Season 2 Episode 3
"Useful occupations and deceptions"
WRITTEN BY ANNE KENNEY
INTERIORS
Wagon
Louise's HouseLiving Room The Reverend Wakefield's House (1945)Versailles LibraryGreat
Library
Jamie & Claire's
ApartmentRoom
Servants
' quarters Staircase
Salon
Apothecary
The Hospital of AngelsMother Hildegard's
Room Elise HouseCorridor
OUTDOORS
Rue de ParisMaison de Louise
Divers
Wagon
Versailles
Apothecary
Jamie & Claire's ApartmentCour
L'Hôpital des Anges
ÉTRANGER
"Useful occupations and deceptions"
FADE IN:
1OMIS1
2APARTMENT INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S - BEDROOM - DAY2
CLAIRE is alone in bed, asleep. Jamie's side of bed is not occupied. After a beat, we hear the noisy rattling of horse hooves and wooden wheels on the cobblestones outside.
The sound wakes Claire up, who watches to discover that she slept alone one more night. She gets out of bed and walks to the window and sees a car that barely stops before JAMIE arrives and heads for the door.
JAMIE
(to the valet) Feed and water the horses, but keep them ready. We'll leave in a few minutes.
While waiting for Jamie, Claire takes a brush and starts combing her hair. After a while, we hear Jamie's footsteps slowly climbing the stairs, then quietly opening the bedroom door. Noticing that Claire is at her dressing table and not in bed, Jamie looks embarrassed.
JAMIE (continued) I didn't want to wake you up, Sassenach.
CLAIRE
(categorically) Another long night at Maison Elise.
As they converse, Jamie prepares to leave, changes his coat and jacket.
JAMIE
always. And I'm afraid Prince Charles is running out of patience with your husband. Last night, he demanded that I finally arrange this meeting with Minister Duverney And he wants it "presto". It's Italian, it means: for now.
CLAIRE
Yes I know. I suppose such a meeting had to take place sooner or later. It's impressive that you've managed to delay all this time. Do you think Duverney will even agree to meet the Prince?
JAMIE
No idea. I avoided talking about it with Duverney.
CLAIRE
Well, I guess now you have to. Or risk losing Charles' favor.
Jamie goes into a drawer and pulls out a handful of gold coins. He holds them in his palm, wondering if he has enough
for his needs.
JAMIE
Yes. Even if there would be much to gain from such a loss. In terms of coin anyway. The prince
loves to buy his ladies by handful, but it's my purse he expects to pay the price.
Jamie lets out a loud yawn.
JAMIE (continued)
I must be away. A government examiner comes to inspect Jared's warehouse, then it's a crazy gallop at Versailles for another game of chess and endless palaver with Duverney, then another crazy gallop, hopefully with the minister by my side, at Maison Elise and another night of drinking and even more palaver with madman of Prince.
The mere thought of this day ahead momentarily causes Jamie's shoulders to slump. But he fights his
fatigue with a smile.
JAMIE (continued)
But I guess stopping Charles' rebellion is worth losing some sleep.
CLAIRE
You've lost more than a little sleep, I'm afraid.
JAMIE
Dinna fash, mo nighean donn. I will close my eyes during the journey to the palace. But I understand your concerns.
He gives her a quick kiss. His nose wrinkles at the different smells he wears on him. Jamie notices.
JAMIE (continued)
I stink of smoke, don't I?
CLAIRE
And cheap perfume. It doesn't really help my morning sickness.
JAMIE
I hung my head out the window when I came here, but all for nothing, I'm afraid. (then) Go back to sleep, Sassenach. You and the baby need rest. And you have time before Louise's car arrives to take you to tea.
CLAIRE
I wouldn't want to be late for tea.
JAMIE
It's a tedious affair, I agree. But you never know – today could be the day you learn vital information that will stop any chance of Charles' rebellion once and for all.
It's a nice thought, but Claire is doubtful.
CLAIRE
And who is going to give up this vital information? Louise...? Mrs. Geyer...?
As Jamie places the pieces in his sporran, he notices:
JAMIE
(interrupting) Christ, I don't believe it. Sawney is gone. He is not in my sporran. I've had it since I was little.
CLAIRE
I'm sure it's somewhere.
JAMIE
Do me a favor, Sassenach. Ask the servants to search the house. It's a little wooden snake about this big...
CLAIRE
I know. We will give the house a thorough review.
JAMIE
I will leave it in your competent hands.
As Jamie walks to the door...
JAMIE (continued)
Give my greetings to your ladies at tea.
Jamie leaves. Claire calls him.
CLAIRE
They are not my ladies.
But Jamie is already gone.
3EXT. RUE PARIS - LOUISE'S HOUSE - DAY3
Foundation.
R4OMISR4
4LOUISE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY4
LOUISE is sitting at a table across from Claire, playing cards (picket). Three other ladies sit on the couch, sharing tea and gossip. One of them is MARY HAWKINS. Claire glances at the Englishwoman.
CLAIRE (Voice-over.) Every time I saw Mary Hawkins, I had the strange feeling of knowing her in one way or another, but until now, I had not been able to place her...
A miserable-looking Mary walks around to watch the deck of cards. Mary looks around, then leans over, lowering her voice so that none of the other ladies can hear.
MARIE
I cannot marry Viscount Marigny.
LOUISE
Bah! We have discussed it. It is old, it will bother you less. You can take a lover.
Mary is too focused on her own problems to be outraged by Louise's suggestion.
MARIE
I can't marry a Frenchman!
CLAIRE
Is there something wrong with the French?
MARIE
You don't know the French? How they...
Mary blushed deeply, her tongue knotted.
LOUISE(
to Claire) You are English. Do you know what she is talking about?
CLAIRE
No, I'm afraid I don't get it.
MARIE(
to Claire) Of course not. Your husband is so sweet and kind. He wouldn't want to... I mean, I know he doesn't bother you that way.
Louise understands, starts laughing. Claire glances at him.
CLAIRE(
to Mary) Do you mean...
MARIE
What they do in... B-bed. (a hoarse whisper) My maid told me that he... the thing of a Frenchman you know... They put it between the legs of a lady! I mean right away next to her!
LOUISE
(wide-eyed) No!
MARIE
Yes! (to Claire) An Englishman, or even a Scotsman... Oh, I didn't think of it that way. But a decent man like your husband, he would surely never dream of forcing a woman to endure something like this!
This sends Louise into another paroxysm of laughter.
CLAIRE
Mary, I think we need to have a little conversation.
MARIE
(on the defensive, to Louise) Men don't do things like that where I come from.
LOUISE
And where is it? Moon?
MARIE
Seaford, Sussex.
