Episode 38
Episode 38: Mid-February, 1876
Scenes 2 and 4 written by Heather
Scene 1: Joe and Olivia's house, late afternoon. Olivia has ceased her crying, and is simply sitting quietly, staring blankly ahead.
Grace: I'm so sorry, Livie.
Olivia: Speaks quietly, half-laughing, half-crying.What for? You told me the truth. You're the only one who knows the meaning of the word loyalty. Joe, well, I can see why he lied. But Nick...
Grace: He was trying to protect you.
Olivia: Perhaps. She starts to get up. I have to go.
Grace: Go where? Don't get up. What do you need?
Olivia: My things. All of them. I want everything packed up, and Joey's. We'll not be staying here any longer.
Grace: You cannot let him drive you from your own home!
Olivia: But it's his home, too, and there's too much of him here. I will not be staying. I'm going home. You may tell Maggie and Edward.
Cut to: Belleterre, a short time later. Edward and Olivia have just driven up in an open sleigh.
Joey jumps out first and runs inside. Edward lifts Olivia quite easily into his arms and begins carrying her toward the door.
Olivia: You're quite strong for an English gentleman
Edward: Just what is that supposed to mean, dear Cousin? You are quite light for a pregnant woman.
Olivia: English lords usually have others do anything that would help them develop muscle.
Edward: Insulting the man who's carrying you! You American women are very brazen.
Olivia: I'm still English!
Edward: You married an American.
Olivia: And look where it got me.
Edward: Oh, I am sorry, Olivia. I shouldn't have said it.
Olivia: It's all right. I actually married an Irishman, which is even worse. Benjamin is the one who became American.
Edward: Well, that should explain everything.
They enter the house and are soon met by John Henry, who appears very worried.
John Henry: Olivia? What's the meaning of this? Why aren't you at home?
Olivia: I am home.
Edward: I think Olivia will explain everything to you, but I'll not be able to hold her forever.
John Henry: Come upstairs, then. No one's here. Freddie took the ladies out for a sleigh ride.
John Henry leads Edward to a vacant room upstairs. Edward manages to deposit Olivia in the bed without stumbling or dropping her, but nearly collapses the moment he is free of her weight.
Olivia: It's nice to know there are still honorable men in this world. Thank you, Edward.
Edward: Think nothing of it. I'll return for Maggie and Grace now.
Edward leaves the room and Olivia is left with her father, who sits on the bed with her.
Olivia: Where is Joey?
John Henry: In the kitchen getting cookies. Tell me everything. What did he do?
Olivia: Joey didn't do anything.
John Henry: I meant your husband, Livie.
Olivia: I know... I know women are supposed to expect this and accept it, but... I thought Joe was different.
John Henry: Did he hit you? If he hit you, so help me...
Olivia: He didn't hit me, Daddy. He... he slept with another woman, and that isn't even the most sickening part.
John Henry: Holds his daughter close. Oh, baby, you don't have to accept it. He made the same vows you did. It's a sin and it's written.
Olivia: So you've never...
John Henry: I've never stepped out on your mother, not once. I never even considered it. You have every right to be angry. Your family will support you no matter what you decide to do.
Olivia: Sniffs, then chokes a little. Nick didn't. He knew, and he's known for several months.
John Henry: I'll take care of your brother. Do you want to tell me the rest of the story or do you just want to rest?
Olivia: I want to tell you.
With surprising calm, Olivia relates the entire story to her father.
John Henry: Mumbles. Bloody bastard.
Olivia: So I'm right to be angry?
John Henry: I'm sorry, Livie, you weren't supposed to hear that. You should be a lot more than angry. What do you plan to do? You know you're welcome to stay here as long as you wish.
Olivia: I don't want to stay here... what I mean is, I don't want to stay anywhere near Liberty Creek and I don't want to be here when Joe returns.
John Henry: But, Livie, you're too weak to travel.
Olivia: No, not anymore. I'm much stronger now and so is the baby. I'm only supposed to avoid any sort of exertion.
