Episode 84
Episode 84: Mid-April 1877
Scene 1 written by Padeena
Scene 1: The woods near Belleterre, early morning. Alicia is riding at a brisk pace. She has just come across the same man she and Carey had met a few days earlier in town. His horse is standing still, and he is gazing up into the sky.
The man hears a horse approaching, and turns to look. Alicia slows her horse.
Alicia: Inclines her head in Greeting. Good Morning, Monsieur.
The young man just looks at her and barely nods. The sunlight framing her figure takes him aback, but his expression appears to reveal irritation.
Alicia: Did you find the gentleman you were looking for?
Man: I did, no thanks to you and your friend. She does not accompany you today?
Alicia: I ride alone in the mornings. You think ill of her. You must not. After all, you were quite rude. But I am sure you were weary from traveling and looking for your friend.
Man: He is not my friend. Hesitates briefly, then continues, blunt and curt. He is my father.
Alicia: I see. Then you must be a Mr. Knowlton, as well. Urges her horse closer, holds her hand out in a gesture of friendship. Well, we have not really been introduced, have we? I am Mademoiselle Alicia Celeste de Gironde. I have just recently come from France to visit my aunt. And, you are?
Alicia's polite and cheerful demeanor amuses the man, and he begins to chuckle until the tender sparkle in her eye renders him silent. He begins to shakes her hand, but then clasps just her fingers in his own as he lifts it to his lips. He inhales deeply.
Man: Is that wisteria I smell?
Alicia: Yes, I add wisteria-scented perfume in my wash water.
Man: Smiles briefly, then hides it. I am a Mr. Knowlton, Alexander Knowlton. And I must apologize for my behavior up until now. It was uncalled for and I hope you do not judge me on that alone.
Alicia: I am not one to judge on first impressions. Worry not, all is forgiven.
Both break the gaze, only to look down and realize their hands are still joined. Alicia's cheeks flush. Alex clears his throat and releases her hand.
Alicia: It was a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Knowlton, but I am afraid you must excuse me. I must return home for breakfast.
Alex: By all means. I do not mean to keep you. I hope we meet again.
Cut to: The library at Belleterre, early that afternoon. Johnny sits in the sunlight on the window seat in the upper level of the room. He holds a book in his hand, but he has dozed off. Alicia enters the room and Johnny is startled awake, sitting up straight and causing his book to fall to the floor. Alicia jumps with a start and looks up at him.
Alicia: Oh! Goodness, Monsieur, I did not mean to disturb you. I will go and return later.
Johnny: Jumps up from his seat and leans over the balcony rail. No! I mean, please stay. You are not disturbing me. The warmth of the sun and the quiet room just lulled me to sleep. You are not disturbing me. Would you like to join me? I was reading... He quickly looks about for the book, picks it up from the floor, and reads the title on the spine... Tom Sawyer, written last year by an American fellow.
Alicia: Well, if you are sure? I just came to collect my needlepoint... I think I left it in here yesterday when I was talking with Uncle John.
Johnny: Wonderful! Would you mind if I read aloud to you?
Alicia: Begins to ascend the stairs. Of course I would not mind. That would be lovely.
Johnny: We have not had a chance to talk since... well, since we played with Hildy in the garden. Have things been going well with you.
Alicia: Oh, yes. I have been helping Aunt Elizabeth prepare for the arrival of Marietta's mother and Uncle Samuel's daughter. I have gone to town with Carey, and have been becoming more familiar with my surroundings.
Johnny: I am glad. He meets her as she reaches the top of the stairs. Mademoiselle, I owe you an apology for my behavior that day in the garden. I should not have taken such liberties, especially not without your permission. I am sorry.
Alicia: There is no need to apologize, Monsieur, for I was just as at fault as yourself.
Johnny looks up, having been staring down at his book. Their eyes meet again, and a sudden fire ignites in both of them. They are drawn closer, and meet in each others arms as Johnny kisses Alicia once again.
Scene 2: A train stopped at a station in the Appalacian Mountains, the next day. Antoine is sitting alone in his small birth in Eugénie Arneau's private train car, peaking through the curtains at Eugenie, Lise Anne, and Marcelle, who stand on the platform outside.
Antoine turns away from the window and slumps back into his seat, revealing a framed photograph in his hand.
Antoine: Damn you, Mother, you manipulative bitch. I was willing to leave it alone and forget, but you would not, would you? And you knew I could not ignore my dying mother's last request. You—
Antoine clenches his fists and drops the picture on the seat beside him as he stands up.
Antoine: Slams his fist against the wall. Damnit!