Claire FLASHE suddenly:
5WAKEFIELD INTERNATIONAL REVEREND HOUSE - LIBRARY - 194 - FLASHBACK5
Claire looking over FRANK's shoulder, inside the cover of a LARGE Bible on the table.
I
found it in the attic of my grandmother's house in Sussex.
CLAIRE
(teasing) So even your grandmother was a historian.
FRANC
Most families, historians or not, recorded all births, deaths and marriages at the beginning of their family Bible. (pointing fingers) Mine goes back only seven generations. According to this, your beloved husband made his debut in 1746 when Jonathan Wolverton Randall...
CLAIRE
(reading) -- married Miss Mary Hawkins.
LOUISE (PRE-TOUR)My
dear! Clear!
6LOUISE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY6
BACK ON STAGE. Claire collapses in her chair, stunned, while Mary and Louise snuggle up to her, worried.
MARIE
Are you okay? I hope I didn't upset you...
LOUISE
You look like you've seen a ghost!
CLAIRE
No, I'm fine, just a little tired. I think I should go.
LOUISE
Of course, I'll ask Antoine to bring your car.
She hurries. Claire tries to give Mary a reassuring smile.
R7EXT. RUE PARIS - MAISON DE LOUISE - JOURR7
Claire walks out of Louise's house as the car gets bustle.
CLAIRE (Voiceover)
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I must have known. If Jack Randall had really died in Wentworth Prison, he obviously could not later marry Mary Hawkins and Frank's direct ancestor.
The coachman holds the carriage door open.
7EXT./INT. TRANSPORT - DAY7
As the car makes its way through the streets, Claire sits, rocking by the movement of the carriage, trying to digest what she just remembered.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
And in that case, Frank himself would never exist. Maybe I hadn't allowed myself to think about it until now... but I was confronted with the terrible knowledge that Frank's very existence now depended on Jack living for at least another year. Is that why I didn't tell Jamie the truth? Because I was afraid that if I did, he would go back to Scotland and kill him? Killing Frank too...?
She closes her eyes as a new thought hits her.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
And what about Mary Hawkins? How, in the name of God, could such a girl find herself married to such a monster?
She opens her eyes again, staring at the streets of Paris, her mind swirling.
8EXT. VERSAILLES - DAY8
Foundation.
9INT. VERSAILLES - GRANDE BIBLIOTHÈQUE - DAY9
Jamie and DUVERNEY sit on the other side of the chessboard. Duverney is focused on the game. Jamie wins hands down, despite the fact that he is NOT as focused.
DUVERNEY
Our involvement in Austria has exhausted our resources. The king is not inclined to finance another adventure abroad. The France cannot afford that.
JAMIE
Neither does Britain. If a war broke out in Scotland, they would have to leave Austria to suppress rebellion at home.
DUVERNEY
Yes, yes, increase our chances of victory in Austria - I have heard this argument from your fellow Jacobites many times. But I come here to play chess, not to debate politics. And I will have you in three movements.
JAMIE
What is politics, if not large-scale failures?
Jamie makes a seemingly reckless move. Duverney against. Jamie leans forward, moves a room. Duverney frowns.
DUVERNEY
How long have you been planning this?
JAMIE
Since you opened with the Spanish game.
Duverney moves, Jamie jumps up again, and Duverney is suddenly trapped. Duverney overthrows his king.
DUVERNEY
The game is yours. Again.
JAMIE
You played well. But if I may return to more pressing matters. When you and I first met...
DUVERNEY
(interrupting) I adored your wife's feet at the altar. Please, I regret such audacity...
JAMIE
if I remember correctly, you offered to help me if I ever needed you.
DUVERNEY
You know James, if you want my help, it wouldn't be a bad idea to lose a match every now and then.
JAMIE
I respect you too much to allow such a cheap victory.
DUVERNEY
I give you permission to respect me less. Now, how can I be helpful?
JAMIE
Tell Prince Charles what you told me – that King Louis has no intention of funding the rebellion.
DUVERNEY
Want to discourage Prince Charles from mounting your rebellion? What for?
JAMIE
Scotland and its people are carrying another failed rebellion. We must not invade until we are sure we have the resources and alliances to win.
DUVERNEY
As a minister, I cannot speak officially to the emissary of a monarch not recognized by the king, as you know.
JAMIE
Of course. But if you were to meet Charles unofficially... in a place where discretion is prized above all...?
DUVERNEY
What would be...?
JAMIE
House Elise.
DUVERNEY
(nostalgic) Mmmm. I haven't been there for months... My wife...
JAMIE
... I don't need to know. You can honestly tell him you're just out with me... play chess.
Duverney thought for a moment... Then smiled and put a coin back on the board - the king.
R10OMISR10
10EXT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - COURTYARD - DAY10
Claire gets out of the car and heads to the apartment, her mind still swirling with the implications of Frank, Jack and Mary Hawkins.
R11JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INTERNATIONAL APARTMENT - STAIRCASE / LIVING ROOM - DAYR11
Magnus passes her on the stairs and walks with her.
MAGNUS
Welcome home, Madam. In your absence, you have received three invitations to dinners and fairs for next week. A thank you card arrived from Mrs. Cholbi. The search for the little wooden snake creature continues, but not yet successful. I found this - (damn) - In the kitchen. I believe it is
yours?
For Claire, in a way, it's the straw that breaks the camel's back. She grabs it from Magnus' hand.
CLAIRE
I gave it to Suzette to fix.
She pushes her finger into the hole that still exists in the damn. This is not the day to bore Claire.
PRELAP A KNOCK ON A DOOR.
CLAIRE (PRE-TOUR) (continued)
Suzette?
11APARTMENT INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S - SERVANTS' QUARTERS - DAY11
Claire pushes the door open and HEARS LAUGHTER AND SILENCE BEHIND THE PARTITION. Certainly no mood for subtleties, Claire opens the door
CLAIRE
Suzette, didn't I ask you to fix...
She stops abruptly - stunned to see MURTAGH looking at her from the narrow bed, then SUZETTE glances naughty at him.
SUZETTE
Do you need anything, Milady?
Out of this table.
12JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER12
Claire is there when Murtagh ENTERS, tucking her shirt into her pants. Claire gives him a disapproving look.
MURTAGH
I will not apologize for spending time with your lady's maid, if you have the mind to reproach me.
CLEAR
The way you spend your time is your concern.
MURTAGH
Yes. It's true.
CLAIRE(
lively) But, don't you have anything else to do? Suzette yes, certainly. It's mid-morning, for God's sake...
MURTAGH
Actually, I didn't know. And since when did you become such a proud rebuke when it comes to
frolicking between the sheets.
CLAIRE
Thank you for minding your own business and remembering who runs this house!
