Episode 52
Episode 52: Early June, 1876
Scenes 1 and 3 written by Heather
Scene 1: Belleterre, late afternoon. Madison, visibly shaken, has just been left outside John Henry's office with Cole while a maid went inside.
Maid: Comes out again. You may go in, Miss Taylor.
Madison walks through the open door and Cole follows her, closing the door behind them. John Henry, does not look up, still concentrating on his work.
John Henry: I'm glad you came, Miss Taylor. I needed to speak with you anyway. There are rumors circulating about you. Normally I would say it is your own business, but the other parents are concerned; and, quite frankly, if they are true we cannot have a schoolteacher giving the wrong example to her students.
Madison: What rumors?
John Henry: You have been embracing in public with a man, Miss Taylor. He looks up and sees Cole. Ah, how convenient. I'm assuming it's you. Who are you, young man?
Cole: My name is Cole Branden. Maddie is my sister.
John Henry: A likely story. Miss Taylor told us she had no living relatives. And her name is just that, Taylor. Why is it not yours?
Cole: Our parents sent me away to boarding school when Maddie was three years old. When I received a letter from my father four years later, saying my mother had passed away, I took her maiden name as my own in her honor. He notices John Henry opening his moth to speak. Now before you go asking why Madison never mentioned me, let me explain that as well. When I was sent away, she was severely traumatized. Any mention of my name would set her off into a tantrum. So our parents never mentioned me around her, and soon I was completely forgotten by her.
John Henry: I apologize, then. I hadn't wanted to believe it. I hope you understand that I must relay this explanation to the other parents.
Madison: Of course. It is your duty to see that the town is cleared of such falsehoods.
John Henry: So what does bring you here, Miss Taylor?
Madison: Someone has broken into my cabin, Mr. Marshall.
John Henry: Any damage?
Madison: Most of the dishes were broken, from what I saw. A table and a few chairs were overturned, and some of my personal belongings were strewn throughout the various rooms.
John Henry: My God! Who would have done such a thing?
Madison: I have no idea, but I hope to God it's not who I'm thinking.
John Henry: Despicable, truly. The schoolteachers in this town are cursed. You will stay here, of course. And you, Mr. Branden, are you staying with your sister?
Cole: No, I'm staying at the Inn in Smithson.
John Henry: We will have someone follow you to school each day, then. Out of sight, so we might catch this person if he tries to attack you again.
Madison: Thank you so very much, Mr. Marshall. I know I'll be safe here.
Scene 2: Just outside the ballroom, around midnight. One of Grace's admirers leaves her and Charles and Mary take the opportunity to approach.
Charles: Speaks sternly. Grace...
Grace: Before you get angry, they... She begins to whisper... they think I'm Julia's age.
Mary: That makes no difference whatsoever, young lady. You are still a child.
Grace: I will never get this chance again. Carey made sure I wouldn't embarrass us all, and her friends are making sure none of the men get any ideas.
Mary: That does not change the fact that you are child, Grace. Things happen here that are not meant for young eyes and ears. Moreover, your parents entrusted you to our care. They would not approve.
Charles: My brother would.
Mary: Charles! You're not condoning this?
Charles: Certainly not, but the damage has been done. We cannot keep Grace secluded now without some terrible rumor breaking out. Rest assured, Grace, we will discuss this further.
Paul: Approaches. Excuse me, your Grace. Do you mind if I ask Miss Marshall to dance?
Mary: I know you are a close friend of my daughter, Mr. Moody, but that means nothing to the gossips. My niece is not familiar with society and does not know what rumors could be created if she were to dance with the same gentleman too many times. This will be your third and last time dancing with Miss Marshall.
Paul: I perfectly understand, your Grace, and thank you. He turns to Grace and offers his arm. Miss Marshall?
Charles: Waits till Grace and Paul are gone. He's too young for her.
Mary: She is too young for anyone! Whatever were you thinking allowing her to stay out this evening?
Charles: We shall discuss it later, my dear. This is too public. Just how long have you been watching Grace?
Mary: Long enough to be sure she was not embarrassing herself or us. But as you said, we'll discuss it later.
Scene 3: Liberty Creek, morning. Madison is walking toward the schoolhouse.
Madison stops short as Jack cuts her off.
Madison: Good morning, Dr. Jackson.
Jack: Good morning, Miss Taylor.
Madison steps around Jack to pass by, but he blocks her.
Jack: You will hear me out, Miss Taylor. I am going to apologize whether you like it or not. It was a misunderstanding on my part, but in my opinion a forgivable one considering the circumstances. You do not have to forgive me, but I wish you would. If you do not, tell me now and I'll leave you alone.
Madison pushes past Jack and walks on without a word. He rushes up to her and cuts her off again.
Jack: Well?
Madison: Well, what?
Jack: Do you forgive me or not?
Madison: Sighing. I suppose. I know I probably shouldn't, but I am the type of person who believes in second chances.
Jack: Sounds more like forgetting than forgiving, but I'll accept it. I'll leave you now.
Jack tips his hat and goes on his way. Madison continues on hers, and notices a woman and a boy just reaching the school steps. She approaches them.
