Episode 30
Episode 30: Mid-December, 1875
Scene 1: Belleterre, dark. Most have gone to bed, but a few are still wandering around. The buggy carrying the Carrols, Freddie and Sally, and Carey is half way back to town. Belinda has just started down the upstairs hallway, her father walking towards her.
Richard: Going to bed, Bin?
Belinda: Belinda, Father. In a little bit. I'm first going to speak with Freddie. He came up to his room quite early.
Richard: I noticed that. Good night, then. Tell Freddie the same.
Richard disappears into his room and Belinda continues on down the hall. She comes to a door, knocks, and waits for a reply that doesn't come. She knocks once more, then walks in. Going through the darkened sitting room and into the bedroom, she discovers the bed empty. A quick check around the room reveals no sign of her brother. Irate, she leaves the room and storms down the hall. At another door, she doesn't bother to knock, storming right in.
Belinda: Nearly yells. Sally Mason! Where's my brother?
She storms into the bedroom, throws back the covers on the bed and finds a row of pillows. She picks one up, throws it back onto the bed with an angry grunt, and spins around. The light from the moon shining through the window perfectly illuminates a sheet of paper on the table. There is enough light from the moon to allow her to read. "Dear Ones, I must apologize for this letter. I understand how you must feel being informed this way. I will return later this night, along with Freddie and Carey. They are with me. Freddie and I are getting married. Mr. Carrol is performing the ceremony for us and Carey and Mrs. Carrol will be our witnesses. This is not a decision we have made lightly. It is something that we should have done some years ago. I would rather you all hear this news from us, so I ask the person reading this letter to please keep this news to yourself. I know what a shock this must be, and I am sorry. All my love, Sally." This letter does not make Belinda happy.
Belinda: Storms from the room. That little hussy!
With the letter, she storms down the hall and pounds on her father's door. He opens it, perturbed, while still doing up his robe.
Richard: For God's sake, Belinda, do you want to wake the entire house?
Belinda: Thrusts the letter forward. Freddie was not in his room, so I decided to check with that little hussy Uncle John employs as a tutor. I found this.
Richard: Takes time to read. I don't believe this! When did they meet. They should have done it a year ago?
Belinda: You still don't know who she is, do you?
Richard: What do you mean?
Belinda: She's the one Freddie got pregnant.
Richard: I didn't know you knew about that.
Belinda: Everyone knew about that. Uncle Charles took her in, she had the baby at Stancliff, and the brat died there and was buried in our family cemetary. Then she was sent here.
Richard: Where is Charles' room?
Belinda: No need. Here he comes.
Charles approachs, looking none too happy. He holds a sheet of paper in his hand, but does not appear to be angry with Richard nor Belinda.
Richard: Problem, brother?
Charles: I'm not sure. I went to bid Carey a good night and found this note. She claims she went out for a late night horseback ride. I don't know what to think of this.
Richard: I wouldn't worry about her. Perhaps this will elaborate.
Charles: Takes the paper, reads, smiles. Well, I'll be damned. Good for them!
Richard: Excuse me!
Charles: Oh, let it go, Richard. Freddie has been in love with that girl since the day he laid eyes on her. They would have married sooner or later.
Richard: He married beneath him!
Charles: Most men do.
Richard: She's a commoner.
Charles: So is your son, you just won't admit it. Freddie respects you, but you will never be able to control him as you want to. I would advise accepting this marriage and giving it your blessing so you don't spoil the holiday for everyone. Do you even know Miss Mason?
Richard: She's the one Freddie got pregnant, I now know.
Charles: I meant personally. She's a wonderful girl. Much more worthy than half the society ladies. Is it just the three of us that know so far?
Richard: As far as I know.
Charles: Let's keep it that way, shall we? Let them tell us themselves.
Richard: You cannot be serious?
Charles: Perfectly, and this is one thing you will do.
Scene 2: Morning, Boise. The streets are muddy, but the buildings are covered with snow. In front of the stagecoach office, the lane is still covered with snow as the stage is on sleigh runners. And elegantly dressed lady in a fur-edged coat stands with a tall man who appears unaccustomed to the cold. A shorter, maid-like woman stands nearby holding a small, well-bundled baby.
Lady: Are you sure you will be all right sitting up with the driver, Jane? You are welcome to join us inside.
Jane (the maid): Thank you, milady, but my coat is warm and I'm eager to see the countryside. I spent my childhood in the Scottish Highlands. I'm quite accostomed to the chill. Will you be all right with the wee one?