Murtagh swallows an answer, turns on his heels and is about to walk out of the room.
CLAIRE (continued) Murtagh -- (he stops) It was unwarranted and unforgivably rude. I'm sorry, I'm not myself.
She turns around and goes out on the BALCONY.
MURTAGH
Yes... You are not...
He hesitates, then goes out to the balcony with her. She stands there for a while, stirring over the only thought that tortured her. He waits and she ends up telling him...
CLAIRE
Jack Randall is alive.
MURTAGH
What? I saw him lying dead with my own eyes, bleeding on the stone floor of Wentworth Prison.
CLAIRE
It would appear that he has recovered remarkably. When we were at Versailles, I spoke to the Duke's secretary, who, in this case, is Alex Randall... brother.
Murtagh leans against the railing, trying to take it all.
MURTAGH
recovered...?
CLAIRE,
"Injured in the line of duty," is how Alex put it.
MURTAGH
Lord God. Randall is truly the offspring of the devil. (realizing) Did you tell Jamie.
CLEAR
No.
MURTAGH
Good.
CLAIRE
Really?
MURTAGH
(obviously) Yes, unless you want him to return to Scotland for revenge. And that would most likely end up with Jamie being arrested and hanged, whether he kills Randall or not.
CLAIRE
I feel like I'm living a lie.
Murtagh puts a hand on his arm.
MURTAGH
You keep a secret to save his life. And if it prevents the boy from escaping in blind fury to meet his creator at the end of a rope, I will keep that secret with you.
She looks him in the eye and smiles gratefully.
CLAIRE
Thank you
Murtagh growls in gratitude.
MURTAGH
Now, if you don't mind... I have some business with your maid to finish...
He turns around to leave.
CLAIRE
I guess you haven't thought about birth control?
MURTAGH
Control...?
CLEAR
Unimportant. I'll look for something for Suzette.
Murtagh comes out. .
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I felt a little guilty about his praise, knowing now that it was not only Jamie's life that I was trying to save, but Frank's life as well. Nevertheless, I was relieved.
13APOTHICAIRE EXT. - DAY13
Claire's car stops in front. On leaving, she was unpleasantly surprised to see MAÎTRE RAYMOND talking with COUNT ST. GERMAIN at the door. At first, they don't notice Claire.
SAINT-GERMAIN
This must remain strictly between you and me.
MAÎTRE RAYMOND
Of course, that goes without saying.
They now notice Claire. Master Raymond lights up, but navigates cautiously, knowing the history between his two clients.
MASTER RAYMOND
Madonna! What a pleasure to see you again. I imagine you know the Count?
St. Germain reacts to Claire, his eyes becoming cold as stone as he gives her a smile. Claire forces herself not to back down instinctively.
CLAIRE
Yes, we had the opportunity to get to know each other.
SAINT-GERMAIN
Yes, indeed. And our paths will cross again, Madam. I promise you that.
He bows to her, kisses her hand before she can pull it out, and then walks past it. Claire turns to Raymond.
CLAIRE
Are you so friendly with all your so-called enemies?
MASTER RAYMOND
(he shrugs) Sometimes mutual interests force us to associate with people we don't like or trust.
Claire knows this all too well.
MASTER RAYMOND (continued)
Please come inside and tell me how can I help you?
As she follows him in...
14INTERNATIONAL APOTHECARY - DAY - MINUTES LATER14
Raymond picks up a porcelain jar marked, like all the others, in Latin with careful writing. Hesitating, he turns to Claire, who is browsing the goods on her shelves.
MASTER RAYMOND
You don't think mugwort would be more appropriate? Although I wouldn't recommend it. At this... stage.
Claire palits.
CLAIRE
What interests me is to prevent a pregnancy from happening, not to end it. That's why I asked for Queen Anne's lace. And in either case, it's not for me.
Master Raymond smiled, relieved.
MASTER RAYMOND
Ah, Madonna, you didn't look like a woman willing to get rid of a burden.
He chooses a pot and brings it to his work table.
CLAIRE
How do you know what "stage" I'm at, anyway? Most people can't even say I'm pregnant.
MASTER RAYMOND
As you may have noticed, I am not "most people."
She can't help but love this strange little man.
CLAIRE
I noticed.
He smiled, hearing it for the compliment it was meant to be. Claire picks up one of the porcelain jars. Master Raymond looks alarmed and quickly walks towards her.
CLAIRE (continued) (label reading)
Aconitum napellus. Aconite.
MASTER RAYMOND
You have to be careful.
He takes the jar and puts it back in its place on the shelf.
CLAIRE
I know this as poison. I am not aware of its medicinal uses.
He smiled.
MASTER RAYMOND
Neither do I, Madonna.
CLAIRE
And yet, you sell it in your store.
MASTER RAYMOND
I have it in my shop. What I sell to my customers who, usually in a moment of passion, want to poison their enemies, is bitter cascara. The effect is most immediate. The stomach seeks to purge itself... Well, you get the idea.
CLEAR
So it makes the enemy suffer visibly, but it doesn't kill him.
MASTER RAYMOND
Precisely. The poisoner attributes the healing to the intervention of a priest or some kind of counter-spell. No one dies. And my client is satisfied.
CLAIRE
A shrewd businessman and humanitarian.
Raymond smiles and returns to his work table to prepare the potion; Claire settles down to watch him work.
MAÎTRE RAYMOND
Who is the contraceptive for, if I may say so?
CLAIRE
My maid.
He laughed, surprised.
MASTER RAYMOND
It's usually the other way around. The maid buys the preventive for her lady, so that the lady can maintain the illusion of fidelity.
CLAIRE
Yes, well, I'm an unusual lady. (beat) Or so I was.
MASTER RAYMOND
Madonna?
CLAIRE
It's nothing. My life here in Paris seems to be becoming more and more conventional by the day, as do I, I suppose. But this is not a concern.
MASTER RAYMOND
I wonder if you have ever considered putting your medical talents to good use? The Angel Hospital is always looking for help.
He piqued Claire's interest.
CLAIRE
What is L'Hôpital des Anges?
MASTER RAYMOND
The charity hospital near the cathedral. The nuns who run it do their best, but they have to rely on medical volunteers, not all as perceptive as you... or as needing to help others.
Claire looks surprised. He struck a chord with her. He smiles at her blandly and hands her Queen Anne's lace jar. Claire takes it with a smile, but her mind is already turning to something else...
15-16OMIS15-16
17EXT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - DAY17
The hospital is inside what was once a church. Claire's car stops in the street and she gets out –
now dressed in a less refined outfit than the one she wore earlier. She smiled at the sight of the place. Murtagh goes out and looks at the hospital with less enthusiasm.
