Episode 60
Episode 60: Mid-July, 1876
Scene 2 written by Heather
Scene 1: San Francisco, morning. Gabe and Louisa have just returned home.
Gabe: Gives Georgie a tender hug. Darling, how you've grown!
Georgie: You're treading on thin ice, doctor.
Gabe: Perhaps, but we're famished.
Georgie: Well, you're in luck. We were just about to have breakfast. Louisa... She reaches out her arm and pulls Louisa close to her side as they walk... you're looking well. How was Philadelphia?
Louisa: The Academy was lovely, and we also spent some time at the Centennial Exhibition.
Georgie: But how did your meeting go?
Louisa: Wonderfully.
Georgie: And? You're not a very good storyteller.
Louisa: I've decided to attend.
Georgie: Oh, good for you!
The three enter the dining room where Steven and Georgie's grandmother are already seated.
Grandmother: Welcome home, darlings.
Louisa: Hugs her. It's good to be home, Gran, but what are you doing here?
Grandmother: I have moved in to help Georgie. I hope you don't mind, Gabriel.
Gabe: Not at all, Gran. We're glad to have you.
All sit at the table and wait for the maid to bring extra plates.
Georgie: So what took the two of you so long to return?
Gabe: We stayed for the Fourth in Liberty Creek rather than spending it on a train, and then I stayed a few more days to monitor Miss Taylor after her appendectomy. She collapsed during the festivities
Georgie: Miss Taylor?
Gabe: Schoolteacher.
Georgie: Right. She pauses to eat some sausage. So how is everyone?
Gabe: Fine, just fine. Tess is... well, Tess is dealing with an old flame of Nick's who has returned to town.
Georgie: Oh, dear.
Gabe: She sent a letter for you. I have it in my bags.
Georgie: No word from St— She coughs and quickly glances at her grandmother. Um... from Miss MacKenzie?
Gabe: None, unfortunately. Give her time, Georgie. She's already proven she can take care of herself. She'll get in touch when she's good and ready.
Scene 2: Upstairs at Belleterre, late morning.
Robert walks casually down the hall, but stops shortly after passing one door. After some contemplation, he turns back and carefully opens it a crack.
Robert: Peeks through the crack. Madison?
Robert takes in the darkness of the room and realizes Madison must still be in bed. He quietly sneaks into the room, carefully closing the door behind him. After standing completely still for a while to make sure he hasn't disturbed Madison's rest, he slowly approaches the foot of the bed. His eyes remain transfixed on her sleeping form, and he becomes so entranced that he trips and lands half sprawled out on the bed. Madison shoots straight up, her eyes wide with surprise. She looks down at Robert, and he smiles sheepishly at her.
Madison: Robert! She sighs deeply, placing her hand over her racing heart and closing her eyes. You startled me. She opens her eyes and looks at him accusingly. Just what do you think you're doing in my room?
Robert: It was never my intention to wake you. Madison gives him a dirty look, pulling the covers farther up against her, and Robert stands back up, still staring at her. I'm sorry.
Madison: You still haven't answered my question.
Robert: What question?
Madison: Why are you here?
Robert: I just wanted to see how you are feeling this morning, that is all.
Madison: She starts to get out of the bed. I am feeling perfectly fine, thank you.
Madison slowly starts to stand up, and Robert holds his ground as she quickly sits back down. She attempts to stand again, this time holding her arms out to her sides in an attempt to balance herself. Unable to keep her balance, she sits back down again. Robert approaches her and sits down next to her, taking her arm.
Robert: May I?
Madison quietly nods her head and Robert helps her to her feet, allowing her to lean against him for support. He starts to walk her to the door, their eyes never parting. They are nearly halfway across the room when the door suddenly opens. Robert slowly moves his eyes from Madison to the door and swallows hard when he sees Cole standing in the doorway glaring at him, arms crossed across his chest.
Cole: Good morning, Mr. Marshall. I did not expect to find you here. This is my sister's room, after all.
Madison: She hesitates. Robert was just helping me down to breakfast, dear brother.
Cole: I thought you were taking your meals in bed.
Robert: Well, she has changed her mind.
Cole: Shoots Robert a dirty look. I don't believe I was addressing you, Mr. Marshall.
Madison: Oh, Cole. Please, be civil. Robert was only trying to be helpful.
