Episode 49
Episode 49: Early May, 1876
Scene 1 written by Heather
Scene 1: Liberty Creek, late afternoon. As Madison and Cole walk together, Madison remembers a time a few days before.
Flashback: Liberty Creek, evening. The sky is just beginning to color and Madison has just been stopped by a strange man.Man: It's me, Maddie, Cole... your brother.
Madison leans against the side of a building, gaping at the man who has just revealed himself as her brother.
Cole: Concerned. Are you all right? You look a little pale.
Madison: I am fine. I guess I'm just in shock.
Cole: Nods. I can understand. It isn't every day that your estranged brother shows up after fifteen years.
Madison: Cole, tell me again about when they sent you away... It seems to have slipped my memory.
Cole: Well, I was eight years old at the time, which would have made you about three. Nellie told Mother and Father that I was causing trouble and that I would be a bad influence on you, so they had to send me away to boarding school.
Madison: And then those two men came and took you away one afternoon. We were playing with my dolls, and they led us into the parlor and took you away from me.
Cole: You do remember...
Madison: Looks at him with tears in her eyes. It took me years to forget.
Madison shakes herself back into reality and looks up at her brother.
Cole: I must say, you've handled yourself well in this situation with Jonathan. Father would be proud. I'm proud.
Madison: Begins to cry. It was all just so hard.
Cole steps over to his sister and holds her while she cries tears of a bitter memory. He kisses her cheek and whispers words of comfort to her, then is grabbed by his shoulder and spun around. Madison stands bewildered as she sees another man taking punches at her brother. The first one lands low against his jaw, but all that follow miss as Cole ducks out of the way. He grabs his assailant and wrestles him to the ground, delivering a few of his own powerful punches. As the fight continues, Madison catches a glimpse of the assailant’s face and recognizes him.
Madison: Cole, wait!
Cole stops, his fist in the air, and turns to face Madison. He watches her, his breath coming out in sharp gasps, as she slowly walks around to his side. She looks down at the other man and crosses her arms across her chest, a disapproving look upon her face.
Madison: Hello, Dr. Jackson. What brings you out on this fine afternoon?
Cole: You know this man?
Madison: Nodding. He was with me in Boise. He stopped Jonathan from attacking me.
Cole pulls Jack to his feet and Jack begins brushing himself off. He touches his face and pulls his hand sharply away, realizing he has a few cuts.
Jack: You know this man, Miss Taylor?
Madison: Stepping between her brother and Dr. Jackson. Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.
Jack: I apologize, then. I thought he was attacking you.
Madison: I would have been protesting if he was.
Jack: You were crying.
Madison: I do that a lot lately. She turns to Cole. Come along, Cole. You can walk me home.
As Madison and Cole walk away arm-in-arm, Jack swallows his pride and begins walking toward his clinic.
Scene 2: Libbie and Philip's bedroom, a short time later. Lydia, appearing considerably more refreshed than before, still occupies the bed. Christopher sits up beside her holding the baby.
Christopher: She just looks so much like me.
Lydia: A fact you have already established countless times, Christopher, but I do wish you would make your decision on her name. We cannot continue referring to her as "her."
Christopher: It requires much consideration, Lydie. She cannot have a name that will inspire teasing and embarrassing nicknames.
Lydia: Like Chrissy the Sissy?
Christopher: Frowns at her playful smile. Yes, like that one.
Lydia: So? It can't possibly be that difficult. You've had plenty of time to consider it.
John Henry: Appears at the door. Consider what?
Lydia: The poor child's name. He's taking far too much time choosing it.
John Henry: Just name her Joan or Henrietta and be done with it. He takes the baby from Christopher, then sit on the edge of the bed. And how is my newest granddaughter this afternoon? She looks just as you did when you were born, Lydie.
Lydia: Chuckles at Christopher's hurt expression. So they say. She's been wonderful. Barely more than a peep all afternoon.
John Henry: And she's healthy?
Lydia: Yes, of course.
John Henry: Looks forlornly at the baby. I'm so glad.