MURTAGH
That's why you rushed home and pestered me to come with you?
CLAIRE
You don't even need to go inside, just keep an eye on the car and wait for me here.
Murtagh looks at the various UNSAVORY CHARACTERS in this area.
MURTAGH
The rich also need healing.
CLAIRE
The rich have doctors who come to them. The poor can only come here.
MURTAGH
Jamie won't like it.
CLAIRE
He will be happy if I am happy.
Murtagh is not convinced. Claire climbs the steps as Murtagh growls and watches a suspicious street figure get too close to the car.
MURTAGH
No hands here -- (pointing to the hospital) Or you'll need to go.
18INT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - DAY - A FEW MINUTES LATER18
A great service with many patients in various states of disease. Pallets move closer, basic supplies, nuns (who act as nurses) and orderlies move among the patients, assisting them
as best they can. Two male "DOCTORS" dot the room. Claire stands next to SISTER ANGÉLIQUE, young, reserved. Claire watches the scene with relish.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
After months of idle hands doing nothing more difficult than balancing tea cups and pastries, my fingers almost itched at the thought of sewing cuts, dressing wounds, repairing fractures...
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
Did you imagine,
Madam?
CLAIRE
That's exactly it.
(re: working men)
Your doctors, I imagine?
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
Or what comes closest
to it. They give their
time because medicine fascinates them
.
(score)
Mr. Lovrier is a butcher
by profession. He is our
muscle and
bone specialist. Mr. Parnelle
provides us with bandages
that he makes in his
own establishment. He is
also our uromancer.
Then Claire's expression changes as she sees...
CLAIRE'S POV: the approach of a small, spindly dog.
BACK ON STAGE
CLAIRE
A dog? In a hospital?
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
is Bouton. And here is Mother
Hildegard.
Claire looks up to see Hildegard of Gascone, better known as
MOTHER HILDEGARDE, 50 years old, matron of L'Hôpital des Anges.
Nearly six feet tall, skinny and bone-in, wrapped in meters of the habit of a
black wool nun. She has a face of such
transcendent ugliness that she is grotesquely beautiful.
As she gets closer, Mother Hildegard flashes a slightly
condescending smile.
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
Mother Superior, this is Lady Broch Tuarach.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Broch Tuarach. So you're Scottish?
CLAIRE
English. My husband is Scottish.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(easy transition to English) And how can we help you, Madam? Is any of your servants here today?
CLAIRE
Uh, no. As I mentioned to Sister Angélique, I have medical skills that I thought would be useful here...
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Really. (to Sister Angélique) Sister, can you find something to do in milady?
19INT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - DAY - A FEW MINUTES LATER19
Claire follows Sister Angélique. Claire holds a large bucket in which the nun empties the bedsheds.
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
We still have a lot left, Madam.
She goes to the next bedpan and throws it into the bucket.
CLAIRE
I see that.
Another bedpan is discarded.
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
The bucket will soon be full.
Claire looks up and sees Mother Hildegard on the other side of the room, watching carefully.
CLAIRE(
to Angelique)
Then I hope you will be kind enough to show me where to empty this.
Angelique is still a little skeptical, but continues her tour, Claire following each step.
20MAISON ELISE - DAY20
An 11-year-old boy, with piercing eyes, hardened by the street [we later learn he is FERGUS], clears used glasses and dishes, ignored by all. It slips into the crowd, light as a feather, brushing against people without them realizing it. He walks past the table where Jamie, Duverney and PRINCE CHARLES sit before landing at the bar to drop off the dishes and come back for more (he's an 18th century waiter).
In the middle of the conversation...
DUVERNEY
... Spain, although technically our ally, turns out to be an additional burden for the king's treasury...
Duverney's attention wanders as a comical young woman walks around with a foolish smile.
JAMIE
(incite) Spain...?
DUVERNEY
Hmm? Oh. Yes. His Majesty has seen fit to approve the request of the Spanish crown for a large loan, which in turn... (distracted again)... has seen French traders take their businesses out of the country to avoid... The tax increases
we had to make... tax...
PRINCE CHARLES
I understand perfectly, sir. Wars are expensive.
JAMIE
Yes, very expensive. In blood and treasure.
PRINCE CHARLES
Exactly. That is why I would never approach His Majesty King Louis with empty promises or empty pockets. Rest assured, I have already secured the vast majority of funds for our cause.
This caught the attention of Jamie and Duverney.
DUVERNEY
Did you do it?
PRINCE CHARLES
Oh, yes, almost enough money to finance the entire campaign, sir.
A charming courtesan offers them a platter of drinks. Charles takes one and sips it with studied indifference. Now he has Duverney's full attention, and this time even the charming courtesan next door cannot distract the French minister.
DUVERNEY
I see. (glance at Jamie) Perhaps I have misunderstood Your Highness' position, I hope you will forgive me for my mistake and...
PRINCE CHARLES
Please, no apology is necessary. And please also trust that my good friend Lord Broch Tuarach has not made false statements to you. But there are some things that, so far, have remained hidden out of necessity, even from my closest friends and allies.
He takes another deliberate drink, knowing full well that he has his audience of two in the palm of his hand. Then he glances around to make sure no one is listening.
PRINCE CHARLES (continued) (lowering his voice)
I have been in secret negotiations with several wealthy and highly influential members of the British aristocracy, who believe that my father is the rightful heir to the throne of England. Notice me, these patriots are ready to finance his return to glory and have already pledged an amount to the cause almost sufficient to accomplish this divine purpose.
Jamie and Duverney both take stock of the Prince for a while. What is his game?
PRINCE CHARLES (continued) (laughs, re: Jamie) My friend is amazed. How happy I am to see the look of relief and shock on your face, James.
JAMIE
These are the very words, Your Royal Highness. Relief and shock.
DUVERNEY
I, too, share the happy edification.
He lifts his glass, which causes mutual clatter of glasses and a drink.
DUVERNEY (continued)
But, Your Highness, in the light of this happy news, I must ask you what role you see for my King?
PRINCE CHARLES
Why, the opportunity to share the glories of my father's restoration to the throne. If King Louis supports our cause, I offer the France an alliance with Great Britain the day after our victory.
Duverney sits down, stunned by the offer.
DUVERNEY
Britain and France? Allied? It would change the world, Your Highness.
Now Charles insists on what he is really looking for.
PRINCE CHARLES
Yes. Mark me, the France will have to stand with us now. Add your funds to those I have already obtained. Help me to ensure my victory. Bridge the small gap between what I have and what I need. And I will give you the world.
Duverney thought for a moment.
DUVERNEY
I will speak to the king in your name. But -- I'll need proof of your-- first. The English patriots and their "abundant funds".
PRINCE CHARLES
Then you will have it. Celebrate!
