Episode 63
Episode 63: Early August, 1876
Scenes 2 and 4 written by Heather
Scene 1: A trail in the woods near Belleterre, afternoon. Nick is riding a young, somewhat feisty horse.
As he rounds a corner, he comes to the clearing where hot springs and Grace's little cabin are located. Rilla sits at the edge of pool, soaking her feet in the water. She notices him right away.
Rilla: Hello, Nick.
Nick: Hey, Rilla. He dismounts and ties the horse on a long tether before going to sit on the ground beside Rilla. Have you been crying?
Rilla: Do you blame me?
Nick: No, not at all. I wish you had told us all sooner. It would have made finding Markus and the baby much easier.
Rilla: I know you mean well, but like I told you and your father, I don't want charity.
Nick: What charity?
Rilla: Hiring a detective? I know it costs money. I certainly can't afford it, and I don't want charity.
Nick: I wish you would reconsider.
Rilla: I just... I really don't know what to do. I have no idea what I'll tell the girls. They'll start asking questions soon and I... She begins to cry, then sobs... I miss my baby boy!
Nick puts his arm around her, pulling her close to his side. She cries into his shoulder.
Rilla: I have no income anymore. I used what we had saved... what Markus didn't take... to get here. I'm a grown woman and I can't live as a guest with my mother forever.
Nick: My father would gladly give you a job if you asked for one. If only you'd ask...
Rilla: That's the problem. I don't want anything just given to me. I'm a terrible housekeeper, I inherited none of my mother's skilly in the kitchen, I can't sew.
Nick: Well... if you feel that way... I don't know how Tess would feel about it. She's usually very independent. You're a good mother. Hildy and Ada are wonderful, well- behaved, precocious children. Tess is good with school-aged children, but she grew up without siblings. She'd never admit to needing help, but I'm sure she would appreciate help with the baby when it comes.
Rilla: What are you saying?
Nick: Would you like to be our nanny?
Rilla: Face lights up. Oh, Nicky, really? He nods and she gives him a hug and kiss. Thank you, Nicky.
Nick: It isn't certain, you know. I must discuss it with Tess. We'll be going to San Francisco—
Rilla: Surprised. San Francisco! For how long?
Nick: Until Tess's friend Georgie has her baby. Should not be long. As I was saying, I'll talk it over with Tess when we're there.
Nick is about to say something when the horse starts to make a fuss. He looks over, then suddenly jumps up and runs over to begin untying the horse.
Rilla: What is it?
Nick: It looks like he disturbed a bee's nest. We've got to get out of here.
Nick mounts the horse and helps Rilla up behind him. She nestles in closely, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his shoulder. They ride away from the area quickly, but meet Will, Marietta, and baby Annie about a half mile away.
Will: Surprised. Nick? What are you doing?
Nick: Confused at Will's reaction. Giving Rilla a ride back. Are you all headed for the springs?
Will: Yes, a little picnic.
Nick: Don't, at least not with Annie. There's a large bee's nest. We'll have to warn the others. This guy here just got them pretty angry too.
Nick begins riding away, leaving Will and Marietta somewhat dumbfounded.
Marietta: Does he not see it?
Will: See what, sweet?
Marietta: That Rilla is attempting to get between he and Tess. She wants him, just like she wants you.
Will: She doesn't have that childish affection anymore.
Marietta: Perhaps not, but she wants both of you anyway. She needs someone, her husband left her. She is not chasing after you only because I threatened her.
Will: I'll talk with him.
Marietta: No, let me. I do not think you quite believe it yourself. You will not be able to convince Nick unless you do.
Scene 2: A tavern in Smithson, evening. The patrons gather around tables and the bar. Loud, animated, drunken conversations abound.
At the front of the tavern, the door opens, and Robert Marshall walks in. He heads over to the bar and orders a drink. Hearing a familiar laugh, he turns to examine those sitting at the tables on one side of the room. After a bit of searching, he spots Madison Taylor sitting among a group of men, all of whom are intently eyeing the low-cut dress she is wearing. She smiles at the men as she leans over the table, gathering her winnings from the last hand. He picks up his drink as the bartender sets it down in front of him and walks over to the table where Madison is sitting, still chatting merrily with the men as she shuffles the deck.
