here and we'll get it nice and comf'table for you.

Julia absently sits on the edge of the bed. Looking up, she is at just the right level to stare at her face in her dressing table mirror. Just as her expression begins to turn from a blank stare to bitter disgust, the maids return from the other room and break her concentration.

Maid: There you go, miss. Just nice.

Julia slowly stands, nods to the maids as they leave her alone, and walks to stand beside the deep, claw-footed bathtub. A short table sits beside it with soap, a cloth, and a sponge resting on top. Julia unties the belt and allows her robe to fall to the floor. She looks down at her body for a moment before stepping into the water. She sinks deeper until fully emersed, emerging moments later pushing all her hair back over her shoulders. She reaches for the cloth and soap and works up a good lather. She starts washing slowly, gently rubbing the cloth over her arms, legs, and stomach. Soon, though, she begins to scrub—harder and harder until her skin is red and her arms are too tired to scrub anymore. She gives up, throwing the cloth down and splashing water over the edge. She pulls her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around them, burying her face between her knees as she sobs.

Scene 2: Boise, the next morning. Nick has just joined Gustavo at a table in their hotel restaurant.

Gustavo: What do you propose we do now?

Nick: Groans. God, I don't know. It's all just so frustrating. And we don't even know if she's going around as a... He lowers his voice... we don't know if she's going around as a man or a woman.

Gustavo: There is the answer!

Nick: What?

Gustavo: That obnoxious man at the train station yesterday, the one who said they only paid attention to the ladies. Would it not make sense for her to change her appearance after selling her horse to someone who obviously knew who she was? We have yet to show the the picture of her as... as herself.

Nick grabs a few rolls from the basket on the table and Gustavo finishes a few more bites off his plate before they hustle into the main lobby and out the front door. They hire a carriage to take them to the train station, this time pushing ahead of the people in line to the obnoxious clerk from the day before.

Gustavo: Pulls a faded photograph from his wallet. Yesterday you said you only paid attention to the ladies. This picture is old, but do you remember this woman from last summer?

The clerk takes the photograph and examines it for a moment before a small smile creeps onto his face.

Clerk: Oh, yeah. You don't forget a woman like that.

Gustavo: Anxious. She was here?

Clerk: She was here, all right. I offered to take her to get something to eat while she waited for her train. Her answer, well, I'd rather not repeat where ladies might hear.

Nick: Laughs. Sounds like our girl! Do you remember where she was going?

Clerk: Down south somewhere, southwest. Let me think now... He leans his elbow on the counter and rests his chin in his palm. Phoenix. Don't know where she was going from there but she was definitely going to Phoenix.

Nick: Good man. When's your next train to Phoenix?

Clerk: We don't have trains going direct to Phoenix. Have to go to Salt Lake City first, that's what I told the lady. You'll find one going from there soon enough. We've got a train leaving for Salt Lake in two hours.

Nick: Turns to Gustavo. Take care of the tickets. I'll need to wire Tess where we're going.

Scene 3: Will and Marietta's house, a short time later. Elizabeth and Marietta are sitting in a sun-filled corner room with a late breakfast and Annie toddles about the floor with various dolls and toys.

Elizabeth: When are you going to give her a little brother or sister, chèrie?

Marietta: It has not been for lack of trying.

Elizabeth: Anne Marie came so soon after you married.

Marietta: It is all in God's plan. With the strain of Papa dying I could not handle two babies, and it would be difficult to carry another while trying to entertain my mother.

Elizabeth: Smiles. I find their imminent visit eases the pain of the loss somehow.

Marietta: Yes, I know what you mean.

Elizabeth: Do you suppose we should plan a family dinner for their arrival?

Marietta: Not for their arrival. They will be tired and strained. Tea, perhaps, at Belleterre. Will and I will bring Anne, and just you and John Henry and Julia, Grace, and Alicia... that would not be too overwhelming.

Elizabeth: Yes, that would be best... Oh, they are arriving so soon. They will be not two, maybe three, days from port now. I want Lise Anne to have a good impression, to feel welcome and at home. Liberty Creek is quite different from Paris, and she will feel very much alone.

Marietta: With all her family eager to welcome her? You worry too much. Alicia adjusted to this life quickly, I am certain Lise Anne will, as well.

Cut to: A ship on the Atlantic, evening. Eugénie and Lise Anne have just risen from their dinner. Hélène, Marcelle, and Antoine meet them at the door from their place on the side wall of waiting servants.

Eugénie: They are having dancing in the ballroom. We are going to watch, but you three may return to our rooms if you are tired.

Marcelle: I always enjoy watching all the couples dance.

Hélène: Thank you, Madame, but I think I would like to rest and eat in my room. She looks Antoine directly in the eye. Will you join me, Antoine?