Prince Charles looks around for the charming courtesan.
PRINCE CHARLES (continued)
You will have the plump juicy who brought us our beer! And Jamie...
Jamie stands up.
JAMIE-
-I will find Mrs. Elise and make arrangements for you.
PRINCE CHARLES
Good man. Choose someone for yourself. (after him) Tell him I'll have three!
He bangs his fist on the table and laughs, enjoying his moment in the sun.
OFF Jamie, heading towards Madame Elise, crossing paths with Fergus as he goes, not believing in this turn of events...
21INT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - DAY21
Claire has spent most of the day now. She empties the bed basins into the bucket, then pulls the bucket. She gets up, massages her lower back, and sees a PARISIAN (like those with whom she takes tea), standing next to a PATIENT, her servant. The woman has a nose pressed against her face, to mask the smells of the hospital. She says something we can't hear to the woman on the pallet, then hurries out of the room. Claire looks at her, then turns back to the bucket. His gaze FALLS UPON a strangely shaped glass container overflowing with yellow liquid on the floor next to the pallet of a skinny, (20s), apathetic woman. Claire squatted down to take a closer look.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
It was urine, no doubt, but without chemical tests, or even litmus paper, what could be the use of a urine sample?
Claire, completely absorbed in the riddle at hand, is oblivious to the fact that Mother Hildegard is now nearby, watching her. Getting an idea, Claire carefully picks up the container, then gently dips the tip of a finger into the liquid and gently touches it with her tongue, getting the answer she was waiting for.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Can you say what she is suffering from, Madam?
Claire almost jumps out of her skin.
CLAIRE
Uh, maybe. (to the patient) Are you thirsty, Madam?
ALWAYS
PATIENT, Madam. And always hungry too, but no flesh gathers on my bones, no matter how much I eat.
She raises a skinny arm, then drops him on the bed, exhausted
from the effort.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I immediately suspected the cause, but I took a moment to remember the 18th century term for diabetes.
CLAIRE
I think she has... sugar disease.
If Mother Hildegard is impressed, she does not show it. His face is illegible.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
And can you tell if she will recover?
CLAIRE
(lowering her voice) She won't. It may not last the month.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
That is what Mr. Parnelle said. I have never seen a woman who knew the science of uroscopy. Perhaps you could help Sister Angelique heal the wounds of a young boy with scrofula?
It seems that Claire has passed a test. As they walk to the other side of the room, where Sister Angelique is caring for a young boy with BIG MARKS oozing on his neck.
Many
people believe that contact with the ruler of England or France is the only remedy for Scrofula.
CLAIRE
I've heard this theory. Personally, I would start with scrofularia.
Mother Hildegard raised her eyebrows, a slight sign of approval.
MOTHER HILDEGARDE
Precisely what Sister Angelique uses. You can help.
She hands Claire bandages so she can help Sister Angelique.Mother Hildegard walks away without a backward glance.
MOTHER HILDEGARDE (continued)
Button, come!
The little dog follows her and Claire turns back to the patient filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
AA22INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE’S APARTMENT - SALON - JOURAA22
Jamie entre dans le salon impatient de parler à sa femme, mais elle n’est pas là.
JAMIE
Claire.(un battement) Suzette!
Suzette ENTRE, répondant rapidement à l’appel de son maître.
SUZETTE
Yes, Milord. No, she has not yet returned from Madame la Marquise de Rohan.
Jamie is clearly disappointed not to be able to share his news with Claire. He settles down at his desk, maybe he can do some work. He starts writing a letter, crumples the paper and throws it away. - He starts another attempt but makes another mistake, crumples the paper and throws it away again. "He goes around the room. A tinge of worry.
"Jamie looks at the clock. He thinks about where his wife is. Where the hell is she? --Step. His concern grew. Jamie is lying on the couch/daybed, ready to move on.
JAMIE
Suzette.
Suzette sticks her head in, shaking no, then escapes as fast as she can. "Jamie goes to the clock. Does this thing work? - Now his worry is starting to turn into frustration. - Finally, he pours himself a WHISKEY, returns to his office and waits, hoping that his wife will return home safe and sound.
R22JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INTERNATIONAL APARTMENT - ROOM - NIGHTR22
Jamie is sitting at the desk going through the account books when Claire arrives, flushed with excitement from her day. Murtagh follows her, looking less enthusiastic.
CLAIRE
Oh, Jamie, I'm so glad you're here! I had the most wonderful day. I threw two boils, changed loads of dirty dressings and saw my very first full-fledged case of scaffula.
MURTAGH
Yes, the carriage ride home was filled with delicious stories of pus, blood, and gangrenous toenails.
JAMIE
(mystified) Where were you? Certainly not at tea with Louise.
CLAIRE
At the Hospital of Angels. Do you know him?
JAMIE(
suspicious) Yes. The Hospital of Charity. (take a look at Murtagh) What brought you there?
Murtagh senses that this conversation is going nowhere well.
MURTAGH
I'm going to find myself something to eat. (to Claire, as he passes) I told you he wouldn't like it.
Claire glances at Murtagh and then goes to pour whiskey for her and Jamie.
CLAIRE
I discovered that they needed people with my skills, and since I had time today, I went to volunteer. Oh, and the matron, Mother Hildegard, a complete force of nature. She was a musical prodigy and goddaughter of King Louis' great-grandfather. But it's not going to make it easy for me. (hands him his glass) When she saw me taste the urine, the tide started turning. I haven't convinced her yet, but I will.
Claire notices that Jamie looks at her with disapproval.
CLAIRE (continued)
What is it? I thought you'd be happy for me?
JAMIE
You ask me?
CLEAR
Yes. What's wrong?
JAMIE
(isn't it obvious?) You are expecting a child, on the one hand. You could catch a disease. You take the risk for yourself or the baby. Haven't you thought about it?
CLAIRE
Of course you do, Jamie. I will only work on patients with injuries, not illnesses – or at least only with diseases I know I can't catch.
JAMIE
But why take the risk?
CLAIRE
Because it's been a long time since I've felt useful. I need to feel a sense of accomplishment. I need to have a purpose.
JAMIE
A goal? I thought our purpose in being in this city abandoned by God was to stop the rebellion.
CLAIRE
That's right. That has not changed.
JAMIE
Isn't it? So tell me how boils and the taste of urine will help us save Scotland?
CLAIRE
What do you prefer I to do, Jamie? Going to Maison Elise with you and Charles? Or do you want me to run the wine business for you?
JAMIE
What I want is that when I come home with a problem, I can turn to my wife for help. Tonight the prince told Mr. Duverney that he had obtained substantial funds from several prominent Englishmen to finance the rebellion.
