Episode 31: Christmas 1875
Scene 1: The dining room at Belleterre, near the end of supper. Freddie has just announced his marriage to Sally. No one has yet to say a word.
Over the initial shock, John Henry takes his glass, stands, and motions for Freddie and Sally to take their seats.
John Henry: They may have married without our blessing, but I'm sure I speak for all when I say they have it now. May they live as happy and as healthy and as surrounded by family and friends as they are today. To the bride and groom.
All: Stand. To the bride and groom.
Most leave their seats and move to surround the surprise couple.
Maggie: To Sally. I wish I could have been there. I would've loved to have stood up for you.
Carey: I took care of that.
Maggie: Lucky! You get to do everything.
Mary: You left the house in the middle of the night, Carey? Without telling anyone?
Carey: Oh, Mama, I was escorted first by Mr. Carrol, then by Freddie. I couldn't very well have them be married without any family present whatsoever.
Charles: To Freddie. I was wondering when you would get around to telling us all the happy news.
Freddie: You knew?
Charles: Your loving sister found Sally's letter just as I found Carey's. I met her and your father in the hall and we compared notes.
Freddie: They knew, as well?
Charles: I convinced them that we'd be better off to let you and Sally reveal the news in your own time.
Freddie: Thank you.
Charles: No need to thank me. You are my nephew but I'd like to think of you as a son. I think I'll have a meeting with Her Majesty when I return to England concerning your future as a peer.
Freddie: Uncle, no. I couldn't take that away from Uncle John or Will. Especially Will. He has been prepared for it.
Charles: And Her Majesty would be hard pressed to have you inherit all of it. She likes John Henry. No, I was thinking of one of the lesser estates. A title, a home of your own, and rents to keep you fat an happy. I'll see what I can do.
Freddie: Thank you, Uncle.
Charles: Think nothing of it.
Freddie is pulled away in the crowd and is surrounded by a crowd of his female cousins.
Carey: I think we can tell everyone the story now. Speaks to her American cousins. Sally and Freddie have a history, you know. A very scandalous one.
Libbie: Really? Do tell, do tell.
Carey: I will later. I'll just say Freddie has finally made an honest woman of Sally.
Victoria: A secret that scandalous?
Maggie: And sad, until now.
Freddie: I will not let it happen again, I assure you. But you are wrong in one respect. I'm inclined to believe that it is Sally who has made an honest man of me.
Sally: Freddie is correct. Am I safe to assume I am welcome in your family circle?
Maggie: You always were, darling. She envelops Sally in a big hug. You always were.
Scene 2: Several day later, Christmas Eve Day, morning. Gabe is out in a sleigh with Louisa.
Gabe: Don't you think Steven was a might too glad to see both Julia and Grace?
Louisa: He's sweet on them both, but he'll be chasing after Grace in vain. She's sweet on Stuart MacKenzie, but don't tell anyone I told you. Promise?
Gabe: Of course. I was surprised to see her in dresses. Like a real lady.
Louisa: For her aunt's sake. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall didn't want Grace to scandalize her Aunt Mary. She still wears her trousers when she goes out riding, and she sometimes takes Carey with her similarly dressed. I believe you turn down this lane for Olivia and Joe's house.
Gabe: Do you address them all of the people here by their Christian names?
Louisa: Most of them. It is less confusing with more than one Mr. and Mrs. of each name.
Gabe: You are right in that.
The two drive a little farther and soon arrive at the front of Olivia and Joe's home. Joe comes onto the porch with little Joey to greet them.
Joe: Doctor! I'm so glad you stopped by this morning. How is everyone?
Gabe: They are all fine. Georgie rode out to visit with Tess, though I'm sure she'll come by to visit you and Olivia, as well.
Joe: By all means, come inside and get warm. How are you today, Louisa?
Louisa: Fine, thank you. How is Olivia doing?
Joe: Her spirits are up, but she is not feeling much better.
