Episode 43
Episode 43: Late March, 1876
Scene 5 (second part) written by Heather
Scene 1: England, Marshall House, morning. Scotty has approached the house leading two horses–a fine-looking one with a regular saddle and a wild one with a sidesaddle.
Scotty walks inside, appearing very comfortable in doing so, and is met by the housekeeper.
Housekeeper: Good morning, Mr. McLeod. Miss Marshall will be right down.
Scotty: And Carey?
Housekeeper: Lady Carey has opted not to go.
Scotty: Still sleeping, is she?
Before the housekeeper can answer, Grace runs down the stairs in her regular shirt, trousers, and tall boots. She carries her well-worn, wide-brimmed hat in her hand and has her hair pinned tightly to her head. She laughs at Scotty's shocked expression.
Grace: Have I grown horns?
Scotty: Legs, apparently.
Housekeeper: Miss Marshall, perhaps you aren't aware... what I mean to say is... women just don't wear...
Grace: Trousers? It doesn't matter to me.
Scotty: It will to the gossips. I'd take you off the regular roads and paths, but anything else is more rugged terrain.
Grace: Then that is where we'll go. I would be bored on roads and paths anyway. Shall we?
She looks at him questioningly for a second before making her way outside. By the time Scotty has collected himself well enough to follow her, Grace has already mounted the horse he had planned to ride.
Scotty: That is my horse, Miss Marshall.
Grace: Well, since I don't ride sidesaddle, I assumed it was mine. No matter, I suppose I can wait while you re-saddle the other. Someone really ought to train it, by the way. Come along, and don't dawdle.
Grace starts riding around the house, leaving Scotty behind to remain frustrated and confused as he eyes the remaining horse.
Cut to: Liberty Creek, late afternoon. Madison is just locking up the schoolhouse when Jack appears behind her.
Jack: Good afternoon, Miss Taylor.
Madison: Jumps first, then replies with a nod. Dr. Jackson.
Jack: A fine day, don't you agree?
Madison: I suppose it is. She gestures that she would like to pass. If you'd excuse me.
Jack: Of course.
He lets her pass, but turns to follow her as she descends the steps.
Madison: Is there something I can help you with, Dr. Jackson?
Jack: Holds up his medical bag for her to see. I've been walking around to the homes near town visiting old Dr. Pendergast's patients. I'll be passing by your new little home on my way to another patient. He flashes her a smile, exposing a row of white teeth. I thought it would be nice to have some company. I haven't made many friends here yet.
Madison: Appears apprehensive, sighs. I suppose it would be all right just this once.
Jack: Splendid. They begin walking away together. So, are you pleased with your students...
Scene 2: The Elliot home, late the next morning. A very pregnant Lydia has just descended the stairs with her brother and husband each supporting an arm. They meet Libbie, Phil, and Eleanor in the breakfast room.
Libbie: It certainly takes you a long time to come downstairs.
Philip: I seem to recall you refused to come down stairs for the last six weeks of your pregnancies.
Libbie: They're all different, Philip.
Eleanor: How are you feeling this morning, darling?
Lydia: Tired, sore, bloated, and hungry.
Christopher: Lydia is in particularly good spirits this morning.
Christopher helps Lydia sit in her chair before sitting down himself.
Libbie: Gazes out the window for a moment. I do hope Daddy comes home this morning.
Christopher: Surprised. What? Where is he?
Libbie: Oh, that's right. You hadn't heard. You and Lydie were out walking when Vic dropped by. Daddy and Maman had a fight. First Daddy set her up to make it seem as though he and Mari were having a triste. Will knew all of this, of course, and eventually ensure her it was a set-up.
Christopher: Why?
Libbie: Maman was under the impression that Daddy had never been faithful to her all these years, and insisted that she didn't mind. You knew all that. Daddy wanted to show her what it was like. They made up, but then Daddy found out Joe got the money to go to Europe.
Christopher: So?