Christopher: Dad? What's wrong?
John Henry: Takes a deep breath, exhales. You probably don't remember the telegram I received just before the baby came.
Christopher: Only that you received one. Begins to get worried. Dad, what was in that telegram? Not Livie?
John Henry: No, not Livie. We wanted to give you time with the baby before we told you, nor did we want to worry you before it was apparent your baby was all right.
Christopher: Dad?
John Henry: Faith was too weak to survive. She died.
Lydia is silent as her face crumbles. Christopher falls back onto the headboard and moans.
Christopher: God, why? Livie didn't deserve any of this, and she was so looking forward...
Lydia: Wistful, stares off into space. I can only imagine what she's going through. She pauses, wipes away tears, then holds out her arms. Give me my baby. I want to hold my baby.
Chrisopher: Mumbles. Olivia.
John Henry: I know, son. I wish it had happened here.
Christopher: No, the baby. Her name... Olivia.
Scene 3: Just outside Belleterre, a short time later. Jack, on horseback, approaches using one hand to hold a bandage to his face. It is already bloody.
Just as Jack dismounts, a maid comes rushing from the house.
Maid: Sir, your face!
Jack: My grandparents are here, the Carrols.
Maid: Yes, of course. Come inside. You must be Dr. Jackson, then.
Jack: Mmm... I also understand there is a Miss Hewitt living here reputed to be a young nurse.
Maid: Yes, doctor.
Jack: I may require her help.
Cut to: The library, a short time later. Jack sits in a chair with his head bent back. Old sheets cover the chair and floor beneath him as Louisa carefully ties the stitches.
Louisa: You really shouldn't have come all the way here. You could have fallen from your horse.
Jack: I wasn't thinking. Something left from childhood—get a scratch, run to your mother... or grandmother.
Louisa: It's a shame she and Mr. Carrol went with Mr. and Mrs. Marshall to see the baby.
Jack: I'll have to remember to apologize for making this mess.
Louisa: I felt this room had the best light. I only hope I don't leave large scars.
Jack: You're not the one who put them there, miss. You are doing a stellar job for someone so young, though.
Louisa: I've only done this once before. My father taught me. He's a doctor.
Jack: Do you wish to make a living by being a nurse?
Louisa: I wish to make a living by being a doctor.
Jack: A lofty goal. I must say it's most unusual for a woman to want to become a doctor, but I wish you all the luck.
Louisa smiles modestly and continues with her work. Jack, without moving his head, looks about the room. He notices the easel with the half-finished family portrait a little to the side.
Jack: Who is the artist?
Louisa: Blushes, speaks quietly. I am.
Jack: An artist, too? You're very talented.
Louisa: It started as a hobby. I sketched the people around me. Grace encouraged me to try a family portrait. She ties one more knot and snips the string. There. I'm finished. Did I leave you with a big scar?
Jack: Takes the mirror Louisa offers him. No, you've done a stellar job, and it was small to begin with. I am getting a black eye, though. Ah, well. He stands carefully. Do you have others you wouldn't mind showing me?
Louisa: If you really want to see them...
Louisa leads Jack up to the balcony where a stack of sketches and several rolled canvases lie. He looks through them all, legitimately impressed by them.
Jack: I'm no art critic, but my parents tried to instill art appreciation in me as I grew up. I think you're very talented, Miss Hewitt.
Louisa: You really don't have to say that, Dr. Jackson.
Jack: But I'm serious, Miss Hewitt. A very good friend of my father works at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Would you mind if sent him some of your work?
Louisa: I really don't think that's necessary, Dr. Jackson. This is only a hobby. I don't want to be an artist.
Jack: But don't you think you'd make more interesting doctor if you also had a background in the arts?
Louisa: I don't see how that would matter, doctor.
Jack: It doesn't, really, but you obviously enjoy painting. Would you not appreciate some professional criticism?
Louisa: It really doesn't matter to me what other people think. Besides, I'm not sure how I would feel if I received a negative response.