Antoine: I, too, have always liked to watch the dancing.

Only Antoine watches as Hélène leaves the party. She turns to look at him, winking as she purposely drops her handkerchief before rounding a corner.

Antoine: Madame Arneau, I will follow you in a moment. Hélène has dropped something.

Eugénie turns and nods, then continues walking. Antoine jogs down the hall, stoops briefly to collect the handkerchief, and rounds the corner to follow Hélène. She has pressed herself against the wall, and she grabs him around the waist when he appears.

Hélène: Seductively pouts. Won't you come and keep me company, Antoine?

Antoine: We cannot have our fair employer thinking we have acted improperly. I will spend five or ten minutes with the ladies before I take my leave. Wait for me.

Hélène: I do not want to wait too long.

Hélène leans up to kiss Antoine, but smiles and continues down the hall just before touching his lips. Antoine smiles to himself and takes his time as he walks to the ballroom, but he is met by his company at the entrance. Lise Anne and Marcelle each hold one of Eugénie's arm.

Lise Anne: The crowd has overwhelmed my aunt. We will all return to the rooms.

Antoine: Speechless for a moment. Perhaps Madame would prefer a walk in the fresh air on the deck.

Eugénie: No, no. I want to lie down. Will you take Lise Anne's place? She is a good girl but not very strong.

Antoine: Yes, Madame.

Antoine replaces Lise Anne at Eugénie's arm and the four walk slowly down to their state room. Antoine makes some noise in opening the door, but it does not alert Hélène. She stands in her underclothes at Antoine's door, her back to everyone.

Hélène: That was not a long wait, Antoine. I knew you would not be able to resist me.

Eugénie: Shocked, angry. Hélène!

Hélène: Turns on her heel, gasps, and tries to cover herself. Madame! What—?

Antoine: Hélène, I have told you twice before. You are an attractive woman, but I would never violate Madame Arneau's trust and... Frankly, I am ashamed.

Hélène: Antoine, you planned to come back here. What are you talking about?

Antoine: Madame, I hope you will believe me when I tell you I had nothing to do with this. I certainly did not encourage the woman.

Hélène: Madame, he is lying!

Eugénie: I will hear none of it, Hélène. You have embarrassed me and exposed Lise Anne to... to... it is disgraceful. Go put your clothes on and get out. I will pay for you to have a room with the other servants. In New York I will give you enough money to return to France. I care not what you do with it.

Hélène opens her mouth to speak, but Eugénie raises her hand to silence her before leading Lise Anne into their shared room with Marcelle following.

Hélène: How dare you lie!

Antoine: We do what we can to keep our jobs, Hélène. I tried to keep the lady on deck, but she was insistent. He looks her up and down. My but you do look good... it is a shame I will not see more of you.

He brushes past her into his room and closes the door in her face.

Scene 4: The inner courtyard, Belleterre, a short time later. Alicia is sitting on a small stone bench in a patch of sun with a thick shawl wrapped around her shoulders. In her lap rests a slate with some stationery on it, and an inkwell sits on the bench beside her.

Alicia dips her pen in the ink and begins to write a few more lines on the half-written letter. When she looks up from her page she notices Hildy standing in front of her, though some distance away.

Alicia: Smiles brightly at the child. Hello, there! How are you today?

Hildy: Still somewhat awestruck. Just fine, thank you.

Alicia: Did you not go to church today?

Hildy: Grandma helps Ada and I with our prayers at home because we all belong to the Lutheran church. Don't you go to church?

Alicia: I do my prayers at home, as well, because I go to a Catholic church.

Hildy: Slightly surprised. Oh. She pauses for a moment. What are you doing?

Alicia: I am writing a long, overdue letter to a friend of mine. Do you have a lot of friends?

Hildy: The children at school don't talk to me. Sometimes they stare and whisper about my mother being away.

Alicia: That is not very nice. Well, I am your friend. Would you like to sit beside me, and then when I am finished we can play... what do you call it? Hide and seek? Would you like that?

The child's face brightens with a smile and she carefully sits on the corner of the bench, careful not to knock over the inkwell.

Cut to: Another part of the garden, some time later. Johnny enters the courtyard from the open property, his riding trousers and boots splattered with mud. Hearing laughter, he follows it and comes across Hildy standing behind an arbor covered with vines just coming alive after the winter. He stops to watch and is soon rewarded by the sight of Alicia peaking behind the tree.

Alicia: Found you. She reaches for Hildy and the child laughingly throws her arms around Alicia's neck as Alicia struggles slightly, but succeeds in picking her up. Alicia turns with the child in her arms to find Johnny smiling at her.

Johnny: Is this hide and go seek? My favorite game and you did not invite me to play?

Alicia: Monsieur Pritchett!