John Henry: I don't like the idea of you travelling alone.
Olivia: I won't be. I've already discussed this with Edward and Maggie and Grace, who wants to come with me if you'll let her.
John Henry: Where?
Olivia: To England.
Scene 2: Will and Marietta's house, evening. Madison is sitting on her bed, brushing her hair. The door to her room is open slightly and a lamp is lit on her beside table.
Madison sets down her brush and picks up a small, leather-bound book and a pen. She begins to write, part way through shifting her position from sitting up cross-legged to lying on her stomach with her chin propped up in the palm of her left hand.
Dear Diary, Life in Liberty Creek certainly is different from Boston. It's a nice change, but I must admit I miss the sights and sounds of the city. I also wonder how long it will take Jonathan to find me. I thought I made it clear to him that he and I were through. I guess he doesn't take "no" for an answer. I will never go back to him, no matter what happens. One of the Marshall daughters, who I am assuming to be Grace, now knows about my affinity for fast horses. At least no one has learned of any of my other little "hobbies," especially the one that caused me to lose so much money to Bobby. I still think that bastard cheated me, and I intend to one day prove it. |
Madison sits back up as she rubs her wrist, sore again from having used it to write so much. She glances out into the hallway and notices Elsa walking by.
Madison: Elsa?
Elsa steps into the doorway.
Elsa: Yes, Miss Taylor?
Madison: Would you please fetch me some ice for my wrist?
Elsa walks over to the bed and takes Madison's right hand, examining her slightly swollen wrist.
Elsa: My, that's quite a sprain you've got there. How did you manage to get it?
Madison starts to panic as she thinks of an excuse.
Madison: It’s quite embarrassing, really. Being in an unfamiliar house, I have trouble sleeping sometimes. The other night, I was tossing and turning, and I tumbled right out of bed. I guess I landed pretty hard on my wrist.
Elsa: I'll say! If it was any worse, I’d tell you to go have it examined by a doctor!
Madison: It's not that bad. Some ice will help.
Elsa: Oh! Yes, I’ll get that for you.
Elsa leaves and Madison picks up her diary one more time to add one final note. "There are some things I hope this family never has to find out about me." Sighing, Madison closes the book, stands up, walks over to her dressing table, and places it in a small drawer under some of her other personal belongings.
Scene 3: Olivia's bedroom at Belleterre, evening. Victoria has been sitting with her, and Benjamin has just entered the room.
Olivia looks up at Benjamin not knowing how to react to his presence. He looks to Victoria for permission to come closer, and Victoria nods. Benjamin kneels by the bed.
Benjamin: Olivia, I know my apology won't mean much to you, but please. Joe, I... I never thought he was ready for marriage. In many ways he's a still just a kid. Believe me, if I could have stopped him, I would have.
Olivia: Thank you, Benjamin, but I don't blame you. You are not your brother's keeper.
Benjamin: Do you want me to go after him?
Olivia: Speaks firmly. No. I have no desire to see him any time soon.
Benjamin: I certainly don't blame you. Before I go, if there's any doubt in your mind, I would like to assure you that I never have, nor will I ever, step out on Victoria.
Olivia: I never doubted you, Benjamin.
Benjamin: You never doubted Joe, either.
Cut to: John Henry's office, a short time later. He is sitting at his desk as Elizabeth enters.
Elizabeth: Jean Henri, I want to talk with you.
John Henry: Of course.
Elizabeth: Sits primly in a chair near John Henry. How are you encouraging Olivia to end her marriage?
John Henry: I'm not. I'm encouraging her to do as she sees fit. She's hurt right now.
Elizabeth: Chèri, she took vows to stand by her husband. You cannot encourage her to break them.
John Henry: Joe broke his first. Why are you defending him?
Elizabeth: That is not what I am doing. Olivia should not sin merely because Joe did. Olivia must understand that it is not in a man's nature to remain faithful.
John Henry: Excuse me?
Elizabeth: There is no need to play innocent, Jean Henri. You have done a lot of travelling. I never expected you to remain faithful.