Claire, caught off guard.
CLAIRE
(alarmed) What? Could that be true?
JAMIE
I don't know. But he offers him an alliance with England.
CLEAR
(skeptical) It's impossible. Britain and France would not be allies for another century.
JAMIE
All I know is that Charles is more cunning than he seems. He keeps secrets, and I don't know what to do about it.
CLAIRE
I'm sorry, Jamie. Really, I am. I know that all this was my idea: change the future, stop the rebellion, all that. But for now, all this is falling on you, and I will help you in any way I can.
JAMIE
That's what I believed, that's why I came home to look for you. Instead, you indulged yourself with
poultices and potions.
CLAIRE
I assure you, James Fraser, that there was no indulgence. I was doing something that makes me feel good, that gives meaning to my life.
JAMIE
(boils) What about me? I spend my days and nights whistling and flattering a man to get his secrets and undermine his cause. For months I've felt like a traitor, but tonight, Sassenach, you made me feel like a fool.
CLAIRE
Well, you're certainly acting like one.
Jamie and Claire look at each other. Finally, Jamie picks up his belongings and walks out, slamming the door behind him.
B22EXT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - STAIRCASE - NIGHTB22
Jamie, his face stony, descends the stairs with restrained fury. As he leaves, the camera bends down to find Murtagh and Suzette at the top of the stairs looking at him.
MURTAGH
I knew it wasn't going to go well.
SUZETTE
So sad. How can there be love in marriage when love leaves the bed?
Murtagh looks at her -- what is she talking about? She shrugs.
SUZETTE (continued)
A lady's maid knows what is happening and what is not happening in her mistress's boudoir.
Murtagh remembers Jamie, worried...
22MAISON ELISE - NIGHT22
CLOSE-UP OF A WOMAN dressed as a caricature of a male painter, painting something with a brush. We're too tight to see the surface she's working on, but she's very focused. ANGLE on Jamie, as he sits alone at the table watching the strange performance, trying to distract himself. We continue with the woman painter, as she pursues her masterpiece.
Zoom out to reveal that she painted on the back of a. The image she paints is the FRONT of a woman wearing a corset, garters, stockings, etc. The artist painted voluptuous bare breasts that spring over the painted corset. The "model's" hair was turned forward and a FEMALE PORCELAIN MASK was
attached to the back of her head.
View of Jamie, as he takes a glass of his whiskey, then his gaze draws the boy, Fergus, as he walks past Jamie to pick up other dishes. As Jamie watches, he focuses closer, noticing that the boy is picking up more than just dishes. Here and there, the boy slyly lifts several objects from customers: a handkerchief here, a coin there, a watch, etc.
No one notices. After indulging in a bit of theft during his day, Jamie smiled as he felt a grudging respect for the boy's technique. Then an idea begins to form in his head. The artist finishes his work in style. Patrons applaud. The model turns around, pulls her hair back to reveal her face, and we see that her bare forehead has been painted as a corseted back. Model and artist bow.
MADAME ELISE comes forward and addresses the crowd.
MADAME ELISE
Magnificent, isn't it? And this beautiful piece of art is available for your more intimate inspection.
Customers applaud and laugh excitedly. THE CAMERA returns to Jamie's table, but he's gone.
R23MAISON ELISE - CORRIDOR - NIGHTR23
Jamie leans against the wall, biding his time. After a few moments, a confident Fergus walks out the door of the main room, feeling very good about himself.
JAMIE
Hey, you! Boy!
Fergus immediately takes off in the hallway, towards the exit of the street. Jamie follows in a hot chase.
23EXT. RUE PARIS - MISCELLANEOUS - NIGHT23
Fergus is fast, and he knows his way around the city, but Jamie keeps him in sight, the boy's short legs are no match for Jamie's long strides. The chase doesn't last long, but they manage to overturn a cart and sprint through a pile of good-sized horse dung before Jamie finally gets his hands on Fergus.
FERGUS
Let go of me! You Englishman!
JAMIE
First of all, I'm a dirty Scot. And you're not going anywhere, my fellow.
Fergus' eyes narrowed and he switched to English.
FERGUS
Take me to the police and I'll find your wife...
JAMIE(
satisfied) Ah, you speak English.
FERGUS
I'm going to tell him you're on the run with whores.
JAMIE
No police, and my wife wouldn't believe you. But Madame Elise probably won't appreciate having a domestic boy thief.
OUTLANDER 203: "Useful... » FINAL 18 September 2015 35.
Now a look of genuine fear creeps into the boy's eyes, a flicker of the child under the hard outside.
FERGUS
Not Madame Elise. She will kill me if she thinks I am stealing her customers.
JAMIE
Yes, she's not one to forgive.
FERGUS
I don't do it every night, just when we are very busy and the gentlemen are very drunk.
JAMIE
I'm not interested in your methods. But I'm interested in you.
Fergus, believing he understood what Jamie wants, tries to shake his arm.
FERGUS
I'm not a whore.
JAMIE
Ach! I don't want that either!
FERGUS What's
next?
JAMIE
I want to give you a job, little fool!
Fergus stops struggling and looks at him.
FERGUS
A job? Do what?
JAMIE
Exactly what you did.
Jamie grabs the screaming and agitated boy. He turns it over and gives it a good jolt. A variety of expensive trinkets
fall: silk handkerchiefs, coins, watches and other sundries. Jamie puts the child back on the ground.
JAMIE (continued)
You can keep all that. But from now on, you're going to fly for me.
Then Jamie notices something on the floor.
JAMIE (continued)
Species of cub. It's my snake.
FERGUS
How much do you buy it from me?
R24JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INTERNATIONAL APARTMENT - ROOM - NIGHTR24
Claire is in bed trying to sleep, without success. From somewhere in the house, she hears a CRASH and CRIS VOICES. No mood for all this, Claire gets up and leaves the room.
B24INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NUITB24
Claire enters and stops, as she sees Fergus standing in the middle of the room eating a big chicken leg. They look at each other for a shocked moment.
CLAIRE
Who the hell are you? And how did you get into my house?
FERGUS
You have beautiful breasts, Madam.
Murtagh strides in and handcuffs the child.
MURTAGH
He just said the same thing to Suzette.
CLAIRE
Well, it makes me feel less special.
FERGUS
The ladies of Maison Elise were always very generous when I complimented them.
MURTAGH
Suzette too, she gave him the chicken leg.
CLAIRE
Well, this is all very interesting, but I still don't know who it is.
Jamie enters.
JAMIE
(to Murtagh) Take him upstairs to the servants' quarters. Suzette prepares a bath and she has old sheets that he can carry.
CLAIRE
Bain? Bed?
Murtagh indicates where Fergus should go. On the way out...