Johnny: I am sorry, Mademoiselle de Gironde. I did not mean to startle you. I was on my way back from my morning ride when I heard laughter and came to see who was having all the fun without me. He smiles at the flush that appears on Alicia's cheeks.

Alicia: Did you have a good ride?

Johnny: Shocked and confused. Mademoiselle! He catches himself, smacking his forehead with the palm of his hand as his face flushes crimson. Forgive me, you meant on my horse. Yes, I did, thank you.

Alicia: Confused. What else would I have meant?

Johnny: It is of no importance. He desperately looks around the courtyard, desperately searching for a way to change the subject. Oh, you mustn't let me interrupt your game.

Alicia: Looks down to meet Hildy's large eyes, but her words are for Johnny. Of course it is Hildy's decision, but you are welcome to join us.

Johnny: I am honored by your invitation. He looks to Hildy. What say you, Miss Schmidt?

Hildy: Will you be it?

Johnny: I suppose it is only fair, since I am the new player to the game.

Johnny turns around quickly and begins his count. Hildy squeals and runs away, and Alicia hurries off in another direction. Johnny finishes his count at ten and turns around. He sees Hildy immediately but takes his time in catching her. Amid her giggles as he tickles her, he looks around for Alicia. He spies her crouching behind a statue and slowly walks up to it before reaching around and grabbing her arm. She screams and runs back "home," but Johnny's strides are longer and he reaches it before her.

Hildy: I beat both of you here!

Mrs. Anders: Her voice calls out, but she is unseen. Hildy! It's time to come help me, my sweet!

Hildy: I have to go now. I'm sorry.

Alicia: You need not apologize. I enjoyed our game. Run along before she calls you again. I will see you later.

Alicia watches Hildy as she runs to the kitchen entrance, but Johnny keeps his eyes on Alicia herself. She turns to face him, but does not realize that they were standing just inches apart. Their eyes meet and with no forewarning, Johnny leans forward and lightly, almost imperceptively, brushes his lips against hers. He pauses for a brief moment before reaching to pull her into his arms and kiss her again. Alicia does nothing at first, but just as she begins to yield to his warm embrace she pushes away. Johnny watches as she runs away, furrowing his brow in confusion while smiling with satisfaction.

Scene 5: Liberty Creek, early evening. Cole has just arrived at the clinic on horseback, and Jack has come out to meet him.

Cole: Calls as he dismounts. Good day, Jack!

Jack smiles at his friend, whose spirits seem to have brightened since the previous day.

Jack: Ah, Cole... He finishes locking up and turns to him as he is walking over. Good evening to you, as well. He notices the satchel Cole has flung over the back of the horse. Planning a trip?

Cole: Yes, actually... I’m going to find my son.

Jack: Jesus, Cole, he could be anywhere by now. It could take you the rest of your life.

Cole: I am going to find him. No matter how long it takes.

Jack: Yes, but—

Cole: Cuts Jack off with a gesture of his hand. He is my child, Jack. It is my responsibility to care for him. Isabella... He chokes on her name, half with grief and half with bitterness. She would have wanted me to raise him.

Jack: I admire your determination.

Cole: He chuckles softly. No, you don’t. You think I’m crazy for going out there to find him.

Jack: I never said that.

Cole: You implied it. Jack opens his mouth to say something in his defense, but Cole waves it off. It does not matter what you think, Jack. I’m going to find my son, and that is that.

Jack: Then there is nothing left for me to do than wish you good luck. Don't be a stranger. You are welcome in my home at any time, provided you can handle my grandparents.

Cole: He laughs heartily. Stop being so formal about this, Jack.

Jack: Sorry... I was never really that good at saying goodbye.

Cole: You sound like you are counting on me to die out there!

Jack: I won't say anymore. You've got the determination, I don't want to kill that now.

Cole: I will find him.

Jack: I hope you do.

Jack and Cole exchange a few more words before parting with a friendly handshake. Jack walks in one direction with his medical bag and Cole heads off in the other, urging the horse into a quick-stepping trot through town. Once he reaches the end of the short town strip, he urges the horse into a run. Not far away, Julia runs to the edge of the road from a path, panting and out of breath. Cole looks at her as his horse gallops past, but does not stop. Fifty feet down the road a look of sudden realization washes over his face and he pulls the horse to a stop and turns around. But Julia has disappeared. He hesitates for a moment, looking from the place she used to be to the open road in front of him, but soon curses as he urges his horse into a fierce gallop toward Boise.

Coming up in Episode 83:

Nick and Gustavo receive at tip that would lead them directly to Stuart, but they aren't sure if they should believe it

Grace decides to patch up her relationship with Steven, but finds him consoling Julia and misunderstands

Julia discovers she's in more trouble than she thought

Continue to Episode 83

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