Lady: Of course, he's my son. If I cannot care for him for several hours, what sort of mother would I be?
Man: Maggie, you are a wonderful mother. You already do far more than any of the other ladies do in regards to caring for our son.
Maggie: And who ever heard of a lord changing nappies, I'd like to know. It is very endearing, Edward.
Edward: That was my intention.
Driver: Perhaps you folks should get in now. We wouldn't want the little'n catchin' cold.
Maggie: That would be best for him.
Maggie climbs inside with the help of her husband before taking the baby from the maid. Edward follows.
Driver: May I help you up, miss?
Jane: Thank you.
With minimal difficulty, the driver assists the young woman to the top seat.
Maggie: Will there be other passengers traveling with us?
Driver: Yes, three. A doctor, his wife, and the doctor's son. Pleasant people, I've driven them to Liberty Creek before. I imagine they will be staying with the Marshalls, as well. I assume that it is where you'll be.
Maggie: Yes, John Henry is my uncle. I haven't seen him in six years. My father is also there.
Driver: The duke. Met him, nice enough fellow. Not what I expected from one of 'em bloated English lords.
Maggie: Playfully snickers at her husband. They can be a bit dull and vainglorious. I should know. I married one myself.
Driver: So sorry, sir. I meant no offense.
Edward: None taken. My wife enjoys insulting me.
Maggie: The doctor and his wife, do you know how they are known to my uncle?
Driver: Part of it is a story that's not my place to repeat, though I don't think Mrs. Hewitt will be shy in telling you. She originally met the Marshalls when she attended at Nick's wedding to Tess.
Maggie: I wish I could have been at Nicky's wedding. I hear it was quite exciting, though no one ever told me the complete story. They didn't want to shock me in my condition at the time.
Driver: Ah, here come the Hewitts now. We'll be on our way soon.
Georgie, Gabe, and Steven hurry into the stage, leaving their luggage on the hired hack to be loaded onto the stagecoach. All three settle on the seat opposite Maggie, Edward, and the baby.
Maggie: A might chilly out there?
Georgie: I'd say so. It's slightly warmer in California. There were no warmers under the seats of the rid we came here in, but I digress. My name is Georgie Hewitt; my husband the doctor, Gabe; and his son, Steven. Judging by your lovely accent and your exquisite gown, I'd guess that you are an English lady. Perhaps... a viscountess?
Maggie: My, that was amazing! However did you guess the rank?
Georgie: It wasn't really a guess. You're going to Liberty Creek, and a couple of your obvious stature would only be going to visit the Marshalls. You are most likely related, and I know all of John Henry's daughters. He told me all about his brother's family. Only one daughter was married, to a viscount, and her name was... Maggie, that was it. Are you Maggie?
Maggie: I am, yes. You must have an excellent memory.
Georgie: Well, I don't remember your husband's name or what you're the viscountess of. I see you had the baby. A little darling. An heir or will you be trying again?
Maggie: Laughs. An heir, but we will be trying again. My husband, Edward Eaton, Viscount Waverley. Our son, Peter, Baron Waverley.
Georgie: Just a few months old and he's already stuck with a title.
Maggie: It came with being an heir. We call him Petey. He is two months old, big and strong for his age. I understand you attended my cousin's wedding. I haven't seen Nicky in a long time.
Georgie: I was the maid of honor, or matrong of honor, as it turned out, to his bride. Nick and Tess had a beautiful ceremony once my little annoyance was rid of.
Gabe: Your little annoyance, Georgie?
Georgie: Yes. Turns to Maggie. Did they write to you about the trouble at the ceremony?
Maggie: They only mentioned the trouble in passing. They thought it was too shocking for me to hear in my pregnant state.
Gabe: What nonsense.
Maggie: That was my response. It is very frustrating knowing something went on and not know really what it was.
Georgie: Would you like me to tell you? You may as well know, everyone else does.
Maggie: Please, do tell.
Georgie: All right. I suppose it all started when the War ended...
Scene 3: Belleterre, later that day. The large drawing room has been decorated for Christmas and lacks only the tree. Most of the family is gathered, only Olivia and Joe are missing. Freddie has just entered.
Charles: Nice of you to make an appearance today, Freddie.
Freddie: Thank you, Uncle.
Charles: You haven't seen Carey or Sally, by any chance?
Freddie: Stumbles over his words. What? Oh, no. It was my understanding that they were off riding together.
Charles: Ah, that's right. Look, here they come now. Ladies, you look refreshed.
Carey: Good afternoon, Father.
