Episode 83
Episode 83: Late March 1877
Scene 4 written by Padeena
Scene 1: Outside a New York hotel, afternoon. Eugénie and Lise Anne have just emerged from a coach, while Antoine and Marcelle are already waiting for them.
Eugénie: To Lise Anne. Dear, you go ahead inside with Marcelle. I have something to attend to.
Lise Anne and Marcelle walk inside, and Eugénie turns to Antoine, who is helping the driver and the porter with their things.
Eugénie: I have not had the opportunity to speak with you since the incident with
Hélène. I would not be so foolish as to insist you not turn your eye to the ladies, that
it in your nature as a man, but I must insist complete propriety among my female
help. Do you understand?
Antoine: I believe so, Madame.
Eugénie: Good. Because I am also reponsible for preserving the innocence of Lise Anne until we reach her aunt. It is shameful that she had to see Hélène in that way.
Antoine: I agree, Madame. I do... apologize.
Eugénie: Then we will speak of it no more. She looks up to the driver, who is about to pass a bag down to Antoine. Be careful with that one.
The woman turns and walks into the hotel. The driver gingerly hands the bag down to Antoine, who grabs it and carelessly tosses it on the ground beside the other baggage. He looks up as Lise Anne exits the hotel again.
Antoine: Mademoiselle?
Lise Anne: I left something in the coach. My book.
Antoine turns and opens the door, leans in, and retrieves the small book from the back of one of the seats before handing it to Lise Anne. She nods and begins walking back inside. Antoine turns his back on her, but quickly turns around again when he hears her scream. A man tries to yank her handbag from her hands, but she is not letting go. Several porters are already running to her aid, and the thief gives her a final push before running off down the street. Lise Anne falls hard to the ground, but the porters leave her to chase her attacker. Antoine rushes to her side and helps her to her feet, but she is unsteady and requires his arm to stay up.
Antoine: Are you all right, Mademoiselle?
Lise Anne: I... I think, yes. Shaken. Oh! She looks about frantically. Did he take my book?
Antoine: Your book? He wanted your handbag, Mademoiselle. The porters are chasing him.
Lise Anne: But my book. It was a gift from my father. The last thing he personally gave me.
Antoine looks about on the ground and spots a small, leather corner peaking out from below Lise Anne's skirt. He bends down, holding up one are for her to hold on to, and retrieves it.
Antoine: Your book. Safe.
Lise Anne smiles and takes it, but her breathing has not slowed. He eyes begin to droop, as does her head, and she soon faints completely into Antoine's arms.
Scene 2: Belleterre, morning, several days later. Scotty sits at a table facing the door, studying a
map. The door opens and he looks up to see Johnny enter. Johnny appears disappointed to see him, but
generally nervous and anxious as well.
Scotty: Stares at Johnny for a moment. You look constipated.
Johnny: Good morning to you, too, Gilbert.
Scotty: Touché. You're looking for Alicia, aren't you?
Johnny: Yes, have you seen her?
Scotty: I have.
Johnny: Waits briefly for an answer. Your evasiveness is not amusing.
Scotty: She walked those two little urchins to school. What's wrong?
Johnny: Wrong? Nothing.
Scotty: Oh, don't bother trying. What's wrong?
Johnny: I kissed her, and she seemed to... welcome it... at first, but then she pushed me away and ran inside.
Scotty: Scoffs. That is your big worry?
Johnny: Yes, what of it?
Scotty: My boy, women do that all the time, especially those who relatively inexperienced in the ways of love. Men, it seems, can't express their feelings verbally, so women are surprised when they suddenly make advances such as yours even if they are attracted to you. It's why it takes us so long to come together.
Johnny: Pauses. That's one of the stupidest things I've ever heard.
Scotty: It's a wonderful excuse, though, isn't it? I don't know why women do the things they do! It's their biggest secret. Forget about it and keep trying. She does like you.
Johnny: Do you think?
Scotty: Which one of us wakes up in the arms of the same curvaceous female every morning?
Scene 4: Phoenix, afternoon, several days later. Nick and Gustavo, appearing somewhat defeated, are approaching a saloon. A sign on the door reads "Bartender Wanted. Only Women Need Apply."
The two men look curiously at the sign before entering and taking seats at the bar. The bartender sets two glasses of beer in front of them.
Nick: It was supposed to be easy once we got to Phoenix.
Gustavo: It is almost as if everyone we ask is hiding something from us.
Nick: I have the same impression.
Gustavo: I want to forget about it. I travelled so far up north looking for her, and now here I am not too far from where I started and I have found nothing.
Bartender: Your wife run off on y', buddy? Damn shame.
Gustavo: No, she is my cousin. My only family. He methodically pulls the two pictures from his pocket. Seen this woman or this man?
Bartender: Quite honest. Sorry.
Gustavo: Dismisses the apology with his hand. Say, why that sign outside? Only women to apply?
Bartender: Long story, that. Notice how there ain't many people in here? The competition in Santa Maria is killing business here.
Gustavo: What is in Santa Maria?