Cole: I suppose. Turns to Robert. Would you mind leaving us, then? I would like to speak to my sister alone, if you don't mind.
Robert: Seemingly ignores Cole. I don't think you require my help. I will see you later today.
He brushes past Cole without looking at him and quietly leaves, leaving Madison staring at the door.
Cole: That boy is nothing but trouble.
Madison: Still stares at the door. Whatever do you mean?
Cole: Madison, he has nothing but indecent intentions on his mind. I know, I was his age not too long ago. You're not helping any, either. Look at you! You're not even wearing a robe. I knew I shouldn't have agreed to bring you back here so soon after your operation.
Madison: She looks down at what she's wearing, somewhat ashamed, then composes herself to face her brother. Oh, Cole, really! Robert is a decent young man. You don't know him.
Cole: And you do?
Madison: Better than you do.
Cole: Trust me, all right? I have a bad feeling about him. I will leave you to get dressed. We can discuss this further later. You missed breakfast but I'm sure Mrs. Anders will make something for you.
Madison: Waits for Cole to leave, speaks quietly to herself. You know nothing about him, Cole. Absolutely nothing.
Madison sighs deeply as she smiles dreamily and slowly walks over to her dressing table.
Scene 3: Liberty Creek, several days later. Many are gathered by the stage as Freddie and Sally Marshall, Phil and Eleanor Elliot, and Emily Stowbridge wait to leave.
Lydia: I'm so glad you both stayed so long.
Eleanor: We couldn't miss the birth of another grandchild. Just be sure to drag Christopher back some time.
Christopher: She won't have to, Aunty. After a few years I'll tire of the heathen lands again and return to civilization.
Libbie: Stuff it, Chrissy, you love it here. She turns to Eleanor. We'll come soon. For the next season maybe.
Eleanor: And you must bring the boys, of course.
Some distance away, Sally and Freddie stand talking with John Henry and Julia.
John Henry: I want you to keep an eye on Grace. Charles is too easily persuaded.
Sally: We will.
John Henry: And try to get her to come home before fall.
Sally: I don't know, sir. From her last letter, it sounds as if she's having a good time.
John Henry: Just keep your husband away from her. I don't trust him now that he's decided to become a politician.
Freddie: I'm not one yet. You were a politician.
John Henry: For a year. I was young, what can I say?
Sally: Gestures to the wrapped package behind Julia. Are you going to let us see that or what?
Julia: Louisa made me promise. You're not to look at it until you give it to Uncle Charlie.
Sally: It is the family portrait, isn't it?
Julia: Yes, she finally finished both. She didn't want to be there when everyone saw them.
Sally: Whyever not?
Julia: It was a special project for her. She's shy.
Sally: She has no reason to be. Here. She pulls two envelopes from her handbag. I didn't have these completely finished when Louisa was here because I thought she would be here all summer, and I haven't had the chance to send them yet. This one is for her from me, and this one is a letter of reference concerning her education achievements, but I doubt she'll need them.
Julia: I'll post them straight away.
Phil: Approaches. Julia, my dear, next spring you come to London and we'll get you ready for your first season.
Sally: Oh, no, you'll not do that to my Julia. She's too smart for all that.
Julia: You think so?
Sally: Yes! Get a little older so your mother will trust you, then travel the world. Maybe they'll even trust you with your scandalous Aunt Juliette.
John Henry: I would never trust an innocent with Elizabeth's sister.
Behind them, sitting in a chair under the awning of Howell's store, Madison waits with Emily and Cole.
Madison: Thank you for coming to see me, Emily. I certainly needed my best friend right now.
Emily: I'm only sorry I have to leave now before you've recovered.
Madison: Waves it off. I'll be fine. Marie needs you, and Thomas of course.
Driver: From his seat. Okay, folks! We're ready to go.
Emily gives Madison a hug and kiss, then surprises Cole with the same.
Emily: With mock stern tone. You take care of her, Mr. Branden.
Cole: Smiles down at his sister. That's what I'm here for.
Hurried hugs are exchanged again before the passengers board the stage, with Sally running up quickly to say goodbye to Madison. As it drives away, those left behind are left to stare awkwardly, not really knowing what to do next.
