Episode 76

Episode 76: New Years, 1876/77
Scenes 1 and 2 written by Heather

Scene 1: Taylor Estate, late morning. Emily and Thomas finish their late breakfast, while Madison sits on the floor playing with little Marie.

Marie toddles after a ball that has rolled across the floor, and begins to cry when she falls down just short of reaching it. Madison chuckles as Emily sighs in exasperation and picks up her bawling daughter.

Emily: I’m going to go put her down for her nap. She's been up and about much longer than we have. I shall return shortly.

Madison gets up off the floor and goes sit with Thomas, catching a glimpse of Robert and Emily talking in the foyer when she turns to adjust her dress as she sits. She rushes over to Robert and throws her arms around him, kissing him deeply.

Madison: She chuckles, pointing above her head. Mistletoe.

Robert: He looks up and sees the sprig of fresh mistletoe above their heads. I thought mistletoe was only valid at Christmas.

Madison: Smiles. Nope.

Robert: He leans back down and kisses her again. Now we’re even.

Emily: I’ll leave you two alone.

Emily heads upstairs with Marie, leaving Madison and Robert alone. Robert takes off his coat and Madison hangs it up for him.

Robert: Where is your darling brother?

Madison: I sent him back to Liberty Creek. I knew that if he were to stay, he’d just have a fit about you and I being this... close.

Robert: Oh, so your dear friend Emily and her husband know all about our “closeness” then?

Madison: Smirks. They know enough.

Robert: He lowers his voice. I really am going to miss you.

Madison: I’ll miss you, too.

Robert: Then don't leave. Madison looks at him, exasperated. All right, I know I promised not to try that anymore. Just promise me that you’ll be careful. Paris is a big city, and there are plenty of unsavory people there.

Madison: Smiles. People like you?

Robert: No, people like you. That's why I'm worried. Madison gives him a chilled stare. You tease, I tease in return. Just promise you will not go out and about in search of your usual type of establishment.

Madison: She kisses him. I promise that I will be careful.

Robert: I suppose I will have to accept that. He looks deeply into her eyes. Madison, I want you to know I... He trails off.

Madison: Looks at him quizically. You... what, Robert?

Robert: Nevermind.

Madison begins to open her mouth to say something, but Robert quickly quiets her by kissing her once more.

Scene 2: Liberty Creek, several days later; late afternoon, New Year's Eve. The stage has just pulled up in front of the general store, and Cole emerges from within.

He slowly makes his way to Jack’s clinic. Jack is seated at his desk as he enters.

Jack: Hello, Cole.

Cole: He places a letter on Jack’s desk. This is for you.

Cole turns around and wordlessly leaves the office. Jack stares at the door for a short while before picking up the letter and opening it.

Jack shows no emotion as he folds the letter and places it back in its envelope.

Cut to: Belleterre library, a short time later. Grace and Greta are seated, and Cole stands before them holding another letter.

Cole: Madison asked that I get you two together and read this letter for you. He clears his throat. “Dearest Grace and Greta. First of all, I would like to let you know that I am well, and I will be leaving the country shortly. My aunt has requested that I go to Paris to live with her for a while. I would like to thank you both for your friendship and support. Grace, I know we started out in an inappropriate fashion, but you helped me realize that love is more important than anything else in the world. I thank you for that. Greta, you were always there for me with a kind heart and a good ear. Your guidance got me through some very tough situations. I will never forget that. Both you you will always remain in my heart. Love always, Madison.”

Grace: Paris? For how long?

Cole: I don’t know. However long Aunt Vivienne wants her to stay.

Greta: I cannot even begin to imagine what spending the holidays on a ship would be like.

Cole: She hasn’t left yet. She wanted to stay and celebrate with Emily and Thomas.

Greta: And then you are to ring in the New Year alone?

Cole: I have done it many times before.

Grace: Nonsense! My father hosts a party every year. Come dressed in your best.

Cole: I couldn’t possibly—

Grace: Cuts him off. Really, Cole... it isn’t a problem. We always have plenty of food, and more nice company always makes for a better party.

Cole: If you insist... Grace nods. I would be honored to attend.

Scene 3: Carey's bedroom at Belleterre, early twilight. Carey and Scotty sit on the bed wrapped in quilts. Scotty sits behind Carey, enveloping her in his arms and legs.

Carey: Mumbles. We're missing the sunset.

Scotty: Aye, but we've caught many a sunrise. Settle in. I've a poem for you.

Carey: Touched. You wrote me a poem?

Scotty: Och, no, Robbie Burns did. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself in a field in Scotland on a clear summer eve.

Carey: Wait a minute, here. Who's Annie?

Scotty: One of Burns conquests, I imagine. Don't interrupt.

Carey: Sighs, giggles, pauses. All right. I have a poem for you. This is by a little known poet I once came across, a very proper and reclusive woman.note

Scotty: The proper Lady Carey Catherine Marshall discovered and memorized that poem?

