Episode 58
Episode 58: July 4, 1876
Scenes 3 and 5 (last half) written by Heather
Scene 1: The lake, morning. The house and surrounding area is adorned with appropriate decoration and the entire town has gathered. Tables of food are set up in the shade. The adults mingle while the children run about and play.
John Henry, dressed in a British revolutionary war battle uniform, stands on the porch of the house and gets the crowd's attention.
John Henry: One hundred years ago today, your forefathers declared independence from the tyranny of the rule of my forefathers. Well, bully for you. My grandfather fought so well in that war that the king thought it appropriate to raise his title. This will bring me nothing but more duty and I will eventually have to leave my home here to take care of it. I would like nothing more than to give it all up, but with family duty and all—
Lazarus: Calls out from the crowd. Get on with it!
John Henry: Yells back. Stuff it, you old coot! He returns to regular tone. As I was saying, I would gladly become a citizen of this country, as would my sons... I think... but duty prevents us. So this one day out of the year is my opportunity to play make-believe, to forget about the duty I never asked for and just be myself.
Lazarus: Calls out from the crowd. Then why are you wearing the bloody uniform?
John Henry: I'll take care of you later, old man. For now, on with the competition. My lovely and talented daughter is consorting with the enemy this year, so there should be some competition in the target-shooting and archery events. And my son has finally been convinced to allow his friends and family to race his horses in a separate race, so there will be competition for the rest of you in that category, as well. Just before dusk, we'll all begin to change into clothes more suitable for dancing. When it's suitably dark, the lanterns will be lit and the music and dancing will begin. Right now I have to kill the old man, but the rest of you may start the fun.
The archery competition sees a surprising victor. Eleanor Elliot shocks everyone as she easily takes the win. Nick wins the skeet shoot easily, but loses the long distance competition to a neighboring farmer. A teenage boy happily wins both the horse sprint and cross-country, gladly collecting his monetary prize. The Thoroughbred race shows Nick, Will, Christopher, Philip, Benjamin, and Jack racing against each other. Nick takes the early lead, but Christopher soon catches up. They are neck-and-neck on the final strech of the two miles, but Christopher pulls ahead and wins by a half length. Nick, shocked stands up in the saddle and watches with horror as Christopher jumps off his mount and recieves the praise of family and friends, then loudly boasts of his win while mocking Nick. Nick eventually takes the loss like a gentleman and shakes his brother's hand, then gives Lydia a kiss for good measure.
Scene 2: A London ballroom, night. Grace has just made her entrance, serendaded by dozens of gasps and muffled chuckles. She wears a white gown with thin, red stripes and a bustle plentifully adorned with blue fabric with white stars. The ribbons in her hair match.
Grace is stopped several times on her way across the room by young women who are quite friendly. She soon reaches her group in a far corner.
Carey: I was hoping you wouldn't have the nerve to wear that.
Grace: Why are you so stuffy all of a sudden?
Johnny: Yes, dearest... He smiles at Carey's sneer... why is that?
Grace: I received three compliments on my way across the room from American wives of your stuffy peers.
Scotty: Wearing a kilt. May I add to those compliments, Miss Marshall? It seems we both felt a need to, may I say, stick it to these English stiffs. I should also congratulate you on your country's one hundred years of independence, something my homeland has yet to win.
Grace: Well, thank you, Mr. McLeod. I'm glad one of my friends appreciates my efforts this evening.
Scotty: Will you dance with me, then? We'll leave these Sassenachs to themselves.
Grace: I suppose if I could appear in this dress I could be seen dancing with a man in a skirt.
Grace and Scotty make it half-way throught their dance before Paul manages to approach and cut in. Scotty graciously gives up his partner.
Paul: I apologize for disturbing your dance, but I had to speak with you.
Grace: It's quite all—
Paul: No, let me finish. I... I must apologize for my actions yesterday. My... declaration... was completely uncalled-for. I will understand if you never—
Grace: Almost whispers. No, no, it's all right. I didn't mind.
Paul: Pauses for a moment, shocked. Perhaps... Clears his throat... perhaps we should find a place where we might talk in private.
Grace nods and the two walk all the way out onto the terrace.
Paul: I should tell you something else, then. You have been receiving love letters, have you not?
Grace: Mumbles. Damn, Carey!
Paul: Carey did not say a thing. I... er... I wrote them. All of them.