John Henry: Surprised and hurt. Am I hearing you correctly?
Elizabeth: I do not know what you mean. I have no objection to Grace going to England. Julia should go, as well. It would do them good. Olivia has made a life here. She cannot leave her husband.
John Henry: I don't think we're talking about Olivia anymore. Do you mean to tell me that you believe I have not been completely faithful to you in our twenty-seven years of marriage.
Elizabeth: It is all right to admit it, chèri. I never expected it from you.
John Henry: Raises his voice. But you should have. Every woman should. Not once in our marriage, nor during our engagement or courtship, did I contemplate making love to anyone but you.
Elizabeth: Blushes. Please, do not raise your voice. People will hear.
John Henry: I don't care. You don't trust me? How can you not trust me?
Elizabeth: I trust you implicitly, Jean Henri.
John Henry: No, you don't. You just finished saying so. There has been no indiscretion, no mistress, and no prostitute in my life since I fell in love with you. The fact that you have always believed there has been hurts me deeply.
Elizabeth: Please, chèri, do not be angry. I am sorry. I will trust you from now on.
John Henry: I don't want you to trust me because I want you to. I want you to trust me because you believe in me. Our daughters should receive nothing less than complete faithfulness, and I expect our sons to extend that courtesy to their wives. Excuse me, but I'm going to go up to visit Olivia.
Cut to: Just outside Olivia's room, a short time later. John Henry and approaches the door from one direction while Nick and Tess approach from another.
John Henry: Angry.Where the Hell have you been?
Nick: We were... indisposed. I just heard. I could kill Grace.
Tess: It's my fault. I thought Grace already knew it was Joe.
John Henry: I'm not angry with you, Tess. I'm glad you let it slip because Olivia was finally exposed to the truth. You, Nick...
Nick: Olivia is in a very delicate condition, Dad. I didn't want her to lose the baby.
John Henry: Irrelevent, Nicholas. You betrayed the trust of your own sister, for God's sake. You knowingly kept the woman Joe got pregnant in your own home.
Nick: Stuart is not the issue, and we can discuss her later. I blame Joe completely.
John Henry: Well, at least there's that. Now, go face your sister.
John Henry opens the door and pushes Nick in first. Olivia is in bed with Victoria sitting beside her. Upon seeing Nick, she throws back the covers and begins to get up. Victoria tries to stop her, but Olivia is too determined. Nick tried to move aside, but John Henry grabs him firmly.
Olivia: Grumbles angrily as she raises her fist. You bastard.
With his arms held behind him, Nick is unable to defend himself against Olivia, who promptly delivers a hard punch. John Henry releases Nick, who quickly holds his nose.
Nick: I think you broke my nose.
Olivia: I hope I did! And I hope you get a black eye, too. What were you thinking?! She begins to get desperate. I'm your sister, I'm your blood. You're supposed to love me, honor me, protect me, not my husband and certainly not the little hussy he got pregnant.
Nick: Livie, I'm sorry, but regardless of what you think I was trying to protect you. You can't let yourself become hysterical, it isn't good for the baby.
Olivia: I'm not hysterical, Nick. I'm angry.
Nick: Will you get back into bed, then?
Olivia allows Nick to lead her back to the bed and help her in. She looks up at him.
Olivia: Your nose is bleeding.
Nick: That shouldn't surprise you. Will you forgive me?
Olivia: I suppose, but I'm still angry.
Nick: Would it make you feel any better to know that I beat him up after I found out?
Olivia: You did?
Nick: Mm-hmm, and I'd do it again if you asked me to.
Olivia: I don't remember any bruises.
Nick: There shouldn't have been any. I made him puke, though.
Olivia: Good.
Nick: So, what's this business about you defecting to England?
Scene 4: Madison's room, late afternoon, several days later. Madison has just returned home and is sitting at her dressing table, reading over another telegram.
Madison: Quietly reading aloud to herself. Jonathan knows. He already tracked you to Idaho territory. Only a matter of time. Everyone sends love and good luck. Emily.