Bartender: So you're new in town. Beautiful woman moved there not a year ago. Opened a bar. She's mysterious, aluring. Runs her bar with an iron fist. Threatens to shoot anyone who gets outta hand, and she's done. Never kills them, though. Folks go as much to see her as they do to drink in a nice, respectable place. So I've been lookin' for woman like her, try to get some of my customers back.
Nick: What's this woman's name?
Bartender: They call her MacKenzie, but I think it's her family name.
Gustavo: Quickly pulls out the picture again. Are you sure this isn't her?
Bartender: Wouldn't know. I've never been out there myself. I can tell you one thing. Folks like her place so much, they look out for her. They probably wouldn't say if they knew someone was lookin' for her.
Gustavo: Turns to Nick. Do you suppose?
Nick: It has to be.
Scene 4: Belleterre, late evening. A maid has just cleared the dinner dishes from Alicia's room, and Alicia moves to a chair by her window.
Alicia stares out at the near-full moon, just risen above the mountain. Her eyes sparkling with excitement and confusion, Alicia puts her hand to her lips and momentarily pictures the image of Johnny's face moving closer to hers, slightly swooning when her eyes close just as their lips touch. She is distracted from her thoughts by a light knock on her door, followed by Carey's head peaking around the opening.
Carey: Has your headache subsided? You have been ill for dinner for some time now.
Alicia: Yes, thank you. I was just thinking of going to bed early.
Carey: Then I won't stay long. So many things have been going on since you arrived, that we really haven't had a chance to get to know each other. I'm getting ready to go abroad and need to go to town tomorrow to pick up a few things I've ordered. Would you like to accompany me?
Alicia: Oui, that would be very nice.
Cut to: Liberty Creek, the next morning. Carey and Alicia have just entered the general store.
Mr. Howell: Good morning, my lady.
Carey: You needn't follow the formalities, Mr. Howell. Have you met my... oh, you're not my cousin, are you? Well, you very nearly are. Have you met Mademoiselle de Gironde?
Mr. Howell: I have not had the pleasure, miss. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mamwa... Madzel... Miss Gironde.
Alicia: And you, Monsieur 'owell.
Mr. Howell: Your order arrived just this morning, Miss Marshall. If you'll wait, I'll fetch it.
Carey: Thank you, Mr. Howell. The owner disappears into the back room and Carey turns to Alicia. I'm glad you're enjoying your stay here, at least you seem to be. I know your presence has been a joy to Aunt Elizabeth. But if you don't mind my asking, you've seemed a little distracted these past few days. Is something amiss?
Alicia puts aside the she'd been examing with curiosity and looks shyly at Carey.
Alicia: No, not really. I was just thinking of a incident that occurred some days ago with Monsieur Pritchett. I have heard you are close to him, and I fear I may have behaved badly with him in a way that he would think me a wanton.
Carey: Really? This is interesting. He would have mentioned anything he found out of sorts. What happened?
Alicia: Well, Monsieur Pritchett and I were playing a game with Hildy and just as the game ended, I am afraid I behaved most improperly by allowing him to kiss me. I should have pulled away when he first pressed his lips to mine, but it felt so nice that I could not think clearly right away. Now, I am afraid he will think me no better than an easy woman or how we call in France a "coquette."
Mr. Howell returns from the back room, laden with Carey's packages. She takes the opportunity to turn from Alicia and smile broadly. After paying Mr. Howell, Carey and Alicia carry the packages outside and leave them in their carriage.
Carey: Let's go for a walk before returning. They turn and begin walking together. So, Johnny kissed
you and you did pull away from him, but not at first. Alicia nods. How do you feel about Johnny?
Alicia: Flushes. I think Monsieur Pritchett is very handsome and very nice. I think I could have affection for him. But that still does not excuse my actions.
Carey: My, Dear Alicia, I hardly think Johnny will think wrongly of you for returning his kiss. Though, it was wrong of him to take advantage the way he did, no harm has been done. Indeed, he would be quite upset to hear you think of yourself as such. I have known Johnny my entire life and believe me when I tell you he does not express his affections lightly. He made the advance, and he would have a few words from me if he had the nerve to think you wanton for accepting it, even as briefly as you did. He is a kind-hearted man, and you would have to do a great deal to cause him to think ill of you.
The two women notice a galloping horse in the distance and stop as it approaches them. The rider speeds by, throwing dust in his wake and sending the two women into fits of coughing. He continues a short distance further, but stops his horse and rides up to them. The horse is impatient, periodically throwing its head back and occasionally turning full circle. Alicia and Carey look down to brush the dust off their clothes and the rider loudly clears his throat until they turn their attentions to him. He catches Alicia's eye first, and his instantly struck speechless, though only for a moment.
Rider: I'm looking for Wesley Knowlton
Alicia: Blinks in surprise, but gives a polite smile. I am sorry, Monsieur, but I do not know the person you are inquiring about.
Rider: He has been living in the area for months. He is a very wealthy man.
Alicia: Shakes her head. I have only just arrived myself a month ago and have not made everyone's aquaintance as yet. Perhaps someone at the stable could help you? Oui?