Grace: Beams. You did?
Paul: I'm afraid so.
Grace: No, I'm glad! Truly.
Paul: Would you mind... what I mean to say is... may I kiss you?
Grace simply nods. Paul takes his time, too nervous at first. He lightly caresses Grace's cheek with the tips of his fingers. There lips have only just brushed when another person appears on the terrace. Paul and Grace quickly jump apart and look up to see Charles standing just ten feet away.
Charles: I've heard rumors, Gracie.
Paul: Your Grace, I assure you—
Charles: I do not need your assurance that my niece is, if fact, wearing this scandalous gown. He walks up to Grace and kisses her on the forehead. You look stunning, but your aunt is having a conniption. I promised her I'd dance with you to calm the gossips' tongues. He turns to Paul and winks. If you'll excuse us, Mr. Moody?
Charles and Grace disappear inside and Paul breathes a side of relief. He is just about to return inside when the terrace door opens and Belinda appears.
Belinda: I do hope you remember me, Mr. Moody.
Paul: Yes, of course. Carey's cousin. How are you this evening, Miss Marshall?
Belinda: Just fine, thank you. May we chat? There is something I feel I just have to tell you. Please. She gestures to a nearby bench and they sit. My conscience keeps me quiet no longer. She pauses, taking a deep breath. My two dear cousins have been lying to you.
Paul: Whom?
Belinda: Why, Carey and Grace, of course. I cannot honestly allow Grace to continue with your relationship when I know nothing can come of it. It certainly is not fair to you.
Paul: What are you talking about, Miss Marshall?
Belinda: Grace is only fifteen years-old, Mr. Moody. Her father would never let her pursue a relationship with you or anyone. The only reason my dear uncle is allowing her to continue with this farce is to prevent the gossips from completely ruining her chances for the future. I know this must be a terrible shock for you, so I'll leave you to contemplate this news in peace. She stands and takes his hand. I am truly, truly sorry.
Paul remains seated, shocked. Belinda returns to the ball, smiling ear-to-ear.
Scene 3: Madison's room at Belleterre, afternoon. Greta and Emily, already in their dresses, are helping Madison to prepare for the ball.
Madison stands at the side of the bed, hands on her hips, staring unapprovingly at her corset-clad reflection in the mirror over her dressing table.
Madison: I really don't know why you two insist on going to such great lengths for this.
Greta: Stop your complaining, meine Lieblinge. You want to look pretty for Dr. Jackson tonight, don't you?
Emily: Of course she does!
Madison: Grumbles to herself. The things I let you two put me through...
Greta comes around to the side of the bed where Madison is standing and hands Emily a string.
Greta: Here. Try this one.
Madison: Sighs. That's the third corset lace you've tried. I hope this one is long enough!
Emily: The first one was plenty long enough.
Madison: Yeah, until you broke it!
Emily: Well, it never would have broken if you had just held still!
Madison: Maybe I would have held still if you hadn't been cutting off my oxygen supply!
The door bursts open, and the three women turn to see Cole standing in the doorway.
Cole: What on earth is going on in here?
Emily: Your sister is being a brat!
Madison: Shut up!
Cole: Maddie, be nice. He looks at Emily and Greta and smiles. You two look lovely.
Greta: Thank you, Herr Branden.
Emily: I want to thank you for offering to escort me to the ball tonight, Cole.
Cole: Smiles. It's my pleasure. I just hope Thomas isn't the jealous type.
Emily: I'm sure he wouldn't mind. He knows you have no indecent intentions.
Cole: Mumbles to himself. That ruins my plans for tonight.
Madison: Laughs. Run along now, Cole. You should be getting ready yourself.
Cole: Yeah, you're probably right. Well, I will see you ladies later. He leaves.
Greta: Now, let's see if we can't get this corset on you. Speaks to Emily. Is she laced?
Emily: Hold on.... there. Corset is laced. She steps aside.
Greta: Takes Emily's place. Hold on now, and take a deep breath.
Madison inhales and holds her breath while Greta grabs the ends of the corset string and gives them a hard yank. Madison yelps in pain, clutching her side.
Madison: Scolds sarcastically. Do you think you could pull a little harder next time, Greta?
Greta: Grins wickedly as she takes up the ends of the string once again. Sure.