FERGUS
Good night, Madam.
JAMIE
And mind your own business, Murtagh. (to Claire) He's a pickpocket. His name is Fergus. Actually, it's Claudel, but we agreed it was very manly.
CLAIRE
And you invited him to our home.
JAMIE
I hired him from Maison Elise.
CLAIRE
Because every beautiful house needs a pickpocket, I guess?
JAMIE
That's part of my plan. We need information that I can get directly from the Prince. And the information comes in the form of letters – from his father, other potential financiers, and above all, from those wealthy Englishmen, if they exist.
CLEAR
THUS... Fergus steals the letters...
JAMIE
Yes, and we copy them. Then he puts them back before anyone realizes that they are gone.
CLAIRE
Good plan.
JAMIE
Thank you.
An awkward moment hovers in the air for a beat.
CLAIRE
Well, good night.
Claire enters the room and Jamie is left alone.
24-25OMIS24-25
26EXT. RUE PARIS - DAY26
A man walks down a busy shopping street, carrying a large messenger bag. After a while, WE SEE FERGUS DODGING PEDESTRIANS, HORSES, CARTS, etc. FOLLOW the man.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
As the days went by, our household settled into a routine that kept us all busy... The man enters a boarding house. Fergus follows him. THE CAMERA FOLLOWS Murtagh as he waits a short distance away. Some time later, Fergus walks out of the boarding house, walks over to Murtagh and holds up a letter with pride. The two leave together.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Fergus spent his time, with Murtagh's help, stealing letters from the Prince.
27MAISON ELISE - DAY27
Jamie sits at a table, drinking with several other JACOBITE supporters, who listen, delighted, as Prince Charles stands, gesturing to the sky and cajoling.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Jamie spent his days with Prince Charles, who continued to be long on rhetoric and stingy on details.
Whores try to distract men, with varying degrees of success.
28INT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - DAY28
Claire listens and watches Mother Hildegard work with a suffering PATIENT.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
My days, between two social engagements, were spent in the hospital, where I began to appreciate Mother Hildegard's medical knowledge.
29INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT29
Jamie is bent over his desk, copying a letter. Murtagh is sitting at another table doing the same thing.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Jamie and Murtagh spent their nights trying to piece together the puzzle of the Jacobite rebellion and find out if there really was an English conspiracy ready to fund the cause, or if it was a ruse by a desperate prince trying to restore his father's throne.
Murtagh finishes and brings the copy and original to Jamie.
JAMIE
Almost done. Fergus said the messenger stopped for the night at a tavern, but had to pick up the letters at dawn so they could be delivered to His Highness.
Jamie looks at the one he's finishing. The original text is a mass of indecipherable letters.
MURTAGH
(subject: paper) Is it King James' signature at the bottom?
JAMIE
Yes. I now recognize his hand. Everything else is coded.
Murtagh warms the back of the wax seal of the letter, taking care not to melt it, and gently puts it back on the back of the letter.
MURTAGH
This seal had been removed at least three times before I removed it myself.
JAMIE
We're not the only ones interested in Stuart correspondence.
MURTAGH
Can you decode it?
JAMIE
Most of their codes are quite simple. Admittedly, they usually only talk about family gossip and the like, but I guess they prefer not to let everyone know. I think I can solve this one - when I can see straight, that is. Sometimes I feel sorry for the Prince.
MURTAGH
Waste of time.
JAMIE
He can't trust anyone.
MURTAGH
Neither do we.
JAMIE
I can trust you, Claire, my sister Jenny, and Ian. The four of me would entrust my life to you - I have done so, in fact, more than once.
MURTAGH
Yes, well, I guess that's four more than Charles Stuart.
Murtagh begins to gather the papers. Jamie stretches and yawns. Murtagh sees something strange.
MURTAGH (continued)
What is the devil?
In his hand, he holds several sheets of handwritten MUSIC. It is called "Lied Des Landes" and the lyrics are
all written in German. In English, the first line would translate: "My shepherdess frolicks with her lambs, among the green hills."
JAMIE
It's music, let's see.
MURTAGH
I know music when I see it. But what does he do in a letter?
JAMIE
I was trying to figure that out earlier. (reading/translation) "A song of the country." The lyrics speak of a beautiful day in a meadow...
MURTAGH
Is it another code?
JAMIE
(frustrated) Maybe, but I don't think code has anything to do with notes.
MURTAGH
Maybe it's not code. Maybe a German friend of Charles' just sent him a piece of music to enjoy.
JAMIE
Yes, except that this message is written in German, but comes from England.
MURTAGH
A code in music...
JAMIE
Well, maybe tomorrow you can ask around and find a music teacher or composer who speaks German?
MURTAGH
Well, I know someone who could read it... But you're not going to like it.
30INT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - DAY30
Claire examines a MAN who is lying on a pallet, his leg is pressed into a splint, the bowl of broth she gave him to eat has forgotten. He is blushing and lazy. She touches his face, worried. Mother Hildegard is watching closely.
CLAIRE
This man was brought in last week after getting off his cart while he was still moving and getting stuck in one of the wheels.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
I remember. Mr. Forez has looked at it.
CLAIRE(
subject: injury) The tissue is pink, with good granulation. No bad smell, no dark streaks... but his urine is dark and odorous... And he is very feverish.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Perhaps a secondary infection? Bladder or appendicitis.
CLAIRE
Maybe, but there is no abdominal tenderness...
MOTHER HILDEGARDE
Button!
The dog tilts his head towards his mistress, who jerks his chin towards the patient. To Claire's amazement, the dog jumps on the bed with the patient.
MOTHER HILDEGARD (continued)
To the mouth, Button.
The dog carefully walks to the patient's mouth.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(to the surprised patient) Open your mouth.
Not in a state to argue with this formidable creature, he does as directed. Bouton sniffs his breath, then sits down, looking at Mother Hildegard.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(to Claire) No, you're right, that's not it. (to Button) Look elsewhere, Button, but be careful. This man has a broken leg.
As if understanding every word, Bouton curiously sniffs the patient's entire body, then sniffs the patient's groin,
sits and barks wagging his tail.
MOTHER HILDEGARDE
Bravo, button. You found it.
It shows a small brown crust on the man's thigh, just below the inguinal fold.
CLEAR
But it's almost cured. It is not infected.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
No?
She reaches out, places her fingers on either side of the crust and presses on them. The man screams in pain. His fingers leave deep imprints
on his skin. A thick ooze of yellow pus comes out from under a corner of the crust.
MOTHER HILDEGARD (continued)
See? A pocket of putrefaction. Should I call Mr. Forez?
A challenge. Claire takes a deep breath.
CLAIRE
No, I can handle that. I need a small scalpel and alcohol.
