Episode 27
Episode 27: Late November, 1875
Scene 1: Belleterre, morning. Julia, Grace, and Louisa, fully dressed, are walking down an upstairs hallway together.
Grace: Isn't it strange how Sally left so suddenly before she could even be introduced to Uncle Richard? She missed dinner completely.
Julia: Perhaps she is ill again. Let's go see her.
The three quicken their pace, round a corner, and knock on the second door they come to.
Sally: Come in.
The three girls enter to find Sally, in her robe with her hair down, penning a letter at the desk in her sitting room. She looks up, smiles, and sets the pen down.
Grace: We came to see how you were doing this morning. You left so suddenly last night and missed dinner.
Sally: It was a combination of illness and not wanting to intrude on a family reunion.
Grace: And what a tense family reunion it was. Neither Daddy nor Uncle Charlie were at all happy to see Uncle Richard.
Sally: Is casual, though appearing to hide intense curiosity. What of his children? How did you find them?
Grace: Belinda made a bad impression with everyone almost the instant she entered the room. She complained about every little thing that happened along the trip, from the stormy sea voyage, to the bumpy stage trip, to the old man who was rude to her in town. She seems intent on garnering the same respect as my sisters and I do because she, too, is the granddaughter of a duke, but she is so very rude and vain. No one likes her. She insulted Olivia, they're only a year apart, when Livie tried to make pleasant conversation. Livie threatened to beat Belinda senseless. She barely acknowledged Tess. It's clear Belinda thinks Tess is beneath her rank. And she also flirted shamelessly with Philip, and admonished me for—
Julia: Grace, don't be a gossip. Belinda is our cousin no matter how unlikeable she may be.
Grace: You're only saying that because she liked you, though that's only because you're so timid.
Sally: Enough! What of the others? I understand your uncle has two sons?
Grace: Adam barely said a word, which he can only be commended for considering the enemies his sister made opening her mouth. He was quite unlike any of the other men in our family, who are so handsome and charismatic—except, perhaps, Robert. I'm sure he must take after his mother. He kept looking at me strangely, though. Made me a bit uncomfortable.
Sally: Uncomfortable in what way? How was he looking at you?
Grace: In a way a cousin should not. I'm probably just imagining things. At any rate, I have this—She holds her right leg up and lifts her skirts to reveal a small pistol held in a garder—just in case.
Julia: I wish you wouldn't show people that thing Grace. It could be very dangerous.
Grace: Nonsense.
Sally: The two of you are bickering more than usual today. As your aunt would say, 'it is most unbecoming.' What of, what of the other brother?
Grace: His name is Freddie. He looks nothing like any of the Marshalls, though he's handsome all the same. And unlike his younger brother, he was very charming and charismatic. I enjoyed talking with him immensely. And, unlike his sister, he was quite encouraging and not at all shocked when I told him about my riding and shooting and other favored activities.
Louisa: We told him all about our play. He seemed interested, so we told him about you.
Sally: Stiffens. You did? What did you say?
Louisa: Not much, just that you were our tutor and not much more. He seemed very interested in you. He wants to meet you today.
Sally: I don't think that would be advisable. I'm still feeling a little ill. You three shouldn't be in here, I might be catching.
Julia: We will leave you to rest then. Would you like to have some breakfast brought up?
Sally: Yes, please. I missed dinner last night. I'm ravenous. Thank you for coming to visit me. Grace, you run the rehearsal today. You're a wonderful leader.
Grace beamed with pride as she followed Julia and Louisa from the room. Once the door was shut and Sally was left alone, she slumped in her chair and let out a heavy-hearted sigh.
Sally: Half-cries. Oh, Freddie...
Scene 2: John Henry's office, mid-day. Connie is on the floor beside the small enclosure constructed for Princess and her puppies. Connie is holding one of the puppies, the red one with the white tail, at her chin. Red has been allowed in the room and is peering over the edge of the enclosure nose-to-nose with Princess. Connie is stroking his head.
The door opens and Lazarus enters unnoticed. He manages to walk through the room and kneel behind Connie, and is only given away when Red looks up to greet him.
Connie: Oh, hello, Mr. Carrol! I didn't know you were here.
Lazarus: I just got here. Didn't even knock, I felt very sneaky.
Connie: Giggles. Then you haven't met my Uncle Richard yet. He arrived last night with my three other cousins.
Lazarus: I did have the pleasure, or displeasure of meeting them yesterday in town.
Connie: You didn't accost Belinda, did you? She said someone did.
Lazarus: Accost her I did not! She was rude and disrespectful and I spoke to her as I would any young woman who spoke to me in such a way. But let's not talk about that unpleasantness. How are my little darlings doing, Lady Connie? And what is this mongrel doing here?
At that moment
three of the puppies lifted themselves up to the side of the box to look at Red more
closely. Princess slowly jumped out of the box and laid herself in Lazarus' lap.
Connie: It's all right, Mr. Carrol. He likes the puppies, and they like him.
Lazarus: Is that so?
Connie: Mm-hmm. He's been in here all morning.
Lazarus: Lifts the
small white puppy from the box. Is this one getting enough to eat? She still looks
so small.