Gabe: So her sister have told me, that's why I've come. This town really should find itself a doctor. I can only visit so often.
Joey: Mama is sick bed and I have been keeping her company.
Gabe: So I've heard. You haven't been tiring her, have you?
Joey: No. Mama tells me stories and we sometimes draw together.
Gabe: That's all right. Come and let me have a look at you while we walk upstairs.
Gabe holds Joey on his hip as they walk through the house, having him open his mouth and listening to his chest with a stethoscope produced from the medical bag carried by Louisa. They reach Olivia and Joe's bedroom and enter.
Gabe: Good morning, Olivia. How are you feeling today?
Olivia: A little better. Joey, why don't you take your father downstairs so that I may speak with the doctor.
Joey: Gabe sets him on his feet and he leads his father from the room. Come, Daddy. Mama needs priv'cy.
Louisa: Would you like me to leave, too?
Olivia: There is no need. You are your father's nurse, aren't you?
Louisa: Assistant.
Gabe: She must train to be a doctor somehow. And someone in town needs to know how to do these things. Now, what have been your symptoms?
Olivia: I have been having the morning sickness all through the day. I had fainting spells until Joe ordered me to bed. I have been cramping these past few days.
Gabe: Well, it's not deathly serious yet. Joe was a smart man to order you to bed, though. You should have done so yourself. How far along?
Olivia: Five months.
Gabe: And you feel movement?
Olivia: Quite often. It keeps me sane knowing the baby is still alive.
Gabe: No doubt. Let's have a listen.
Olivia: Why not let Louisa do it?
Louisa nervously takes the stethoscope, pulls back the covers, and places it on Olivia's belly. After a few seconds, she looks up to her father.
Louisa: Is that the heart, Daddy?
Gabe: Takes a listen. Yes, that's it. Good job, Wesa. It's a little weaker than I'd like, but it's there.
The examination continues for a short time longer until Gabe finally begins to put away his things.
Gabe: I'm sorry to say you will have to spend Christmas here. Stay off your feet as much as possible, do not use the stairs, and do not leave the house. Minimal excitement. I will examine you before I leave, but you really should have the doctor come see you every few weeks. The cramping may go away, and you were probably fainting because you over-exert yourself. It's is the baby's heartbeat that worries me. I will teach Louisa how to listen properly, and if it improves sufficiently she may let you walk about some.
Olivia: I will look forward to her visits. Where are you off to now?
Gabe: The Elliots, to see Lydia. Any messages?
Olivia: Send them all my love, wish them a merry Christmas, and tell them that it will be in the interests of their health to visit me often.
Gabe: I will.
Scene 3: The Elliot home, a short time later. Gabe and Louisa are in the nursery examining the boys.
Gabe: You have healthy sons, Libbie, every one. Billy and Marshall show no signs of their colds.
Libbie: Then they'll be able to go out with everyone to get the trees?
Gabe: They have no reason not to. Where's the expectant mother?
Lydia: Right here, doctor. We can go into the next room.
They do so. Gabe's examination is quick.
Gabe: What do you think, Wesa?
Louisa: The heartbeat is decidedly stronger than Olivia's baby.
Gabe: Yes, that's what one should sound like. Any symptoms, Lydia?
Lydia: None. He's growing nicely, isn't he?
Gabe: He? You're sure it's a boy?
Lydia: Perfectly. His name is Christopher.
Christopher: I think a girl would be sweeter. We have a bet. From my observations, when a woman has much morning sickness, it means she is having a girl. When she does not, she is having a boy. Lydia thinks the thought is ridiculous, and she gets to name our first son after me if she is completely right.
Gabe: You are against that?
Christopher: Yes, she'll call him Chrissy. I got that till I went off to school and all the other children, including my siblings, called me Chrissy the Sissy. I get to name all of our children if I am right. That means Olivia must have a girl.
Gabe: I'm sorry to say you'll likely lose this bet. Your observations are pure coincidence.
Lydia: You see, Christopher?