Antoine repeats the pattern, slamming his fist on the wall and cursing, many times. He does not hear the knock on his door, and does not notice at first when Lise Anne enters the room, somewhat fearful. Antoine looks up at her, his face still contorted in rage, and she shrinks out the door.
Lise Anne: Whispers, choked, as she begins to walk away. I... I am sorry to disturb you.
Antoine pauses briefly, but does not look up or turn from the wall when he speaks.
Antoine: Wait... please. Lise Anne returns to the doorway, but does not look up. I am sorry. No one was meant to see... that. You do not know this, but I lost my own mother recently. I am afraid I do not face grief as bravely as you or Madame Arneau.
Lise Anne: I am sorry, for your loss and for disturbing you. She begins to walk away again.
Antoine: Wait. Lise Anne again returns to the door. Did you want something?
Lise Anne: I wanted to go into the town and look around before the train leaves again, but Aunt Eugénie said it was not enough that Marcelle accompany me. But it is all right. I do not need to go.
Antoine: No, do not stay here on my account. When does the train leave?
Lise Anne: In a half hour.
Antoine: Then if you will accept my accompaniment, I will meet you outside our car shortly.
Lise Anne: Hesitates, then nods. All right.
Scene 3: Libbie and Philip's house, mid-day. Libbie and Philip are seated at lunch with Lydia and the children.
Philip: Will you and Christopher be meeting up with Nick on your trip, Lydie?
Lydia: I doubt that. He's in Phoenix and I don't think we'll travel near there. We'll be on the other side of the Rocky Mountains, in Texas near the border with Mexico.
Philip: What's down there?
Libbie: Mining. Daddy's thinking of investing.
Lydia: And Christopher is considering a venture of his own in Mexico.
Christopher: An untapped market, I think.
Christopher enters the room, kissing Lydia and eleven month-old Livie before taking his seat.
Lydia: Why were you gone so long?
Christopher: I popped over to look in on Tess for Nicky. She and Andrew are just fine, but I also got a look at that... hotel structure. It's completely enclosed now.
Philip: I would trust that entire venture more if we knew who was funding it.
Lydia: I only hope it does not bring a disrespectable crowd.
Libbie: That Mr. Knowlton fellow has assured only the most successful people will visit.
Lydia: Respectability is not synonymous with success. You have been away from Society for much too long, Libbie.
Libbie: Well... perhaps for not much longer.
Christopher: What do you mean? He turns to Philip. You're not moving my sister away, are you?
Libbie: Really, Christopher. It is not as if he would be forcing me. And it's not for sure yet. We were going to discuss it with you. The two of you.
Philip: You and Lydie have pretty much settled in here. Libbie and I have discussed it, and we'd like to live in England for a while. Your father needs another representative there, and mine needs help.
Lydia: You want to sell this place?
Philip: No! That's the thing. You and Christopher have made your home here. We want you to take it on for us.
Christopher: I know nothing about running a sheep ranch.
Philip: And you think I do? No, no, that's what the foreman is for. But you still need someone to make sure he isn't making a mess of things.
Christopher: But we travel a lot. We couldn't do it.
Philip: I travel, too.
Christopher: Well... I guess we can't say no, but...
Lydia: Christopher wants to say that he has gotten used to you and would miss you when you were gone.
Christopher: And my nephews.
Libbie: You'll have another soon enough.
Christopher: Who's pregnant?
Libbie: What? Oh, no one as far as I know. We had a message run over from Belleterre while you were gone. Family news from the morning mail. She looks to Christopher, waiting for a response that doesn't come. Olivia is coming home. For good.
Christopher: Well, then! I'll hardly notice you gone with my favorite sister back. That's wonderful news.
Libbie: Dips her fingers in her water and flicks drops in Christopher's face. You're a cad, Chrissy. I love you, too. Olivia won't be here for another six weeks, and Philip and I certainly won't move until after then.
Christopher: I should hope not. You'll be part of the delegation that makes sure Joe knows his responsibilities and how to keep them.
Scene 4: Belleterre, a short time later. Steven has just met Julia in the inner courtyard.
Steven: Have you decided yet?
Julia: I think so, but I am not sure you have fully considered the implications it will have
for you.
Steven: I have, and I'm willing to accept them. Are you?
Julia: Yes, but... have you considered where we will go to do it?
Steven: Is there something wrong with here, Liberty Creek?
Julia: There are only two people here who could help us and neither of them would do it without telling my family first.
Steven: Well... we'll go to Boise then. Will your parents let me accompany you?
Julia: Most likely, but I have no reason to go, or... yes, there is. I have been wanting to do it ever since... can we go tomorrow, do you think?
Steven: If they permit it, yes. What are you going to tell them?
Julia: I will explain it later. Wait here while I see my mother.