Connie: I think she gets more than the others. She's very pushy.
Lazarus: Good for her! And what about that puppy? The one you're holding?
Connie: Oh, we're friends.
Lazarus: Are you now? Have you given her a name?
Connie: I couldn't. They're your puppies.
Lazarus: You can name her if you wish. I've been considering names for several days.
Connie: May I really? I'll have to think about it very hard.
Lazarus: Yes, names are very important.
Connie: How is Mrs. Carrol doing? Did she come today?
Lazarus: No, she has to teach.
Connie: Where?
Lazarus: At the school in town.
Connie: I've never been to a school before. My governess teaches me.
Lazarus: Who do you play with?
Connie: With the housekeeper's children sometimes, but they're older.
Lazarus: You ask your mama and someday soon you can go into town and spend some time in Mrs. Carrol's classroom with the other children. You could tell them all about living in England and they could tell you all about living here. Would you like that?
Connie: I think so, very much.
The door opened just then and Grace poked her head in.
Grace: Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Carrol. Connie, we need you at the rehearsal now. Will you come, Mr. Carrol? Most everyone else is watching.
Lazarus: I believe I will. Lady Connie and I can visit with the pups later.
Cut to: The library. The older people are gathered in chairs surrounding the "stage." Freddie, Belinda, and Adam are also seated. Belinda and Adam appear thoroughly bored, though Freddie seems in deep conversation with Charles.
The door opens and Grace and Connie appear just before Lazarus. Upon seeing the elderly gentleman, this time wearing a more respectable suit, Belinda immediately stands and points an accusing finger at him.
Belinda: What is that man doing here, Uncle John?
John Henry: Stands to greet Lazarus. That man is my friend.
Belinda: That man accosted and insulted me on the street when we arrived!
John Henry: I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. Lazarus is used to be treated with respect. He's a judge and holds more power in this territory than I ever will.
Lazarus: Exaggerates his tone. I am so sorry if you were insulted by my behavior yesterday. Being the daughter of a gentryman, you must be accustomed to preferential treatment from every man you come across. He turns to Richard, who is considerably annoyed, and adds much emphasis to his voice as he addresses the man. Lord Richard, I must say I'm glad to meet you in more pleasant surroundings.
Richard: Likewise
Grace: Interrupts pointedly. Well, now that all is forgiven, we can get on with the rehearsal. We'll be practicing a scene from the middle of the story. You shouldn't be terribly confused, but it will not reveal too much of the story. Camilla, music please, and would someone pull the curtains and dim the lights.
As Grace hurried behind the stage curtain, Freddie stood from his chair, whispered something to Charles, and left the room unnoticed.
Scene 3: Upstairs at Belleterre, a short time later. Freddie is walking through the hall looking about, trying to determine which way to go.
Freddie: Mumbles. Now, it was to the right of the stairs, but which stairs?
A door opens out of the corner of his eye. He turns around just in time to see a tall, blond figure dart back into the room and close the door. With much determination, he walks to the door. But he does not knock right away. He considers it for a moment, resting his head on the door. Barely moving at all, he knocks softly. When there is no answer, he knocks again. There is still no response.
Freddie: I saw you, Sally. You can't hide from me forever. I'll be here till Christmas at least. Please, I've... I've missed you.
He waits at the door for a while longer, still resting his head on it. The knob soon turns and the door slowly opens. Freddie finds himself almost face-to-face with the slightly shorter Sally. She cries as he kisses her forehead, then steps back to allow him into the room. Freddie closes the door behind him, then sits with Sally on a the small couch.
Sally: Why did you come here?
Freddie: Because my father told me to come. Believe me, I had no idea you were here. I would not have come had I known. I never wanted to hurt you.
Sally: I know. It... it just wasn't meant to be I suppose.
Freddie: I suppose. I wanted to write you all the same, but... but I knew you didn't want me to.
Sally: Oh, Freddie, it wasn't that! I did what was best for you. You can't very well have me holding you back when you are to become the duke.
Freddie: But I'm not. It's impossible.
Sally: Your father told me that the queen was bound to make an exception.
Freddie: He tried once, but failed. Her Majesty never liked father and believes very much in marriage. Father was dreaming if he thought he could ever designate me his true heir. He takes Sally's hands in his own. How did you come to live here?
Sally: Your uncle sent me here after Ricky...
Freddie: So that's where you went. Father mentioned something about Uncle Charlie interfering. I'm glad he did. Does this mean my cousins know of us?
Sally: No, none of them. I think only Lady Maggie and Lady Carey were even aware that he came and went.
Freddie: Where is he buried?
Sally: Smiles. In your family burial plot at Stancliff.
Freddie: And his full name? Was he baptized?
Sally: He was, and your name was put on the certificate. Your uncle insisted. His name was Frederick Charles Mason Emory Marshall.
Freddie: A long name for someone whose life was so short.
Sally: He was very deserving. Freddie strokes Sally's cheek and she jumps up. Look here! She hurries into her bedroom and returns a moment later with a framed photograph held tight to her chest. Your uncle, the dear, had this photograph taken when it was certain Ricky would not make it.