Christopher: Yes, well... Can Lydia come with us to get the trees?
Gabe: There is no reason why not. Lydia, you may continue as you have been doing. You are perfectly healthy.
Scene 4: Tess and Nick's house, a short time later. Gabe has entered to find Tess and Georgie in the kitchen.
Tess: Greets him with a kiss. How do you like my home, Gabe?
Gabe: Beautiful, beautiful.
Tess: Thank you. Have you not brought Louisa with you?
Gabe: She asked me to leave her at the house. Last minute preparations for the play, I think.
Tess: It will turn out well. I'm in it, you know.
Gabe: I hear most are. Where is your darling husband?
Tess: In the barn with Stuart. Why don't you go say hello?
Gabe: Eager to be rid of me, eh? Well, I don't want to listen to your woman-talk anyway.
Gabe walks outside and heads for the barn where he finds Stuart and Nick hard at work forking new hay for the animals' beds.
Stuart: Dr. Hewitt! It's so good to see you again.
Gabe: And you, as well. Saved any more lives, lately?
Stuart: Thankfully, I haven't had to.
Nick: How are Olivia and Lydia faring?
Gabe: Lydia is coming along excellently, but I've had to order Olivia to stay in bed. It's nothing serious yet, and she could improve, but she must stay at home for Christmas.
Nick: She'll be so disappointed.
Gabe: She is, but she tried not to show it. I say! Stuart are you all right.
Stuart: Wavers. I'll be fine. If I can just sit...
Stuart moves to sit down, but faints instead. Gabe catches her before she hits the ground and picks her up. He looks to Nick, who motions to the house. Stuart comes to as they reach the steps.
Gabe: You don't weigh very much, sir. I don't think I've every carried another man before.
Stuart: I thought they would have told you.
Gabe: Told me what?
Tess: Oh, my! What's happened?
Gabe: Stuart fainted. Where shall I put him?
Tess: In the first bedroom.
Gabe follows Tess into the first bedroom and lays Stuart on the bed. Tess goes to close the door with herself still in the room, but Stuart stops her.
Stuart: Please, just the doctor.
Tess: If you say so.
Stuart: Speaks as Gabe leaves the room. There's something you should know, Dr. Hewitt?
Gabe: Speaks while unbuttoning Stuart's shirt. What's that? Wait! I say! How long have you been like this?
Stuart: Laughs. All my life, doctor. I was born a girl. Really, I thought Tess would have written you and Georgie about it.
Gabe: Perhaps she wrote my wife, but Georgie never told me.
Gabe performs a short examination.
Gabe: Speaks nonchalantly while putting away his stethoscope. Did you know you were pregnant?
Stuart: I'm not pregnant.
Gabe: I should say you are. Several months, too, and you're beginning to show.
Stuart: I'm not pregnant.
Gabe: You won't be able to deny for much longer. Do Tess and Nick know?
Stuart: They knew that I suspected, but then I saw a doctor. I told them I wasn't, but I think they're beginning to get suspicious.
Gabe: Do you know who the father is?
Stuart: Hangs her head low. Yes.
Gabe: It isn't Nick, is it?
Stuart: No!
Gabe: Will the father help you?
Stuart: He would if he knew, but I can't tell him.
Gabe: Why not?
Stuart: He's... married... We were only together the one time! Neither of us knew what was happening. It wasn't supposed to end like this.
Gabe: No, it never is. Stuart... is that your real name?
Stuart: Mary Stuart MacKenzie. My father called me Stuart.
Gabe: Stuart, you really must take better care of yourself. You're underweight and undernourished. You'll give birth to a sickly baby, if the baby survives that long. No matter how inconvenient, I doubt you wish death on your child.
Stuart: Of course not!
Gabe: You won't be able to hide it much longer. What happens when the baby comes?
Stuart: I haven't wanted to think of it.