Jack: Just a few sketches? If he doesn't like them, I won't tell you. Or I'll lie.
Louisa: Oh, all right. Which ones?
Scene 4: Stancliff Manor, the next day. Grace and Carey sit on a veranda with Paul and Johnny.
Johnny: When are you going to town, Carey?
Carey: We put it off because of Olivia, of course, but I hoped to make it for Laura's coming out ball.
Paul: And you, Miss Marshall? I understand the grief you feel for your niece. Were you still planning to go to London?
Grace: I will go with Carey, I suppose.
Paul: You must promise me a dance, then.
Grace: Laughs. I suppose, but why wouldn't I dance with you?
Paul: You might get so many offers there would be no more room for me.
Carey: And the two of you will of course ensure I do not remain a wall decoration.
Johnny: But you're such a lovely decoration, Carey.
Paul: Will you be presented, Miss Marshall?
Grace: Presented where?
Paul: At court, of course. Before the queen. Your uncle must have you presented before the queen.
Carey: I think we'll see how Grace's first ball goes before a presentation is planned.
Maid: Stands off to the side. Excuse me, milady. Mr. McLeod has just arrived. I was asked to inform you that he is taking care of his horse and will be with you shortly.
Carey: Thank you, Mary. She turns to Johnny and Paul. Did you know he was coming?
Johnny: Hadn't a clue. I'll go meet him.
Paul: I'll go with him.
Carey: Calls out as they begin to walk away. How gentlemanly of both of you! Leave the lovely ladies to greet the cad.
Grace: Turns to Carey when the men disappear. Am I going to meet the queen?
Carey: Not if you cause a scandal at Laura's coming-out and not if Mama gets too angry.
Grace: What is so special about being presented?
Carey: It is the regular thing for a young woman of quality. Without it you cannot go to a court ball.
Grace: So?
Carey: Everyone who's anyone attends the court balls.
Grace: Do you really care about all that?
Carey: Not really, but I must say it's interesting to watch the other people put up false fronts to impress people they don't even like. Maggie really hated them. The first daughter of a duke comes with a substantial dowry.
Grace: And you?
Carey: Mine is just as big as Maggie's was, but no one knows that. I'm not interested in stupid, insipid men who flower me with ridiculous comments in the hope that I'll fall madly in love with them. Trust me. It is only flattering the first few times. Then it gets annoying. This year I'm considering having everyone believe Johnny and I are engaged.
Grace: Does he know that?
Carey: I haven't suggested it to him yet, but he'll go along. It will make all the others leave me alone.
Scotty: Calls out from some distance away. Carey, my darling! I'm ready to collect on my bet!
Carey: Unfortunately, it will do nothing for him. She stands. Stuff it, McLeod! You'll be getting nothing from me.
Scene 5: A train station, San Francisco, afternoon. Tess steps from the train, a valise and a few of Louisa's rolled canvases in hand, and steps out of the way as she searches the crowd.
Steven: Tess! Over here.
Tess and Steven meet half way and Steven takes the bag.
Tess: It's nice to see you, Steven. He reaches for her things, but she only hands over the valise. Thank you. Are you to escort me to your house?
Steven: Georgie has come, too, but she didn't feel up to the crowds. She's waiting in the carriage.
Tess: Is she ill?
Steven: Not exactly. You'll see. Shall we collect the rest of your luggage? I have a porter waiting.
Tess waits while Steven and the porter see to her things, then walks with Steven to the street. She looks about for Georgie until Steven points out the proper carriage. Georgie smiles and waves from her seat, but doesn't stand until Tess is about to step up. Tess looks to her feet, as both Steven and Georgie help her in. She doesn't notice that Georgie is pregnant, and nearly six months so, until she raises her head. She gasps with surprise and throws her arms around Georgie.
Tess: Oh, Georgie, why didn't you tell me sooner! This is wonderful! Our babies will be such good friends!
Tess explains herself Jack unwittingly starts a false rumor that
could ruin Madison's already declining reputation Yet another surprise waits for Georgie and
Tess
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