Episode 79
Episode 78: Valentine's Day 1877
Scene 1 written by Heather
Scene 3 written by Padeena
Scene 1: Liberty Creek, Madison’s cabin, late afternoon. Cole is sitting on a trunk intently watching Isabella, who is sitting up in the small bed and lightly dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.
Cole: You passed out yesterday. I was going to call for the doctor, but I didn't know what to make of your... appearance. I mean, your showing up here. I thought you might be in some sort of trouble, or... I didn't know what to think. Bella...
He trails off, searching for the words. She looks up at him and their eyes meet. They stare into each other’s eyes for a moment, and then Cole stands and walks across the room. She picks a small mirror up from her lap and looks into it.
Isabella: It is my face, isn’t it? That is what is troubling you.
Cole: No, it’s just that... Five years, Bella. For five years I have believed you to be dead, and now you come out of nowhere. I am sorry to sound less that happy about our reunion, but if you were still alive, why did you not come after me?
Isabella: I wanted to, Cole... Believe me, I did. But... you saw the fire! It was meant to kill me, you know. That awful Mr. Branaum wanted revenge for you leaving his “firm.”
Cole: So he went after the one thing I cared about the most. Damn it.... I should have seen it coming!
Isabella: Aye, mi amore, but you did not. And when the fire did not kill me, I had no choice but to go into hiding for fear he would go after you next if he knew I were alive.
Cole: He crosses the room and kneels before her, gingerly running his fingers over her scars. You have taken a great risk just by coming here, Bella. I know Branaum is still very active in the business, and he would not hesitate to come after us both if he knew that not only are you alive, but you have also been in contact with me.
Isabella: I have come here on an important matter--
Cole: He cuts her off. Nothing is more important to me than your safety! I love you, Isabella... She reaches up to touch her scars, but he stops her from doing so, taking her hand in his... despite what you may think. When I look at you now, I still see the radiant beauty I fell in love with all those years ago.
Isabella: She smiles faintly. You are still as charming as you ever were, Cole.
Cole: He kisses her, then whispers in her ear. And you married me because of my charm?
Isabella: She playfully shoves him, her smile now a schoolgirl grin. Among other things...
Cole: Oh?
Cole kisses her again, and for a moment, they are locked in a passionate embrace. Isabella pulls away reluctantly, leaving Cole baffled by her actions.
Isabella: There is something I must tell you, Cole.
Cole: What is it?
Isabella: I would not have come here if I did not have a reason to do so. She takes a deep breath and slowly exhales. I am here on behalf of our son.
Cole: Our— Our son?
Isabella: Happy Valentine's Day. She looks at Cole, but he is still unresponsive. Cole... Please do not be angry with me.
Cole sinks back on his heels, utterly shocked.
Scene 2: A sitting room at Belleterre. John Henry sits on one sofa with Elizabeth and Will and Marietta sit on another.
Will: I don't like the look of you, Dad. What's wrong?
John Henry: I didn't know whether to tell you together or separately... I have received bad news. Two telegrams, both from France.
Elizabeth tenses, but sits quietly in stoic fear. Marietta's eyes become teary and worried, and she takes Will's hand and squeezes it in her lap. John Henry takes a deep breath.
John Henry: Looks to Marietta. Honey, your father suffered a heart attack several days ago, at home in Marseilles. He didn't make it.
Marietta's face crumples and she stares straight ahead. Will pulls her to his side and whispers a few words into her ear, but then looks back at his father waiting for the second blow. Elizabeth has started crying and appears torn between comforting Marietta and waiting for the bad news destined for her. John Henry turns to face her and takes both her hands in his own.
John Henry: Samuel was on a diplomatic mission in Algeria. He was kidnapped two weeks ago, but Paris was not notified until several days ago... he was killed.
Tears fall freely from Elizabeth's eyes as she mumbles a prayer in French, but she remains in her same stoic posture, not reacting as John Henry takes her into his arms.
Scene 3: The courtyard at Belleterre, twilight. Alicia has just emerged from the house.