Julia rushes inside and walks quickly through the halls to her mother's sitting room.
Elizabeth: Julia, ma chèrie, come sit with me.
Julia slowly walks across the room and sits with her mother on the settee by the fire. Elizabeth sets her embroidery aside and pulls her daughter close to her.
Elizabeth: I believe I can say I am happy today, Julia.
Julia: Why is that, Maman?
Elizabeth: Even though Samuel is gone, I am very happy because finally all those who are dear to me will be together in one place. Your cousin is coming, and my dearest friend. And Olivia is coming home, and all of your brothers and sisters will be here to welcome her.
Julia: I am glad you are happy, Maman. And I... I think I have something that might add to your happiness.
Elizabeth: What is it, chèrie?
Julia: I want to... I want to go to Boise, Maman.
Elizabeth: Laughs. How does this add to my happiness?
Julia: I want to attend Mass... and Confession.
Elizabeth: What has brought you to this decision?
Julia: I have been considering it for a long time, and I know I was baptized in the Church of England but I never had my Confirmation. Your beliefs have been much more of an influence on my life than Papa's, and I think that is what I want. I do not think Papa will be angry.
Elizabeth: He will be glad you have the religious conviction to make the decision. I am so proud of you at this moment, Julia. Julia closes her eyes and sighs. Yes, it can be scary. I will come with you.
Julia: No! She watches her mother's face fall. I'm sorry, that was not quite right. What I mean to say is I feel it is something I must to alone.
Elizabeth: Ah, that is something I can understand, but you cannot go to Boise alone.
Julia: Steven and I have become good friends now, and he has said he will accompany me.
Elizabeth: That would not be prudent, chèrie. What would people say?
Julia: I have never quite agreed with Grace when she said this, but there is something to her claim that there is no one here to impress. Oh, Maman, may I go?
Elizabeth: Hesitates and sighs. Oh, I suppose. But you must speak with your father first and get his permission.
Julia: Turns and looks her mother straight in the eyes, pleading. Won't you do it? Please?
Elizabeth: Whatever for?
Julia: I'm... afraid to. I'm afraid to hurt him.
Elizabeth: Ma chèrie, your father has fully supported my religious choice. Yes, I did have a choice between Anglicanism and Catholicism, as well. My mother was English and I could have converted when I married, but I chose not to. He will support your decision, as well. She looks into Julia's fearful eyes. But I suppose if you really want me to, I will approach him with the subject for you.
Scene 5: Santa Maria, Arizona, late afternoon. Nick and Gustavo have just entered a crowded saloon after milling at the door waiting for a seat to clear up at the bar. Stuart, in a peasant's blouse and long-skirt, stands with her back to the room.
The two men approach and Nick takes the stool. Gustavo stands behind him, his back to the bar.
Nick: Gruff, rude. Gimme a drink, mister.
Stuart: Does not turn around. This is a respectable establishment, sir, and until you treat its owner with respect I will not regard you. You are free to find another establishment.
Nick: Look, mister, I've been away from my wife and baby for a long time searching for a friend of mine. I just want a drink.
Stuart: Then ask for one, don't demand, and I think it is quite clear I am no mister.
Nick: Leans forward, whispers. Coulda fooled me when we first met, Stuart. May I please have a drink?
Stuart slowly turns around, smiling meekly. She pulls up her own stool and sits across from him, then proceeds to draw him a drink.
Stuart: Boy or girl?
Nick: What?
Stuart: You said you'd been away from your wife and baby for a long time. Did Tess have a boy or a girl?
Nick: A boy, Andrew Christopher Marshall. Healthy and happy. We're all healthy and happy. And last word from Olivia in Australia was good, too. The baby Carey is a strong crawler and beginning to stand up.
Stuart: Sighs, pauses, speaks quietly. Thank you. After another pauses, she shakes her head slightly and meets Nick's eyes. Why did you come looking for me?
Nick: We missed you, but that really wasn't the reason. Someone came looking for you. He seemed legitimate and trustworthy, so I decided to help him because I thought you'd want to know him. But don't worry, I haven't told him anything personal. That's your business.
Stuart: Who is this man? Where is he?
Gustavo turns around.
Gustavo: Aquí, Maria. Deseaba encontrarle.
Stuart: Surprised, angry. Gustavo!
Nick: Wait, you know him?
Stuart: He didn't tell you? That's not a surprise, they never did want much to do with me. Gustavo is my brother-in-law.
The death of their mother sends Emily's sister on a quest, but who it leads her to will surprise everyone Stuart lied about her family for a reason. Why
are they looking for her? Julia and Steven do something in Boise that
will permanently affect their lives, for better or worse will remain to be seen
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