Carey: Methinks the proper Lady Carey Marshall was not as proper as the proper gentleman Mr. Gilbert McLeod always thought.

Scotty: Mr. McLeod may be a gentleman, but he is rarely considered proper, as his poetic recitation earlier this evening clearly suggests. I've one more poem for you, also from the eminent Mr. Burns. He lies back, pulling Carey to his side.

Scotty looks down at Carey's face to find her fast asleep. He rests his head on the pillow and dozes off himself.

Cut to: A half hour later. Carey and Scotty are still sound asleep.

A knock sounds at the door to the outer room and Scotty wakes.

Elizabeth: Calls out. Carey! She pauses, then enters the outer room. The door to the bedroom is closed. Carey, ma chèrie, et-tu ici?

Scotty quickly rolls out of bed, softly landing on the floor. He snatches up his clothes from the floor at the foot of the bed and shuffles underneath just before Elizabeth enters the bedroom. Carey instantly awakes and sits up straight, pulling the sheets up to cover her chemise. She looks from Elizabeth to the empty space on the bed beside her, then back to her aunt.

Elizabeth: Ma chèrie, you are resting still? You will have to hurry if you are to be dressed when the guests begin to arrive.

Carey: I plan to make a grand entrance. It is always good to be fashionably late.

Elizabeth: Well, as long as you are awake now. I will send a maid to help you.

Carey: No, but thank you. Grace and I were to prepare together.

Elizabeth: As you wish.

Elizabeth leaves the room and Carey begins to look around, perplexed. The pillow beside her is dented. She crawls to the end of the bed and finds only her own clothes lying there. She moves to the side and gasps when she finds Scotty's disembodied head grinning up at her. She reaches down and smacks him as he slides out from under the bed.

Carey: Bastard.

Scotty: Now, now. Would you rather your rather prudish aunt find me laying beside you without my clothes on?

Carey: I'm surprised she doesn't know yet. She'll throw a fit if she discovers Uncle John Henry has known about it since before Christmas.

Grace walks in the door, sending Scotty in a mad grab to cover himself with the sheets.

Scotty: Christ, Grace! Whatever happened to knocking?

Grace: Whatever happened to waiting until after the wedding to enjoy the wedding night?

Carey: You should have knocked, Gracie, we could have been... occupied.

Grace: I knew you weren't. I just saw my mother leave. I think I'm developing a knack for walking in on situations like this. I discovered Christopher and Lydia before they told the family they were married. Granted, I already knew the two of you were spending a lot of time... being occupied. She smiles and briefly pauses. I've come to help Carey prepare for the party.

Scotty: Then I suggest you leave to allow me time to dress... unless you want to watch, that is.

Grace: Take your time, Scotty, I have to fetch my own dress.

Scene 4: Julia's bedroom, some time later. Julia sits in a chair, fully dressed, as a maid finishes up her hair.

Maid: You look lovely, Julia.

Julia: Thank you. I think you may go now. You have your own party to attend.

Maid: All right, thank you. And Happy New Year.

Julia: You, too.

The maid leaves the room and Julia stands, looking down nervously at the amount of cleavage showing. Her dress is an elaborate, short-sleeved evening gown of crushed velvet. She turns to the center of the room, apparently looking at someone who isn't there.

Julia: Oh, Steven, I didn't notice you there. She pauses. Why, yes, I would love to dance.

Julia curtsies, then positions her arms in a waltz pose and whirls around the room.

Julia: You are a wonderful dancer, Steven. She pauses. Me? Why, thank you. You know I rarely have the opportunity to practice. She comes to a slow stop and curtsies again. Thank you for the dance.

Julia links her hand under an invisible arm and walks to the side of the room. She gazes up at her imaginary partner, then slowly tips her head and closes her eyes in a prolonged kiss.

Scene 5: The family drawing room at Belleterre, shortly before midnight. A large crowd has gathered and a small band supplies the music. John Henry, Nick, and Will talk with a man at the far side of the room.

John Henry: I'm glad you decided to come, Mr. Knowlton. You must understand this resort development at the lake came as a surprise.

Wesley: Please, it's Wesley. And I apologize for my prolonged absence. I know working together with you and your family would be beneficial, but I had to tie up some loose ends first.

Nick: When do you foresee this resort opening?

Wesley: The projected date is June. That will be after the first phase of construction is complete. Half of the rooms have already been reserved for June. After the summer season is over, there will be an addition. Mr. Winfield hopes to be open year-round by next year.

John Henry: About this Mr. Winfield. Oliver Winfield, was it? I've had some investigating done and it failed to turn up any information on him.

Wesley: Ah, yes. He is a mysterious fellow. From our correspondence I gather he is a foreigner just starting his business ventures in America.

Will: And will you be living in Liberty Creek?

Wesley: Yes. In fact, early next week my purchase of a house will be final and I will be living here full time. I will be managing the resort once it opens.