Cut to: Outside Madison's bedroom, a short time later. Cole is standing against a wall, looking at his pocketwatch. Robert stands a short distance away, just around the corner of the hall. He has a perfect view of Madison's door, but Cole cannot see him.
The door opens, and Greta walks out first, followed by Emily. They each stand to one side of the door.
Cole: Expectantly. Well, how does she look?
Cole beams with pride and Robert draws in a stunned breath as Madison walks through the doorway between the two other women. She wears a long, full, wine- colored dress that accentuates the best parts of her figure. Her golden hair has been piled on top of her head, several tendrills falling loose about her bare shoulders. A silver medallion hangs on a chain around her neck. Cole walks up to her, takes both her hands in his, and brings them up to his lips to kiss them.
Cole: You look enchanting.
Madison: Blushes as she smiles. Stop that! You sound as if you were the one wanting to court me and not Jack.
Cole: If only you weren't my sister... He winks at her and she giggles, blushing more.
Greta: All right, enough of this. Let's get downstairs to greet Dr. Jackson when he arrives.
Emily: We should probably do that. Cole?
He offers her his arm, and she takes it. They all start towards the stairs, then Greta turn around to address Madison.
Greta: You stay here. We will send for you when he has arrived.
Madison folds her arms arcoss her chest and pouts, but does as she is told. As she turns around and walks back to her room, movement down the hall catches her eye.
Madison: Is someone there?
After a minute of silence, she shrugs her shoulders and walks back into her room. Robert emerges, walks down the hall, and stares at Madison's closed door for long while. He raises his hand to knock, then decides against it and walks away.
Scene 4: The lake, night. The musicians have set up on the porch and the couples dance on the open ground floor of the house.
Madison dances with Jack, and they happily laugh and chat during the lively jig. Cole taps Jack on the shoulder, and Jack graciously hands Madison over to her brother. Off to the side, Marietta stands, arms crossed, as Rilla Schimdt dances with Will. Rilla smiles and occasionally throws her head back in laugh, thrusting her chest forward and giving Will ample opportunity to look down the top of her low cut dress. Having had enough, she stalks over to the couple and taps Rilla on the shoulder.
Marietta: Forgive me for being blunt, Madame Schimdt, but I believe my husband too kind-hearted too reject your pathetic advances. You are a married woman, and should comport yourself accordingly. Good evening.
Marietta glides gracefully between Rilla and Will and positions herself for dancing. Rilla stares, dumbfounded, for several moments before leaving the dance floor.
Will: I never thought you do have a jealous streak, my dear.
Marietta: Nick is only teasing when he flirts with me. That little hussy would have torn off your clothes if given the chance.
Will: Rilla and I are old friends, Mari.
Marietta: Perhaps that is why you could not recognize her intentions, chèri.
During a waltz, Robert and Tess have an opportunity to dance together.
Tess: Now that I've married your brother, perhaps we can become friends. We are of an age.
Robert: Well, with Olivia and Grace gone, you are my most interesting sister.
Tess: Laughs. I'll take that as a compliment.
Robert: As your brother, I suppose it is my duty to alert you to any dangers.
Tess: Of course.
Robert: Negotiates a turn so they switch directions. Over my shoulder, then. The little witch Mari scared off Will has now latched onto Nick.
Tess: Rilla? They're old friends.
Robert: Friends do not hang off each other like she's doing. Go tell her off.
Tess: You think so?
Robert: I would. Go.
Robert gives Tess a little nudge before heading toward the refreshment table. Tess takes a deep breath and approaches Nick and Rilla. She stands by them, patiently waiting, for quite some time before either take notice.
Rilla: Overly pleased. Oh, Tessie, I don't think I've seen you all day.
Tess: No, I don't think so. She locks arms with Nick. It's good to see you again.
Nick: Rilla and I were just reminiscing.
Tess: Oh?
Nick: Yes. Rilla may be three years older, but we had fun together. We used to collect mushrooms for her mother. Rilla's father had taught her all about the different variety's and Rilla taught me.
Tess: How long ago was this?
Nick: Nine years, and more. Right up until Rilla married and broke my heart. Come to think of it, your anniversary is in two weeks now, isn't it? I felt a little better when little Hildy came just six months later. He laughs. Cheer up, Rilla, I'm just teasing. If you'll excuse me, now, I think my wife would like to dance.