Rider: Sarcastic. Beautiful, a Frenchie!
Carey: Sir, my friend has been nothing but polite in responding to your surly tone. That was rude and uncalled for. I must demand you apologize.
Rider: I don't take demands from women, lady. Do you know where Wesley Knowlton is?
Carey: I do, but I have no desire to share that information with you. Good day.
Carey offers her arm to Alicia, who takes it before the two walk back to their carriage.
Scene 5: Belleterre, a short time later. Julia is sitting on the floor beside her bed, having just slid a pile of clothes out from under it.
Julia takes a few deep breaths, then reaches up and pulls a pillow off her bed. She
slowly pulls the pillow out of the case and puts it back on the bed. Holding the case open
with one hand, she begins taking the clothes and shoving them into it one by one until
only a pair of white underdrawers remain. She picks them and holds them in her lap for a
moment, staring at them while keeping very still. Then, her hands shaking, she turns
them over to reveal a dried blood stain. Her breathing becomes more rapid and a few
tears run down her cheeks before she lets out a groan and stiffly packs the garment into a
tight ball and shoves it deeply into the pillow case. Julia slowly stands, then looks about
the room. A large leather pack catches her eye, and she shoves the bulging pillowcase
into the pack and fastens the dual buckles. After putting on her coat, she slings the pack
over her shoulders and leaves the room, but meets Grace in the hall a short time later.
Grace: Julia? Where are you going?
Julia: Softly. For a walk.
Grace: What do you have in the bag?
Julia: Um... Fear glazes over her eyes, but she tries to hide it... just some books, some things to write with.
Grace: Looks at her curiously. Is everything all right?
Julia: Of course. Why wouldn't it be?
Without another word or a second glance, Julia walks past her sister and continues toward the stairs.
Grace: Jul, if you see Steven on your walk, tell him I'll be waiting downstairs in the music room. I sent for him to come. I'm going to apologize.
Julia: That's good. I'll tell him.
Cut to: The woods nearby, twenty minutes later. Julia kneels on the ground, the pillowcase discarded beside her and the clothing strewn around a shallow hole. Julia continues to dig deeper with a small shovel, a garden trowel. She does not notice when Steven approaches on the nearby path, and pauses when he hears the shovelling and Julia's desperate, throaty groans. He pushes his ways through the brush and finds her. She collapses in a sobbing heap when she sees him.
Steven: Rushes to her side. Dear God, Julia, what's wrong?
Julia: Go away. Leave me.
Steven: I can't. You're hurt, or... something.
He looks around at the clothes, then spots the soiled drawers. He gingerly picks them up, then looks from the stain to Julia's tragic expression.
Steven: Someone hurt you? A man hurt you?
Julia's sobbing becomes more hysterical, but she waits before responding with a stiff but fervent nod of her head.
Julia: He... it wasn't... I started it. All I wanted was a kiss. I think he was dreaming. Then he started... I didn't try to stop him. It was my fault. I don't think I wanted to stop him until it was too late.
Steven: Who?
Julia: Violently shakes her head. No.
Steven: Who was it?
Julia: No, I won't tell.
Julia begins to sob uncontrollably again. Steven moves to wrap his arms around her, but hesitates several times. It is Julia who collapses into his chest, sobbing into his shirt. He holds her tightly, rocking slightly and trying to hush her. Neither notice when Grace approaches on the path, hearing the noise and walking through the brush just as Steven did. Julia's sobbing has quieted, and all Grace can see of her is the top of her head over Steven's shoulder and her old clothes lying about the ground. Her face falls and she turns and runs away. Julia sniffs several times, then takes a few deep breaths.
Steven: When did this happen?
Julia: A week and a half ago. I thought... I thought I was beginning to come to terms with it. I wasn't forced or violated, I just felt... guilty. And ashamed of myself.
Steven: I... I can't say I know how you are feeling, but I am your friend and I will help you. In time, it will get better.
Julia: No! No, it won't. You don't understand now, there's more. I don't know, no one ever really talked to me about it.
Steven: About what?
Julia: About... oh, God. I don't know how to... You're in medical school. You've grown up with medicine... how would I know if... if I were...
Steven: Oh, God. Pregnant? Not pregnant?
Julia: Nearly screams. I don't know.
Steven: Have... Have you had your... He takes a deep breath, blushing slightly... A woman can usually tell she is with child if she misses her monthly cycle.
Julia: Quietly. Oh, God, please no.
Steven: When...
Julia: I think it should have come five days ago.
Steven: It could still come. You have been under a great deal of stress, obvisously. Don't give up hope too soon.
Julia: But what if I am? What do I tell my family, my mother? My brothers... Nick will want to kill him when it wasn't his fault. This will kill my mother.
Steven: Pauses briefly. Don't worry. If you are... If you are, I will help you. No one will have to know what happened.
Nick and Gustavo find Stuart, but she reveals
that Gustavo has not been telling Nick the whole truth Antoine begins to feel guilty when Lise Anne finds him in a rage Will Julia's conscience allow her to do what
Steven suggests?
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