Madison: Deals the cards. All right, gentlemen... Deuces are wild. She glances up and notices Robert. Oh! Hello, Mr. Marshall. Care to join us for a friendly game of cards?
Robet: No, thank you. Actually, I was just wondering if I might talk to you.... privately?
Madison: Slightly stunned. Of course. She turns to the men. Excuse me, gentlemen. You'll have to continue without me.
The men at the table nod to her as she gathers her winnings into her purse and stands. She follows Robert to another table in a more quiet section of the tavern. Robert pulls out a chair and motions for Madison to sit. Madison, surprised by his actions, silently obliges. Robert then pulls another chair over near her and sits down as well.
Robert: Looks Madison over with awe. I really don't know what to say...
Madison: Well, it had better be something important, because I was on a roll over there just now.
Robert: Shakes his head slightly as he smiles at her. I never thought I'd see you in that dress again after what happened the last time you wore it.
Madison: Shut up, Robert. This dress had nothing to do with the reason I lost to you. You cheated, plain and simple, and you know it!
Robert: He raises a hand to quiet her. Please... Let's not tear open that wound again.
Madison: Fine.
Robert: So... how much have you won?
Madison: Smiles. Over two hundred.
Robert: Did you really win the money, or were those men merely giving it to you in appreciation for the little show... He gestures to her cleavage... you're putting on for them?
Madison: Pretends to ignore his comment. And just how much have you had to drink tonight, Robert?
Robert: For your imformation... He holds up his nearly half-empty glass... this is my first of the night.
Madison: The first of many, no doubt.
Robert: You're one to talk, Madison. At least I can hold my liquor.
Madison: You think I can't?
Robert: I know you can't.
Madison: Why don't you buy me one, and we'll see who turns out to be right?
Robert: Fine by me.
Scene 3: England, morning. The private chapel at Stancliff Manor. The Marshall family, excluding Charles, sits in the first few pews on the bride's side, along with Belinda's mother and step-father. The groom's side is empty except for Frank, Johnny, and Edwin in the front pew. The vicar, Mr. Curtis, stands waiting at the front.
As the doors open at the back and Charles and Belinda come into view, Frank, Johnny, Carey, and Grace. Mary attempts to make Carey and Grace sit down, but both ignore her and take seats beside Edwin. Mr. Curtis gets through the service rather quickly.
Vicar: If anyone here has any just cause why these two should not be wed let him speak now, or forever hold his peace.
Belinda looks at Carey, who glares back but says nothing.
Vicar: Smiles. Always glad when I get past that part. By the power vested in me by—
Freddie: Appears in the door. Wait!
Belinda: Whines. Freddie, no!
Freddie: Makes his way up the aisle. You can wait a few minutes. I'm your legal guardian. I want this explained before you go through with it.
Belinda: How do you even know?
Freddie: I now sooner got home off the ship very early this morning when one of the servants told me. I was afraid I wouldn't get here in time. What is the meaning of this early ceremony?
Frank: I must say that's my fault. We must leave today.
Freddie: Your destination?
Frank: India. Under the circumstances, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to continue to preach to my congregation here. I am to be an army chaplain.
Freddie: What circumstances?
Frank: Quietly. It would not be appropriate to discuss them in mixed company.
Freddie: I see, no need to explain further. He turns to Belinda. I'm ashamed of you, Bin.
Carey: She coerced him, Freddie. Got him drunk.
Mary: Carey Catherine Marshall, hold your tongue.
Frank: I assure you, I take full responsibility for the situation. I'm doing the only thing I can do in good conscience to remedy it.
Vicar: To Freddie. May I continue then?
Freddie: Sighs. Yes, I suppose. It's too late to do anything else now. He sits.
Vicar: I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has brought together, let no man put asunder.
Scene 4: The Smithson tavern, late night. The patrons have pushed the tables to one side of the room. A small band has assembled on the floor, and people are dancing as they laugh and drink.
Madison, having had more than a few drinks herself, giddily joins in on a romping jig. Robert watches on as she exchanges partners with the barmaids and a few other women. When the song is over, the audience claps and he appraoches her.
Robert: Takes Madison by the arm. All right, Maddie. I think you've had enough.