Libbie: Soooo, Maman confessed that she gave him the money.
Christopher: Oh, Jesus. Why would she do it?
Libbie: It was before she changed her mind about the whole thing.
Christopher: And he left?
Libbie: Apparently. I had one of our men go this morning to see if he'd returned, but he hadn't.
Christopher: Shakes his head. When is it going to end?
Philip: I know you'll all likely disagree with me, but I think Joe was right to go after Olivia.
Libbie: Becomes stern and annoyed. We've discussed this, Philip. Olivia went to England to get away from him. She will return when she is ready, if she chooses to return at all.
Philip: Are you saying you would support a separation or divorce on her part?
Libbie: That is exactly what I'm saying.
Philip: But it was just one indiscretion. He's certainly learned his lesson. Every man has strayed at least once.
Libbie's expression slowly turns into a cold stare. She stares at Philip for a short time, deeply breathing through her nose. Finally, she daintily wipes her mouth with a napkin, pushes her chair back, stands and pushes it back in, then leaves the room. Philip looks on confused while the other four shakes their heads. After a few seconds, Philip realized what he said.
Philip: Stands. My God, that's not what I meant.
Christopher: You said it, Philip.
Philip is about to open his mouth, but Libbie returns before he can say anything. He sighs in relief.
Philip: Thank God. Libbie, that's not what I—
Philip sputters as Libbie flings the water from her glass onto his face.
Libbie: I understood your meaning perfectly. You may not have strayed yet, but you implied that it would be permissible for you to do it in the future if you so chose. Well, that's unacceptable. I think it would be best if you spent the day and tonight elsewhere.
Philip: This is my house, Libbie.
Libbie: Stern. Wrong, Philip. It is our house, fifty-fifty. She calms. Since the younger children must stay with me, I must stay in the house. I don't mind if you take Philly for the day. He'd like that. Right now I'm going to my sitting room. I expect you to be gone in twenty minutes. You may return tomorrow and we will discuss this further.
Libbie turns on her heal and leaves the room, leaving a stunned Philip standing at the table with drops of water falling from his hair.
Christopher: Smug, doesn't look at him. You'd better get moving, Philip. She didn't give you much time.
Philip: Ignores him, mumbles. What am I supposed to do tonight?
Christopher: You're a sheep rancher, Philip. He takes a bit of egg and talks with his mouth full. I'm sure you'll think of... something.
Scene 3: Marshton parish, England, evening. Carey and Grace are sitting in a coach as they are whisked along a country road. Both are decked out in ball gowns.
Carey: Mama would just die if she saw you in that gown!
Grace: I think Daddy and Mama would, too. Are you sure I look all right?
Carey: You look exquisite, and I can see now why they don't let fifteen year-old girls wear dresses such as that.
Grace: But I'm seventeen.
Carey: And a lady. Remember that. And don't dance any of the dance if you can't remember the steps. I find it hard to believe someone didn't teach you earlier.
Grace: Laughs. I learned today.
Carey: I think Scotty's tiring of being your servant. Ah, we're approaching. How do you address your host and hostess?
Grace: Groans. We've been over this, Carey, a thousand times at least. Sir Roger and Lady Johnston. And I call your friend Miss Johnston until she tells me address her differently, just so I don't appear vulgar. And I mustn't dance with anyone more than three times.
The coach comes to a halt in front of a well-lit country home. The door is opened and Carey and Grace alight. Just inside the front door, they are met by the host and hostess, their daughter, and Frank, whom they are surprised to see.
Carey: Frank?
Frank: Good evening, Lady Carey.
Carey: Methinks you've been keeping something from me, Frank.
Frank: We shall see.
Carey: Turns back to Grace, pulls her into the group. I would like you all to meet my cousin, Grace Marshall, visiting here from America. Grace, this is Sir Roger Johnston; his wife, Lady Johnston; and their daughter, my good friend, Miss Alberta Johnston.