Sally: Nods. Your Grace.
Charles: I trust you had an enjoyable ride. I hope it wasn't too cold.
Carey: In unity with Sally. Not at all.
Sally: In unity with Carey. Only a little.
Charles: I see. Is there anything else you wish to tell me?
Carey: Not at the moment, Father.
Charles: Mumbles as Carey walks away with Sally and Freddie. God punishes all liars.
Charles chuckles as all three flinch, but continue walking away. He is surprised when Freddie stands at the head of the room with a glass and proceeds to gain everyone's attention by tapping it with a fork.
Freddie: May I have your attention? With most of the family now assemble here, I'd like to say something.
The family turns and dutifully gives him their full attention. None but Freddie see Mr. Patton open the door and lead in new guests. Freddie does not continue.
Maggie: By all means, Cousin, continue.
The resulting commotion makes it impossible for Freddie to continue with his announcement. Hugs are exchanged between all and many tears result when Maggie produces baby Peter. To avoid the commotion, the Hewitts do not join in the festivities. Instead, Maggie whispers in Tess's ear when the two are introduced and an excited Tess takes Louisa from the room a moment later.
Louisa: Where are we going?
Tess: To the library. There's something there I think you'll be interested in.
The two walk around through the house, pausing for a moment at the library door. Louisa fidgets as Tess rights her dress and fixes her hair.
Tess: Stop moving, I'm trying to fix it.
Louisa: Why?
Tess: Go inside and see.
Louisa opens the door, squeals, and runs into the arms of her father. Steven patiently waits as Tess and Georgie embrace, as well.
Tess: Why didn't you write that you were coming? I've already sent your gifts to San Francisco.
Georgie: They arrived the morning we left and we've brought them with us. How are you, darling? Got a bun in the oven yet?
Tess: No, you?
Georgie: Unfortunately not. Are husbands are severely lacking, wouldn't you say?
Gabe: What was that, dear?
Georgie: I was telling Tess how much I enjoy married life. Louisa, come here and give your evil step mother a hug. A tearful Louisa does as she is told. You're looking well. How are they treating you here?
Louisa: Well. Like a member of the family.
Georgie: Your wardrobe is looking shabby. Not to worry, I've taken care of that. I have dozens of half-finished gowns for you and Tess and the rest of these fine ladies stuck here in the wilderness.
Louisa: How long will you be staying.
Georgie: Your father and Steven can only stay for two weeks, but I'll be staying for at least a month.
Louisa: Stevie's here, too?
Steven: Nice of you to finally notice me, Wesa.
Louisa: Gives him a hug and kiss. You shouldn't have stood quietly aside. Got a girl yet?
Steven: Maybe. Got any beaux I need to beat up?
Louisa: There aren't any to be found here. Well, there's Adam, one of Mr. Marshall's nephews, but Grace and I think he's strange. We try to avoid him.
Steven: What about that other one? That one you had eyes on at Tess's wedding?
Louisa: I did not!
Tess: Oh, yes, you did, Louisa. Even I noticed it an I was a bit preoccupied. She turns to Steven. Robert opted to stay east with a friend's family. Louisa is very disappointed.
Louisa: I'm not!
Gabe: There's no need denying it, dear. Now, do you think those English people have had time enough to get reacquainted with Maggie? I want to see the rest of this brood.
Scene 4: The dining room, supper time. All are still there, and the table is again full. Maggie is in close conversation with Libbie and Victoria. Louisa is sitting close beside her father. Freddie is nervously consulting with Sally.
Edward: I hope you will be able to find room for us somewhere, Lord John.
John Henry: I'm sure we'll find room at one of our inns for you.
Lydia: Daddy and Mama can come stay with us, can't they Philip? That would leave you with a room.
Philip: Of course they can. What say you, Father?
Phil: Christmas in the same house with my grandsons? I wouldn't miss, and I wouldn't deny the pleasure to Charles.
Freddie: Stands. Perhaps this would be the best time to make my announcement, for it will free up another room. I tried to do this earlier, but my dear cousin interrupted me with her grand entrance.
Maggie: I didn't travel thousands of miles with a seasick infant to enter meekly.
Freddie: No, I suppose not. I think you will enjoy my announcement. After several years of unpleasant separation, I have been reunited with the woman I love. Don't look at me like that, Maggie, I'm not speaking of you. Sally... He helps her stand. Sally and I were married late last night.
Forks dropped, along with jaws, and bulging eyes stared in their direction as the entire gathering remains speechless.
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