Scene 4: Tess and Nick's house, night. Tess stands in profile by her bedroom mirror, holding her nightgown snuggly against her stomach while Nick prepares for bed behind her.
Nick: You're not fat.
Tess: I know I'm not fat, I'm pregnant. That's not what I'm looking at.
Nick: What, then?
Tess: I'm trying to remember what my mother always said about telling the sex of the baby by the way one carries it.
Nick: Wouldn't you rather be surprised?
Tess: Straightens her nightgown and gets in to bed, facing away from Nick. Why? You want a boy, don't you?
Nick: Boy or girl, it makes no difference as long as the baby is healthy.
Tess: You don't have to lie, Nick. I know you would much rather have a boy. I don't blame you. I just hope...
Nick looks curiously a her and sits down on his side of the bed. When it is evident she will not turn around, he puts his hand on her shoulder and turns her himself.
Nick: What's the matter, Tess? You've been quiet and aloof going on a week now.
Tess: I just don't want you to take your disappointment at not getting a boy out on a daughter, if that's what happens. I know you wouldn't be deliberately cruel, but I know first-hand what it is like to grow up knowing your father would have preferred a boy.
Nick: You never told me that.
Tess: Well, now I have.
Nick: You don't have to worry, Tess, you should know that.
Tess: Maybe I shouldn't. We haven't discussed this before, and I've only really known you for a little over a year. What she said made sense.
Nick: What who said?
Tess: Sighs. Rilla.
Nick: Rilla? Tess, she means well, but Rilla and I haven't seen each other in nine years. I think you know me better than she does.
Tess: But she has known you longer. Besides, when you were trying to court her, you would always talk about the sons you would have after the two of you were married. She told me so.
Nick: I was a boy! Fourteen or fifteen. I'm twenty-four years old now, or close enough to it. Don't you think I've changed?
Tess: I wouldn't know.
Nick: Listen to me. A boy would be wonderful, and so would a girl. The girls in my family are intelligent, interesting, well-rounded individuals. And if my daughter turned out as beautiful as you, I might just love her more than a boy. There now, does that make you feel any better.
Tess: Smiles weakly. A little.
Scene 5: A London ballroom, night. Grace and Paul dance amidst all the other couples.
Grace: You didn't have to come tonight. You have to leave early tomorrow.
Paul: One last dance was too tempting.
Grace: Smiles. That's just my nature.
Paul: Yes... How well do you speak French?
Grace: Très bien, monsieur. Ma mère est une Française.
Paul: Then we will write in French. I must admit my skills are lacking.
The music ends, but Paul and Grace linger for a few moments before walking together out onto the terrace.
Paul: I love you, Grace, and I'm glad I met you. He kisses her lightly, just missing her lips. Goodbye.
Paul turns to leave, but his friends stand waiting in the doorway. He hugs them all, giving Carey's hand a kiss as well, before leaving.
Johnny: Champagne, anyone? Shall we do as we ought and toast his safe journey out here?
Frank: None for me, Johnny, you know I've never been able to hold my liquor.
Belinda: Smiles at Frank. I know just what you mean, Mr. Pritchett. Would you care for some punch? I'll go with your brother and get some.
Frank: Yes, please, but let me get it.
Belinda: No, no, you should stay here with your lovely fiancée.
Johnny: Champagne for everyone else, then? They nod. I'll play the waitor, then, and bring an entire tray. He offers his arm to Belinda. Miss Marshall?
Belinda accepts and the two walk through the ballroom again till they reach the room set up for refreshments. Johnny counts out the correct amount of glasses and places them on a tray, then waits for Belinda.
Johnny: Shall I carry those two cups, as well?
Belinda: No, thank you, it looks as if you have quite enough to manage. Please, go on ahead. It seems I have something in my shoe.
Johnny nods and leaves. Belinda sits in a chair and lingers while fixing her shoe as she watches for the two remaining ladies to leave the room. When they do, Belinda returns to the refreshment table with the two cups peruses the various spirits available. Having found the one she was looking for, she empties half one cup back into the punch bowl and fills it again with the spirits. She takes a sip from the unspiked cup and, smiling, returns to her new friends.
Belinda completes her plan Rilla admits she lied about the whereabouts of
her husband and son Madison's two suitors are as ardent as ever,
but they are not who worry her and Cole
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