Nick leads Tess into the waltz just as Robert has had enough of watching Madison dance. He sets his drink on the table and walks determinedly toward Cole and Madison. He taps Cole on the shoulder and Cole turns around and glares at him.
Cole: Yes?
Robert: Mind if I cut in?
Cole: Coldly. As a matter of fact, I do.
Madison: Surprised at her brother's coldness. Really, Cole! I thought your manners were better than that.
Cole: I am your brother, Maddie. It is my duty--
Madison: Cutting him off. Just shut up about your "duty" to take care of me. I am a grown woman now, and I am quite capable of taking care of myself!
Cole: Yeah? Well you weren't capable of keeping Jonathan away, were you?
Madison stiffens at his harsh tone of voice. Cole sees the pain and hatred in her eyes for him having brought up the subject of Jonathan, and immediately regrets his choice of words.
Cole: I'm sorry, Maddie. I didn't mean...
Madison: It's quite all right. I know your temper.
Robert: Impatiently. Excuse me?
Cole and Madison both turn to look at him.
Robert: May I dance with your sister, Mr. Branden?
Cole: Stepping aside and allowing Robert to take his place. Of course you may.
Robert and Madison get swept up in the crowd as a waltz starts to play, and Cole, still glaring disapprovingly at Robert, goes off to a side wall where he can keep an eye on the two of them. He smiles, though he cannot hear the exchange, when, not five minutes later during the next dance, Jack taps Robert on the shoulder.
Jack: Excuse me. I hope you don't mind if I cut in. I am, after all, Miss Taylor's escort this evening.
Robert: Looks first to Jack, then to Madison. No, of course not. It's been a pleasure dancing with you, Madw—Miss Taylor.
Robert does not look back as Jack and Madison dance. He instead heads for the refreshment table for another drink.
Scene 5: The lake, around midnight. The music has just ended and the various couples are leaving the dance floor.
John Henry: Stands on a crate and gets everyone's attention. That nearly brings an end to the evening's festivities. Let's have a round of applause for all those who have graced us with their musical talents. He waits for the clapping. Miss Taylor and her class have planned a display to finish off the night, so I'll turn it over to her.
Madison: This project has involved physics, arithmetic, and history lessons, plus a little construction experience for those who were interested. If you'll all gather around this contraption over here, we'll get our presentation started.
Several children run towards a catapult aimed at the lake, and the crowd follows at a more leisurely pace.
Older Boy: This is our catapult. We're going to use it to make a fireworks display of sorts. Some of the younger boys set markers in the lake yesterday. They're to show distance. He turns to several boys standing near him. Dump the pine cones in now.
The boys dump several buckets of pinecones into the catapult's larger bucket. The older boy carefully pours kerosene over the pine cones.
Young Boy: These pine cones will land around the marker with the red flag.
The older boy lights a match and throws it onto the cones. After a moment, they burst into flames. He pulls the rope and the catapult flings the flaming pine cones into the lake, creating a sparkling effect on the surface of the lake. The crowds applauds as the students reset the catapult. The display is reproduced again and again with various materials. As applause and cheers arise from the crowd at the finale, Robert looks over at Madison. His expression suddenly turns from awe to fear as she begins to swoon. He quickly makes his way through the crowd and reaches her just as she clutches her side, doubling over in pain. She faints, and Robert catches her. Jack, having also noticed Madison's condition, runs over with Gabe.
Jack: What happened?
Robert: I don't know. She just fainted. You're the doctor.
Madison: Dazed. Make it stop...
Jack: Concerned. Make what stop?
Madison: The pain... Make it go away... She winces and clutches her right side again.
Gabe: Let me get a look at her, Jack.
Jack stands up and Gabe kneels next to Robert, who is still holding Madison. He places his hand on her forehead and nods to himself.
Gabe: Madison, I'm going to put pressure on this point right here. He points to where her hand is. I want you to tell me if it hurts, okay?
Madison nods her head, and Gabe lightly presses against her abdomen. Madison screams, digging her nails into Gabe's arm. He stands up and rubs his arm, talking to himself.
Gabe: Get her to a wagon.
Robert: What? What is it?
Gabe: It's her appendix. It has to come out immediately.
Madison, in a delirious state, admits some
things she normally would not Paul is forced to make a difficult decision Belinda becomes suspiciously prominent in
Carey's circle of friends
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