Madison: Wavers slightly. Oh, Robert.... The fun is only just beginning, can't you see?
Robert: Mutters. I never should have given you the whiskey.
Madison giggles and Robert rolls his eyes as he begins leading her out of the crowd. She pulls sharply on his arm as a slow waltz begins to play.
Madison: Pleads. Just one more dance, Robert? Please? Then we can leave, I promise.
Robert stares at her for a long time, then gives in and nods in agreement. Madison takes his hand and leads him back into the mass of people. They each take their positions and dance to the slow, sad tune. The music reaches a crescendo, and their eyes meet. All movement seems to cease around them as Robert leans down to kiss Madison. Their lips have barely touched when the applause of the crowd brings them back to the room that they are in.
Robert: Straightens himself up. Shall we be going, then?
Madison: She takes Robert's offered arm. Yes.
Cut to: Outside Madison's cabin. Robert and Madison are walking quietly up to the door of the cabin, arm-in-arm.
Madison: I want to thank you for offering to bring me home tonight.
Robert shrugs and brushes off the comment.
They reach Madison's door, and she unlocks it and steps inside.
Madison: Turns back to Robert. Good night.
Robert: Good night.
Robert kisses Madison on the cheek and begins to turn away, but is stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He turns back to Madison and they stare at each other for a while, saying nothing. Madison then pulls Robert towards her and kisses him, taking him by surprise. After the initial shock has worn off, he gives in to temptation and takes her in his arms, returning her kiss. Madison wraps her arms around his neck as he wraps his around her waist. They stumble into the cabin together, Robert kicking the door shut behind him.
Scene 5: San Francisco, Georgie's dress shop. Georgie has just entered with Louisa at her side. Nessie, her clerk, sits behind the counter.
Nessie: My goodness, Mrs. Hewitt! What're you doin' here?
Georgie: This is my shop, Nessie, and that was a nice "how do you do".
Nessie: I'm sorry, ma'am, I really am, but... shouldn't you be at home. You look just about ready to pop.
Georgie: This is the first opportunity I've had to sneak away from my grandmother.
Nessie: What brings you here, ma'am?
Georgie: Louisa wanted to see how her new school wardrobe was coming.
Nessie: Almost finished and lovely. Come on up. Ina and the other girls are almost finished with Mrs. Carlson.
Georgie: I'll stay here and mind the counter. I don't feel up to climbing that steep staircase.
Nessie: Just as well you shouldn't.
Georgie: Oh, and I'd like to see those few dresses I have you making for Tess. She'll be here tomorrow.
Nessie: Yes, ma'am. I finished them myself this morning.
Nessie and Louisa disappear upstairs and Georgie shuffles herself onto the stool behind the counter. She is there for a few minutes when the door opens and a man enters. He glances at Georgie, then does a double-take. Confused, he shakes his head and looks at a few dresses on display.
Georgie: Can I help you, sir?
Man: I'm just waiting for my wife. She was to be finished at two.
Georgie: You must be Mr. Carlson. I only just arrived, but I understand your wife is almost finished.
Mr. Carlson: Do you work here?
Georgie: I haven't recently. I own the shop, but I'm... well, I'm expecting and my grandmother insisted I stay home.
Mr. Carlson: Then you'd be Mrs. Randall?
Georgie: No, actually. Randall is my maiden name. It's Mrs. Hewitt now, but my husband insisted I keep up my old sign because I'd already established a name for myself. She pauses and watches the man, who has been examining her face curiously. Do I have something on my face, Mr. Carlson.
Mr. Carlson: No ma'am, but I can't help but think I've seen you before.
Georgie: Do you live in San Francisco?
Mr. Carlson: No, my wife and I are visiting from New York.
Voice: Calls from upstairs. Peter? Is that you?
Mr. Carlson: Yes, Roberta.
Mrs. Carlson: I'll be right down. Why don't you come up and help carry some things? We're all dressed and decent.
Mr. Carlson: It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Hewitt.
The man looks at her for a short moment longer before heading upstairs. Georgie lets out a sigh of relief when he's gone and hurries into the back office, fearfully leaning on the door as she closes it behind her.
Mr. Carlson remembers Georgie Apparently Madison and Robert weren't all
that discreet with their affair A body is found in Lake Liberty
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