Madison: Extends her hand. You must be Mrs. Faust. I recieved your telegram a few days ago. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Mrs. Faust: In a light German accent. Please, call me Greta.
Madison: All right. It is a pleasure to meet you, Greta.
Greta: Likewise.
Madison: Kneels down before the boy. And you must be the young Mr. Faust.
Greta: David is a Windham. He takes his father's last name.
Madison: Then why are you not Mrs. Windham?
Greta: My husband passed away shortly before David was born. I reclaimed my maiden name, although I keep the "Mrs." in honor of the vows I made to my Gregory.
Madison: I see. Please accept my rather belated condolences.
Greta: Smiles. David, say hello to... Miss Taylor, is it?
Madison: Yes, but you may call me Madison.
Greta: Nods. Say hello to Miss Taylor, David. She will be your new teacher.
David: Speaks quietly. Hello.
Greta: He's quite shy.
Madison: So I noticed. Well, we'll just have to change that, won't we? She smiles at David, and he smiles back.
Greta: You behave now, David.
David: Yes, Mutti.
Greta: I must be going. I have to finish unpacking some of our thing yet.
Madison: Where are you staying, if you don't mind my asking?
Greta: With my aunt, Hedda Pendergast.
Madison: Oh? A friend of mine operates the clinic her husband owned.
Greta: Smiles. Is that so?
Madison: Yes, well... We're not... you know, but we're.... friends.
Greta: Still smiles. I see. I met Dr. Jackson this morning. He seems like a nice fellow.
Madison: I suppose he is, yes.
Greta: Well, I'll leave you to your work now. I have already occupied more than enough of your time.
Madison: Oh, it wasn't any bother. It was nice meeting you.
Greta: As it was meeting you, my dear. Take good care of my son.
Madison: Don't worry. He is in good hands.
Scene 4: Belleterre, some time later. Jack has just been admitted and is making his way toward the library. He meets John Henry along the way.
John Henry: Jack, what brings you here?
Jack: I've come to see Miss Hewitt, actually.
John Henry: Young man, I doubt her father would approve.
Jack: The girl is fifteen years-old! No, she allowed me to send a selection of her sketches to a friend of my father at the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. He has replied.
John Henry: Oh? What is his opinion?
Jack: I'd rather tell Miss Hewitt first, if you don't mind.
John Henry: Of course. Carry on.
Jack continues down the hall and finds Louisa in the library with Julia and Sally.
Sally: Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson! What brings you here this fine afternoon?
Jack: I've come to see Miss Hewitt, actually. Miss Hewitt, I have received a response from my father's friend. Would you ladies mind leaving us for a moment?
Sally: Of course not. Come, Julia.
Jack waits till they leave the room, then gives Louisa a letter to read. Her expression turns to surprise.
Louisa: He wants to see more? Whatever for?
Jack: He thinks you are very talents, Miss Hewitt. He says so in the letter. His collegues agree.
Louisa: But what would be the purpose?
Jack: Smiles, laughs. You did not read the entire letter, Miss Hewitt. I believe he wants you to enter the Academy.
Louisa: But... I don't want to be an artist! Not professionally.
Jack: You don't have to be. You will learn more than just art. You can always enter medical school when you're finished. It is a tremendous opportunity. You must at least consider it. And write to your father. Promise me you will consider.
Louisa: But only consider.
Scene 5: A carriage on the lane to Belleterre, a short time later. Olivia, Joe, and Joey are riding in one John Henry's carriages. John Henry himself comes out of the house when they near.
Olivia steps from the carriage, walks straight to her father, and lets him embrace her. She waits for Joey to catch up, then walks into the house, leaving Joe to help the drivers unload the baggage in the wagon following close behind.
John Henry: Holds Olivia and Joey close as they walk. Joey, your cousins are anxious to see you. There's a picnic waiting in the courtyard for you all. He waits till Joey disappears, then hugs Olivia tightly. Honey, I'm so sorry.
Olivia: She was so small... and weak.
John Henry: I can't begin to imagine what you're going through, baby.
Olivia: I'm just so... I don't know. Joey and I can stay here, right?
John Henry: Of course, you know that.
Olivia: I just don't know about Joe. I'm not ready yet.
John Henry: No one blames you. We all understand. They're waiting for you, if you want to see them, but you don't have to. You look as if you need a rest.
Olivia: No, no. I want to be with my family.
John Henry nods and leads Olivia down a hall and into the family drawing room. Her mother and siblings all give her hugs, but then she sees Lydia sitting down at the wall, baby Livie in her arms. Christopher walks with Olivia as she approaches.
Olivia: Crouches, whispers chokingly. She's beautiful.
Christopher: Puts one hand on Lydia's shoulder and one on Olivia's, speaks quietly. She was born on May Day. Her name is Livie... Olivia. After you.
Olivia's eyes well up and Christopher quickly hands her his handkerchief. She holds it for a while, then bursts into tears and runs from the room.
A long-absent Marshall returns to
Belleterre Stuart and Tess return to Liberty Creek Liberty Creek celebrates its First
Anniversary
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