Allie: You must call me Allie, Miss Marshall, and I do hope you'll permit me to call you Grace.
Grace: Of course.
Carey: That's a lovely ring on your finger, Allie. Is it new?
Allie: Smiles and blushes. Yes.
Carey: So, you are the one who has stolen my Frank from me. When did this happen, and why has he not told me?
Allie: It was several days before you returned. We wanted it to be a surprise for everyone.
Carey: I'm certainly happy for you. She hugs both her friends. When is the big day?
Frank: We have yet to set it, but we were thinking on August.
Carey: We'll talk more of this later. You have more guests coming. Have the other fellows arrived yet?
Frank: All but Edwin. He was called away earlier, something to do with the duty of his position, or so he said.
Carey: He works too hard. Don't save all your dances for Allie. I want at least one.
Cut to: Some time later. Grace rests at the side of the small ballroom as she watches Carey dance a polka with Johnny Pritchett. She is startled when she realizes Paul Moody has been standing beside her.
Grace: God, I didn't see you there. How long have you been standing beside me.
Paul: Not long. You looked bored, or lonely.
Grace: Not at all. I was merely resting.
Paul: But no one has asked you to dance.
Grace: I don't mind.
Paul: You should. It is a terrible slight for a young lady to be left without a partner when there are men free to dance.
Grace: Really, I don't mind.
Paul: Does that mean you will not dance the next dance with me?
Grace: I would be happy do. I'll be rested by then.
At that moment the music comes to an end. A short time later another tune is begun, a waltz. Paul bows, and Grace curtsies quickly after a short pause, habing forgotten it was expected. During the dance, Grace is somewhat disconcerted to find that Paul rarely stops looking her directly in the eye and forces herself to look away often. As for her dancing skill, she steps on his toes frequently, checking his face each time to see if he has noticed. Each time, he doesn't appear to even flinch.
Scene 4: Belleterre, early afternoon. Elizabeth has just returned in a carriage. Mr. Patton helps her from the carriage and takes her valise before escorting her inside.
Elizabeth: Where is Mr. Marshall? I wish to speak with him.
Patton: Hesitates. I'm sorry, Madam. Mr. Marshall has yet to return.
Elizabeth: Where has he been?
Patton: He asked me not to tell anyone, Madam. Please understand.
Elizabeth: Do not be so ridiculous, Patton. You will tell me where my husband is. This has gone on long enough.
Patton: I gave him my word, Madam.
Elizabeth: I will ask every servant of his whereabouts until I find someone who will tell me. I would rather have the answer right now. Mr. Marshall need not know I had the answer from you.
Patton: He went to his hunting cabin, Madam.
Elizabeth: Thank you, Patton. Have a horse saddled for me immediately. I will be down shortly.
Patton: You plan to go up there yourself?
Elizabeth: I am not as useless as I seem, Patton. I want the horse waiting for me outside the courtyard when I come down.
Cut to: Some time later, a path in the woods. Elizabeth, in her riding habit, is about to begin her ascent up the mountain. She is startled, though, when Nick appears.
Nick: Mother? Where are you going? Don't you usually go riding with Julia?
Elizabeth: I am going to see your father. It is time we had it out.
Nick: You know where he is?
Elizabeth: I made Patton tell me.
Nick: But where is he?
Elizabeth: In the hunting cabin.
Nick: You're not going up there by yourself?
Elizabeth: I am.
Nick: I cannot let you do it, Maman.
Elizabeth: It pains me that you do not have faith in your own mother, Nick.
Nick: There is still snow in places up there, and you are not an experienced rider. At least let me come with you.
Elizabeth: I will not. I am going alone. Have faith, Nick. If you come with me, I will not go. You will only be encouraging further separation between myself and your father.
Nick: It figures you'd hit me with that. Go on, then, before I change my mind.
Elizabeth: You may be an adult, Nicholas, but it does not mean I will allow impertinence. Give my regards to Tess.