Gabe: Yes, but you have to. I know of a home for unwed mothers, if you are interested in that. They require payment, but I would be willing to take care of that. Georgie and I owe you a great debt. Or you could come back to San Francisco when the time comes. There are many good couples who want children but are unable to have them. I know several personally.
Stuart: I could not impose. And I do not wish to leave here, either.
Gabe: You could always come back afterward. Think about it. Now, do you wish me to tell Nick and Tess that you are expecting?
Stuart: No, I will in time. She calls to him as he walks to leave. Doctor! Is the... is it all right?
Gabe: Healthier than it should be, considering your own health. Take care of yourself and rest for the remainder of the day. You're a smart girl. You'll figure out what to do. He leaves the room and closes the door behind him. He finds the others in the parlor. Tell me, how did Stuart come to be a woman?
Scene 5: Early afternoon. Two large sleighs laden with hay and all the occupants of the Belleterre, have just set out from the barn followed by several sleighs driven by workmen. The riders sing lively songs and caroles as they whisk across the field.
The troupe stops first at Tess and Nick's where Tess, Nick, Georgie, and Gabe, run out and climb on. With John Henry driving one of the larger sleighs, Nick takes the reins of the other from a workman. The group then makes the short trip over to Will's home where they are joined by he and Marietta. They collect the occupants of the Elliot house, then Victoria and Benjamin, taking all the children except the infants. From there they travel into a grove of trees where five trees are cut down and tied to the smaller sleighs. All but one are sent away, and the entire family takes the last to Olivia and Joe's. All crowd onto the first floor of the house, as many as possible in the parlor where the tree is stood in a corner. Nick carries his sister downstairs where she observes her family decorate the tree in record time. Presents are brought from the sleighs and laid under the tree. They all sing several caroles, before leaving Olivia, Joe, and Joey in peace.
Cut to: Later that evening. Everyone has returned home and the respective families are gathered in warmth in their respective home.
Olivia sits, wrapped in warm blankets, on a cushy couch by the fire as Joe lifts his son to hang his stocking by the fire. The three then sit together and gaze at their Christmas tree.
Will and Marietta, with a blond-haired, seven-month-old Annie, put the finishing touches on their Christmas tree. A stocking with Annie's name hangs already filled by the fire as Will carries his daughter up the ladder to place the angel atop the tree.
At the Elliot house, all partake in the decorating of the tree save Grandma Eleanor, who sits watch with six-month-old Bobby on her lap. They sing Christmas caroles in surprising harmony while Philip, young Philly on his shoulders, climbs a few steps up the ladder to allow his son to place the star on the tree. The children hang their stocking by the fire, leave a plate of sweets on the mantle, then march up to bed.
Victoria and Benjamin put the finishing touches on their tree. Nine-month-old Kenny crawls about on the floor pulling off low-hanging ornaments, followed closely by three (and a half) year-old Lizzie who promptly replaces them. Five year- old Benji is lifted to place the angel atop the tree. The stockings are hung before Victoria and Benjamin carry their four children upstairs to bed.
At Nick and Tess's house, Tess checks in to find a sleeping Stuart before rejoining Nick in the front parlor to sit together by the fire and gaze at the tree.
Finally, at Belleterre, the largest gathering decorates the largest tree together. Richard, seeing Freddie and Sally standing off to the side, takes his opportunity. He approaches them, says a few words, then heartily shakes his son's hand. Freddie surprises his father with a hug, which is soon well-received. Richard hugs his new daughter-in-law, then kisses her on the cheek. They turn to watch as Connie is handed the angel, climbs the ladder, and places it atop the tree. As she steps down, Mr. Patton enters with a large box topped by a big red bow. For, Connie, he gestures, it was just left with him. She reads the tag. "To Lady Connie, with love, Your Secret Admirer." The box is set on the floor. Connie lifts off the lid and is met by a fluffy red puppy with a white tail which promptly jumps up and licks her face. She smiles, lifts it into her arms, and holds it as the family resumes singing Christmas caroles.
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