Freddie takes the photograph and looks at it. Sally is sitting up in a bed looking very tired as she holds a tiny baby to face the camera.
Freddie: He was beautiful, as were you. I only wish...
He trails off and doesn't continue. Sally leads him to the couch again and he leans on her shoulder.
Sally: What do you wish?
Freddie: A lot of things. I wish I could have held him just one time. I wish I hadn't let you leave the bloody country. I wish my father...
Sally: It's all right. You can say it and no one will here you.
Freddie: I was going to say I wish he weren't a bastard, but that's what I am, isn't it?
Sally: No, not in the sense you're thinking.
Freddie: Looking up into her eyes. I never stopped...
Sally: Never stopped what?
Freddie: It was a silly notion. He stands and heads for the door. I had better go back downstairs before we're discovered.
Sally: Freddie, I...
Freddie: Hopeful. Yes?
Sally: Nothing. I am glad you're doing well.
Freddie: Likewise.
Scene 4: Just outside the main door of Belleterre, mid-afternoon. John Henry and Lazarus are standing together beside a buggy.
John Henry: You really should get your own buggy. I'm tired of having my driver take you home.
Lazarus: Stop griping, John. You can spare him for a short time.
The door opens and Connie runs outside.
Connie: Are you leaving, Mr. Carrol?
Lazarus: I am, Lady Connie. You should go inside. You'll catch your death.
John Henry takes off his large coat and wraps it around his niece.
Connie: I asked Mama about going to Mrs. Carrol's school. She says I may.
Lazarus: Wonderful. I'll speak with Mrs. Carrol about it and one morning your Uncle John can have you brought to town in his buggy. He doesn't mind lending it to people.
John Henry: What are your plans for Thanksgiving, Lazarus?
Lazarus: Danielle and I have never made a big fuss about it since the children moved away.
John Henry: Come and eat with us. We're planning a large banquet, but we need some real Americans to make it a real holiday.
Lazarus: I think I'll take you up on the offer, if only to make your brother and his daughter fume.
John Henry: I'm afraid Richard and Belinda don't like you.
Lazarus: A shame.
Connie: Points. Who's that?
John Henry follows Connie's finger and spies Grace, wearing trousers again, riding with another trouser-clad woman in the distance.
John Henry: I believe that's Grace and Carey.
Connie: But they're riding like men.
John Henry: Grace likes to. You probably shouldn't tell your mama about that.
Connie: I won't. Good-bye, Mr. Carrol.
Lazarus: Climbs into the buggy. Good-bye, Lady Connie. I'll see you tomorrow.
Scene 5: Near Tess and Nick's house, about an hour later. Grace is riding along with Carey, who has her hair down with only a large cowboy hat to keep it from flying completely loose. The two have just slowed from a long gallop.
Carey: Breathless. I love it! I wish I could be this carefree at home.
Grace: Why don't you?
Carey: It just isn't done, and it would disappoint Mother so. Points. Do you know that person?
Grace: That's Stuart! Let's go say hello.
The two quicken their pace and soon ride alongside Stuart. Stuart appears despondent, but smiles when she sees Grace.
Stuart: I see you've corrupted one of your cousins. I assume this does not bode well with your aunt and uncle.
Carey: It wouldn't if they knew. Carey Marshall, it's nice to meet you.
Stuart: Stuart MacKenzie, likewise.
Grace: How did the sale go, Stuart? She turns to Carey. Stuart took one of Nick's horses east to sell.
Stuart: It went well. Nick never told the fellow what he was expecting, just me. The fellow offered that amount to start with, so I bargained with him.
Grace: Good for you!
Stuart: Thank you. Now, I apologize for running off, but I haven't slept much since I left Kentucky.
Grace: By all means. Welcome back.
Cut to: Tess and Nick's house, a short time later. The two are sitting in the parlor together as Stuart rides up. They wait as she puts up the horse in the barn and are waiting in the kitchen with tea when Stuart arrives.
Nick: Welcome home. I trust everything went well?
Stuart: It did, yes. I had a wonderful time. The Burkes invited me to a dance.
Tess: That must have been lovely for you!
Stuart: It was. She reaches into her inside jacket pocket and removes a billfold. I believe this is yours, Nick. By all means, count it.
Stuart smiles, quite proud of herself, as Nick shuffles through the stack of bills. When he's finished, he looks up in surprise.
Nick: I expected Burke to bargain down. This is nearly twenty percent more than I wanted.
Stuart: Shrugs. Burke was a poor bargainer. He didn't expect such business sense from a woman.
Tess: I think you charmed him out of the money.
Nick: This could be very profitable for you. Here. He hands Stuart part of the money. You earned it.
Stuart: Thank you. Mr. Burke wants more. Any mare with the same parentage as the horse we sold him and a good two-year-old if you have one.
Nick: Is that so? You did good, Stuart. Real good. How did your other venture fare?
Stuart: I merely told Mrs. Burke that I was feeling ill, this was the day after the dance. She had her doctor examine me and it was after I was alone with the man that I asked him to do the test.
Tess: And?
Stuart: I'm not.
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