Alicia walks among the winter garden blooms and watches her breath in the cold air. She is dressed in a black wool dress, and hugs a large black shawl around her shoulders. Her dark, golden-brown hair is piled atop her head in a modest coiffure, with only wisps surrounding her porcelain face. Finding an empty arbor, she sits on a bench just inside and leans her head back and closes her eyes. A twig snaps and she jumps up from her seat. Johnny comes into view and he notices her at the same time.
Johnny: Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. In fact, I shall stay right where I am. Are you a friend of the Marshalls?
Alicia: Oui, Monsieur. Actually, I am Elizabeth Marshall's niece.
Johnny: Nods, remembering. You must be Madame Juliette's daughter.
Alicia: Smiles briefly. Oui. I am Alicia Celeste.
Johnny: Bows. Then allow me to introduce yourself. John Marsh Pritchett, but most call me Johnny. I am a friend of Carey and Scotty. They have been rather occupied with each other since I arrived so I decided to take a tour about this beautiful country. I have only just returned.
Alicia: It is a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Pritchett.
Johnny: The pleasure is mine, Mademoiselle. And allow me to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.
Alicia: It is not so happy a day, Monsieur.
Johnny: Pauses, then gasps slightly. How thoughtless of me! You clearly are in mourning. What has happened in my absence?
Alicia: We only received word today. My Uncle Samuel, my aunt's brother, has been killed in Africa. Also Marietta's father has died at home in France.
Johnny: It is indeed a mournful day. Please accept my deepest condolences on the death of your uncle.
Alicia: Merci. I only wish I could have known him. My aunt is deeply grieved, as is Marietta.
Johnny: Understandably. He notices Alicia shiver. You are cold. Please, let allow me to escort you inside.
Alicia: Hesitates, then places her hand shakily on Johnny's proffered arm. It is cold. Merci, Monsieur.
Johnny looks down at the dainty hand barely touching his sleeve and gives Alicia a comforting smile before leading her through the nearest door.
Cut to: A downstairs hallway, a short time later. Johnny has just left Alicia in a small sitting room and is heading upstairs.
Scotty: Welcome back, my friend.
Johnny turns to see Scotty emerge from around a hallway. He descends the stairs again and greets his friend with a hand shake.
Johnny: I'm surprised you are not otherwise amused.
Scotty: Now, now. Carey is with her family now. He pats his black arm band. Do you know?
Johnny: Yes. I have just had the pleasure of meeting Mademoiselle de Gironde.
Scotty: Smiles devilishly. Aye, it appears to have been quite a pleasure for you.
Johnny: None of that today of all days... she is the most stunning creature I've ever set eyes upon, though.
Scotty: A-ha! I knew it. I'm glad you like her. Carey has done all but plan your marriage since she arrived.
Scene 4: Tess and Nick's house, evening. Nick and Tess sit in the drawing room together with Andrew. Tess wears a plain black dress and Nick a black arm band.
Tess: Mari isn't doing well at all. She won't leave her bedroom and she won't see anyone.
Nick: I can hardly believe it. Two on the same day... Maman seems to be taking it well, though.
Tess: Will thinks your father might be able to get through to Mari, but he's got your mother to worry about, of course. I'm worried about her.
Nick: Give her time. You know how she must feel.
Tess: Yes... all too well. I'll try to see her again tomorrow. She looks to Andrew. I'm glad they aren't able to comprehend things like this. Little Annie just thinks her mother is sick. Andrew is completely oblivious. Sometimes I wish we were all that innocent.
Gustavo: Appears at the door. Am I interrupting?
Nick: No, of course not. Come in and sit down. We were discussing the innocence of children when it comes to family tragedies. Have you any children, Señor?
Gustavo: A son, Miguel. He is fourteen. My three daughters, they died of fever four years ago.
Nick: I'm sorry, I didn't know.
Gustavo: You must not apologize. My son Miguel was ten at the time... unfortunately too old to be unaffected by the tragedy.
Tess: I can't begin to imagine how hard that would be for you and your wife.
Gustavo: It was... it was. He pauses for a long while. All right. I had planned to stay here for a time before I addressed this subject, but you people seem so very trustworthy and I did not realize how much I would miss my wife and son. I have come in search of a cousin... a distance cousin, and my only other family. I understand he used to work for you. I am looking for Stuart MacKenzie.