Madison sets the telegram down on the table and opens a small drawer to her left. She reaches into the drawer and pulls out something wrapped in a velvet cloth. She walks over to the bed, sits down, and unwraps the cloth to reveal a beautiful deck of tarot cards. After carefully shuffling them a few times, she deals out three of the cards, then turns them over one by one.
Madison: Turning over the card on the left. The Lovers. That’s always a good sign, although it might not be such a good thing in my current situation. She pauses for a moment before turning over the card on the right. Justice. Well, at least some good might come of Jonathan finding me. Maybe I can finally make him realize what a ass he's being. She turns over the middle card, and her eyes widen. Death. Whispering. There’s only one thing that could mean.
Madison hears someone approaching her room, and quickly picks up the cards. She tosses them into the drawer, and closes it as she hears a knock on the door.
Madison: Who is it?
Elsa: It is Elsa.
Madison: Come in.
Elsa opens the door and enters the room. She stands a few feet inside the doorway, looking at Madison.
Elsa: I'm sorry to have bothered you, miss.
Madison: No need to apologize. I was merely putting some of my things away. You just startled me a bit, that's all.
Elsa: I have been instructed to let you know that Mr. and Mrs. Marshall will be having dinner with his family at his father's home tonight.
Madison: All right.
Elsa: Dinner will be served at the usual time.
Madison: I'm not really hungry right now, Elsa. Thank you, anyway.
Elsa: I'll have your dinner saved for later, then. Let me know if you need anything.
Madison: Smiles. I will.
Elsa leaves the room and heads back downstairs. Madison lets out the breath she had been holding and opens the drawer again. She removes the deck of cards, arranges them into a neat stack, and places them on the center of the velvet cloth on her bed before wrapping them up and placing them back in the drawer once again.
Scene 5: Outside Belleterre, morning, the next day. A covered carriage with sled runners pulled by four strong horses is awaiting its passengers. Inside, in the front foyer, Nick, sporting a black eye and a bandaged nose, carries Olivia as Joey is wrapped in his coat. Grace stands waiting in a long, red coat and muff lined with black fur. She pretends to listen to her mother's etiquette instructions.
Maggie: I'll keep a close eye on her until we deposit them at Stancliff.
Elizabeth: Do not wear trousers. Are you taking that gun?
Grace: Where would I find use for it in England?
Elizabeth is satisfied with the response. Grace gives her a hug and moves to stand with Nick and Olivia.
Olivia: Whispers. You have your gun, don't you?
Grace: I didn't lie.
Olivia: So I noticed.
Joey: But what about Papa?
Victoria: You're going on vacation just like your papa. He will be all right. You'll like England. You can surprise your Uncle Charlie.
Joey: And all my aunties, too?
Victoria: They are your cousins, but yes, you'll be surprising them, too.
Edward leans down and lifts Joey onto his shoulders.
Edward: We'll ride on a big ship across the ocean. You'll love it.
John Henry: Speaks to Olivia. Promise me you will find a doctor as soon as you get the chance.
Olivia: I will, Daddy.
John Henry: You take care of her, Waverley. Don't let her walk anywhere.
Edward: I'll take care of her, sir.
Nick carries Olivia outside and settles her inside the sleigh.
Olivia: Quite pathetically. I'm sorry I broke your nose, Nicky.
Nick: I'll live. Just promise me you'll think on what I said about Stuart.
Olivia: I'll think on it, but I can't promise I'll agree with you.
Nick whispers a few words to Olivia and wipes away the few tears that run down her cheeks before Maggie enters with the baby, followed by Edward and Joey. Two servants take their places beside the driver. The family stoically watches them go. There is still visible tension between John Henry and Elizabeth, but the others don't seem to notice.
Elizabeth: I hope she comes to her senses shortly and returns to Joe.
John Henry: I hope she doesn't lose the baby and die herself in the process. Mumbles as he walks back into the house. Interesting to know where our priorities lie.
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