Nick: Rides aside her, kisses her on the cheek. I will. Be careful, Maman.
Scene 5: Marshall House, the next morning. Carey, Grace, and the fellows (except Edwin), have again gathered on the back lawn. Two targets have been set up and Grace and Scotty are waiting with their bow and arrows.
Scotty: Do you agree to the same terms as before, Miss Marshall? They seem fair.
Grace: I have no objections. She looks to Carey, who reluctantly nods. It is settled then. I believe ten shots each will be sufficient.
Scotty: As you wish.
They take their positions and each let off ten arrows, both hitting a bull's-eye every time.
Carey: Appears relieved. Well! I guess that's the end of it!
Scotty: You seem relieved, Carey. Well, you'll not get out of it that easily. What do you say, Miss Grace? We keep taking shots until one of us misses?
Grace: That is acceptable.
Carey: Perhaps to you, Grace. You have nothing to lose.
Scotty: You agreed to the terms, Carey. Miss Marshall, after you.
Five more shots each show the two still in a tie.
Scotty: Whispers so only Grace can hear. This is getting a little dull.
Grace: Whispers. I agree... You wouldn't force her, would you? Not if she didn't want to?
Scotty: Still whispers. No, of course not. Well... only to get a kiss. And of course I'd tease her incessantly for the rest of our lives.
Grace: Of course.
Grace takes aim and lets go. The arrow sails over the target and hits a distant tree. Carey lets out a shriek.
Carey: Gracie! How could you! Scotty approaches her. Be serious, Scotty. Do you really think I'll let you?
Scotty: A bet is a bet. You must honor it.
Carey: Backs away as he moves closer. I'm warning you, stay away from me.
Scotty: Now, now. Don't be shy.
Frank: Scotty, be reasonable.
Johnny: Whispers. Oh, leave it, Frank. He won't really.
He lunges, catches her, and throws her over his shoulder. Only Frank appears concerned as he carries her kicking and screaming around the corner of the house.
Cut to: Liberty Creek schoolhouse, late afternoon. Madison is just finishing tidying up the room before she goes home for the night.
Madison picks a few pieces of paper up from the floor and sets them down on a nearby desk. She then places a book on each of the desks before pulling a cape around her shoulders and going outside. Once outside the schoolhouse, she walks to the post office to send a telegram.
Mr. Haas: Good afternoon, Miss Taylor.
Madison: Good afternoon, sir. Is it too late to send a telegram?
Mr. Haas: Of course not. It's never too late to send one out for a lovely young lady such as yourself.
Madison: Smiling. Thank you.
Madison begins to write out her message, then gasps.
Madison: Oh, dear me! I left my money back at the schoolhouse. Excuse me for a moment while I go get it.
Mr. Haas nods and Madison rushes out the door. She swiftly makes her way back to the schoolhouse, where she retrieves a small velvet pouch from her desk. She makes one last inspection of the room before she goes back outside and returns to the post office. She finishes writing her message, then pays and leaves. She is soon met by Jack.
Jack: Miss Taylor, may I escort you home?
Madison: As much as I do enjoy your company, Dr. Jackson, I would very much prefer to walk home by myself this afternoon.
Jack: But we had such a splendid time the other day!
Madison: Pointedly. Good day, Dr. Jackson.
Madison continues along the street and rounds the corner of one of the shops, quietly humming to herself as she goes. She doesn't notice when a tall man in dark clothes starts following her. She enters the forested path that leads to her house, the man still following her. Not paying attention to where she is walking, she trips over a rock in the path. Cursing under her breath, she picks herself up and continues on. Suddenly, the man jumps out from behind a tree and grabs Madison from behind. She starts to scream, but her cries for help are muffled as a hand is placed firmly over her mouth.
Who attacked Madison? Do Elizabeth and John Henry
reconcile? What about Libbie and
Philip? Scotty and Carey are interrupted
with word from Stancliff. Is it good or bad?
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