Nick and Tess look to each other, than back at Gustavo, surprised.
Nick: Señor Alvarado, I'm afraid I cannot let you stay here if you plan to lie to us.
Gustavo: Lie? I am not lying, I assure you.
Nick: Really? I would think if someone were looking for a family member, one would know that person's real name. So unless you have an explanation, I suggest you leave.
Gustavo: I do have an explanation, sir, but... I do not know how much Stuart told you, and if I were to explain I might reveal things, things Stuart does not want revealed.
Nick: Unfortunately that is my dilemma as well. I can only tell you that Stuart told us everything there was to know about... about him.
Gustavo: I see... then, you are you also acquainted with Mary MacKenzie.
Nick: We are.
Gustavo: I may as well say it. You know Stuart MacKenzie as a woman?
Nick: We do. Don't worry. I understand your reluctance to reveal that.
Gustavo: Hopeful. Do you know where she is?
Nick: No. She disappeared some months ago.
Scene 5: The library at Belleterre, a short time later. Julia sits reading on a sofa on the balcony, hidden from below.
Steven and Grace enter, arm-in arm, and stand by the piano just below the balcony. Julia watches them through the rails, unnoticed.
Steven: Please accept my condolences on the deaths in your family.
Grace: Thank you. I must admit, I feel a little guilty. My mother is grief-stricken and I cannot muster the same reaction. I never met Uncle Samuel or Monsieur Arneau.
Steven: I understand. Does that mean you would not be offended if I ventured to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day?
Grace: Of course I'm not offended. Happy Valentine's Day to you, too.
Steven: I have a gift for you.
Grace beams and clasps her hands together as Steven reaches into his pocket and pulls out small, square package wrapped in simple white paper and a red ribbon. Grace takes it from him, saves the ribbon, then wrips off the paper with glee.
Grace: Jane Eyre! It's one of my favorites. Libbie borrowed our only copy a year ago and never returned it.
Steven: There's an inscription.
Grace smiles and opens the cover. It reads, "To Grace, With much love, S.G.H. St. Valentine's Day, 1877." Grace closes the cover and gazes up at Steven, who blushes and appears unsure of himself.
Grace: Thank you, Steven.
Steven's expression is unchanged. Grace smiles, stands on her toes, and kisses him on the cheek.
Grace: Thank you.
Steven: Would you like to go to the conservatory? I could read to you.
Grace: I would like that very much.
Julia watches mournfully as the two leave the room. When the door closes behind them, she sits up in her seat, lets out a sigh, and pouts. Sniffles follow, then a tear. Then Carey steps out from behind the curtain that hides the window seat.
Julia: Carey! I didn't know you were there.
Carey: I was sleeping until Grace and Steven came in. Then I was watching you.
Julia: Groans and hides her head in her hands. Oh, no.
Carey: You're jealous.
Julia: Looks up sharply. I'm not!
Carey: There is no need to deny it, Julia. It's perfectly understandable. You've just come to recognize the opposite sex and your younger sister is getting all the attention... am I right?
Julia pauses for a moment, then nods. Carey sits on the sofa and puts an arm around her.
Carey: But Steven is in love with Grace, I'm sure of that. There's no sense in pining after him. Julia sighs and rolls her eyes. Julia, there will be plenty of time. You have only met a few young men to whom you are not related in your entire life. Once you get out in the world and meet more people, you will be able to judge how you feel about each one more accurately. Julia appears confused. I know, I don't know what I'm saying either. Just take it from someone who didn't know the love of her life was sitting right under her nose until after she'd spent years mixing with men in London seasons.
Julia: Johnny Pritchett?
Carey: Laughs. No, Scotty! I thought everyone knew, even though we were trying to keep it quiet. Please don't say anything.
Julia: I won't.
Carey: I have to go, but promise me you will think about what I said.
Julia: I promise.
Carey smiles and kisses her cousin on the cheek before descending the stairs and leaving Julia alone in the library. Julia sinks further into the sofa.
Julia: I'll think about it, but I'll still be alone.
-Elizabeth and Marietta receive news that
helps brighten their spirits -Grace and Steven quarrel, and Julia gets her
chance -It may be too late for Cole to know his
son
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