Cut to: A short time later. John Henry stands elevated from the crowd and the music has stopped.

John Henry: I received this telegram earlier today. It was addressed to the entire Marshall family so I thought I would wait till we were all, or mostly, assembled before I read it. "Dearest everyone, I wanted to send a Christmas telegram but I was too late. I trust you all had a joyous one. Joey certainly did. His Uncle Richard spoiled him. We are all doing well. Joey is happy and healthy and little Carey is growing well. Uncle Richard and Flora are still happy together, and they and Jamie send their love. Uncle Richard's ranch is thriving and all his ventures are prosperous. He is even teaching me some of the skills of business, but it is an even trade because I am teaching him how to rope cattle and shoot. It is beautiful and I love it here, but I miss home as does Joey. We will return in mid-spring. Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and all my love, Olivia."

Cut to: A short time later. A waltz is playing and many couples dance, including Julia and Steven.

Steven: You are a wonderful dancer, Julia.

Julia: Beams. Thank you. I must say, I never get much chance to practice here.

Steven: One would never know.

The continue to dance until the music stops.

Steven: Bows. I thank you, Miss Marshall.

Julia: Curtsies. It was a pleasure, Mr. Hewitt.

A new dance starts and Julia is invited to join in by Johnny, but she keeps her eye on Steven. She lets out a faint sigh of disappointment when he heads straight for Grace and asks her to dance, then all but mopes when Grace and Steven join the other couples on the dance floor.

Grace: You do remember last New Year's Eve, don't you?

Steven: Smiles guiltily. I apologized for that.

Grace: You needn't. It was all Nick's fault.

Steven: I never quite understood how it all started.

Grace: Nick was a little foxed to begin with. He had kissed Marietta earlier that day in the play, and Will and Tess got back at him by kissing each other in front of him at midnight. He doesn't like to be teased. Mari wouldn't kiss him again so he was searching around for a female to whom he was not related. Louisa was the only one he found available. You know the rest.

Steven: I was doing the honorable thing sticking up for my sister, but I could not resist the temptation when he offered to allow me to kiss his sister in return. Louisa still reminds me of that.

Grace: I don't blame her. But don't worry, I still haven't let Nick live it down... though I didn't mind it that much.

Steven: Raises his eyebrows. No?

Grace: Smiles. No.

Cut to: The other side of the room. Scotty, with Carey at his arm, approaches Jack at the refreshment table.

Scotty: Dr. Jackson.

Jack looks up, revealing a bruised right cheek, bandaged nose, and cut lip.

Jack: Mr. McLeod.

Scotty: Surprised at the injuries. I would like to end the New Year clear of grudges and apologize for my misunderstanding, your obvious pain as a result of it, and whatever awkwardness may have resulted from your having to explain. Please, I ask for your forgiveness.

Jack: You needn't be so formal, Mr. McLeod. You are forgiven. It was an understandable mistake. I would have done the same. I have, in fact, only the fight soon ended in favor of the other man. I told people I tripped and took quite a fall.

Scotty: Offers his hand. No hard feelings, then?

Jack: Takes Scotty's hand and shakes. None whatsoever.

The music is interrupted and John Henry again stands above the crowd.

John Henry: It's that time again, everyone. It's nearly midnight. As we count down you should all reflect on the blessings—and the hardships—of the year past and pray for a joyous year to come. At the stroke of midnight, for a brief time only, you are invited to kiss anyone you like without fear of repercussions—provided, of course, both individuals are willing. There is a minute till midnight. I'll watch the clock and we can start counting at ten seconds. Until then, let us all reflect.

Silence descends on the room as family and friends gather close, bowing their heads. John Henry starts the count at ten and the room has joined him by eight. At the stroke of midnight, when the stately grandfather clock starts its toll, the room erupts in joyous display of laughter, good wishes, and hearty displays of affection. Julia stands to the side, smiling and accepting a few handshakes and kisses on the cheek. She mournfully watches as Steven and Grace, after exchanging a few words, share a generous kiss. Her view is obstructed, though, as Cole steps in front of her.

Cole: Smiles. Happy New Year, Miss Marshall.

It takes Julia a moment to return to her senses and look up at her new well-wisher, but she is taken aback and rendered speechless again when she sees Cole smiling down at her.

Julia: Oh, Mr... Branden. I'm sorry. She offers her hand, and he takes it. Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you, as well. And do send my good wishes to your sister.

Cole: Thank you, I will do that.

He smiles again, then lifts her hand to his mouth and kisses it. He walks away, greeting another woman in the same fashion, but Julia hardly notices as she backs into the nearby wall for support, lifting her kissed hand to her chin and dreamily gazing into the crowd.

Coming up in Episode 77:

Grace seeks Carey's advice on men

Cole is being followed by a mystery person

John Henry comes across a much better gift when his present for Elizabeth's birthday fails to arrive on time

Continue to Episode 77

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Note: This poem was actually written by Emily Dickinson. Back.

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