Mother Hildegard beckons to a nearby nurse, who brings them. Claire pours alcohol on the scalpel to sterilize it.
CLAIRE (continued)
(to the patient) It will hurt, but then you will feel much better.
Mother Hildegard motions for the nurse to hold the patient by the shoulders and Claire gently probes the wound. She quickly finds the problem.
CLAIRE
Forceps?
The nurse glances at Mother Hildegard, who nods, and then provides them as well.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
While the tiny entrance wound had healed cleanly, the deeper wound had become infected and formed a pocket of pus around the intrusion, buried in muscle tissue where no surface symptoms were visible — to the human senses, at least.
She pulls out a three-inch wooden ribbon, covered in blood and mud. She looks up at Mother Hildegard, who smiles and nods in approval. Bouton's tongue let loose happily. Mother Hildegard absentmindedly caresses her head as she looks at Claire.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Yes, she will do the trick.
Mother Hildegard pats Claire on the shoulder.
JAMIE (Off-camera)
Please excuse me.
Claire and Mother Hildegard turn to see Jamie smiling shyly.
CLAIRE
Jamie, what are you doing here?
JAMIE
I need help. Musically speaking.
Claire looks at him, momentarily puzzled, then...
JAMIE (continued)
You told me that Mother Hildegard knows music...?
Yes... Claire smiled, still not knowing what he wanted, but pleasantly surprised that he had come to ask them for help.
31Omitted31
32THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - MOTHER HILDEGARD'S ROOM - NIGHT32
The room is sparsely furnished, with a large harpsichord on one wall. Two wooden chairs, a stool and a bookcase run along another wall, filled with hand-sewn music books and manuscripts.
Mother Hildegard holds the music in her hands, looks at it. Bouton sits at his feet.
JAMIE
I hope -- I wonder, if there's anything... Strange about the music. How is it written, perhaps?
Mother Hildegard looks from Jamie to Claire - what is it all about?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(to Claire) Can you assure me that what you are doing is neither illegal nor dangerous?
CLAIRE
I can assure you Mother, if my husband asks for it, it is in the service of a good cause.
Mother Hildegard thought about it for a moment, then decided. She sits on the harpsichord bench and places the manuscript on the musical support. She studies the piece, then FREGIVES the first three lines.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
This is the basic melody... It is then repeated in variations... You know, I've seen things that remind me of that... Yes, an old German friend of mine did a very similar job to this one.
JAMIE
A German friend?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(nods) Mr. Bach.
She gets up and looks in her library. This name means nothing to Jamie, but to Claire...
CLAIRE
Johann Sebastian Bach?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Yes. I'm surprised you've heard of him. He sends me things from time to time -- he calls them 'Inventions' and they're really very smart.
She brings back several pieces of music related to the harpsichord with her.
MOTHER HILDEGARD (continued)
But I'm afraid her music isn't the kind to last. Smart, but not hearty. (re: Jamie's music) It's like a clumsy version of...
She pulls a piece of music from the pile and puts it on the rack next to Jamie's song.
MOTHER HILDEGARD (continued)--this. (German) Goldberg Variations.
CLAIRE
The Goldberg variations.
Again, this means nothing to Jamie. Claire touches the manuscript with some admiration.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Now see here. Your mysterious composer repeated the same melody as my friend Bach - almost - but changed his key each time.
Something hits Jamie.
JAMIE
The key. And... Is this unusual?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Yes. Five changes in such a short piece, and a few changes for no reason at all.
JAMIE
No musical reason. (he rises)
Thank you, Mother. You have been a great help!
To everyone's surprise, he removes the music from the support. Excited, he walks to the door, stops and looks at Claire.
JAMIE (continued) I'm sure you still have a lot of work to do. I'll see you tonight.
Claire, touched by his gesture, makes one of her own.
CLARE
Mother Hildegard, can you continue the rest of the day without me?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
I'm sure we can.
Claire turns around, she and Jamie exchange a warm smile for the first time in a long time.
33INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT33
Jamie at his desk, transcribing the words of the music onto a piece of paper. Claire and Murtagh watch.
CLEAR
The key is the key!
JAMIE
Yes.
MURTAGH
(confused) Which key?
CLAIRE
The musical key. Whoever wrote this had an evil sense of humor.
MURTAGH
Oh, yes, "evil."
Irritated, he approaches and drops on a chair.
JAMIE
(while he works) Two caveats mean that you have to take every other letter, starting at the beginning of the section. And three pounds means taking one letter out of three, starting at the end of the section.
CLAIRE
Does that make sense?
Jamie sits down, destabilized.
JAMIE
Yes. This is the case.
He hands her the paper.
CLAIRE
(reading) "I have successfully concluded negotiations with our three partners, all of whom are ready to contribute to our cause."
MURTAGH
The English conspirators are therefore real...
CLAIRE
"I can guarantee that the sum of forty thousand pounds will be made available to you."
Murtagh whistles at the sum.
JAMIE
That's a considerable amount, that's for sure. But not enough to finance an entire war.
MURTAGH
Charles was lying to Duverney.
JAMIE
Exaggerate. Duverney is smart enough to expect a certain amount of that in a company like this. Forty thousand may not finance the war, but it may be enough to convince Duverney and King Louis that the Jacobites have a chance.
CLAIRE
"I will be back in Paris at the end of the month and I look forward to finally meeting you face to face to solidify our arrangement." What is it - just the letter "S"?
It shows the "S" which stands out from the rest of Jamie's translation.
JAMIE
(sinister) Yes. There is one letter left. A signature, I think.
CLAIRE
"S."
They both think in an instant.
CLAIRE/JAMIE
Sandringham?
With the excitement of understanding.
JAMIE
This is the duke. I'm sure.
CLAIRE
He had a secret relationship with Dougal MacKenzie for years...
JAMIE
And Dougal is a committed Jacobite.
CLAIRE
The Duke plays on both sides against the middle.
JAMIE
He may well hedge his bets for and against a Stuart restoration. If Sandringham comes to Paris at the end of the month to meet the Prince, we must be part of that meeting, and then find a way to prevent our cunning Duke from doing... A reckless investment.
CLEAR
One way or another.
JAMIE
One way or another.
A broad smile of relief bursts on Jamie's face.
JAMIE (continued)
I don't believe it. We get it.
CLAIRE
There are still problems to be solved.
JAMIE
We will solve them too. But for now, it calls for celebration.
Jamie leaves the room. Claire, feeling the same sense of accomplishment and joy, turns to Murtagh, only to see the dreary Scot looking at her with a gloomy expression.
MURTAGH
Sandringham. If Jamie sits down with him and his secretary... You know what's going to happen.
Claire's heart breaks down.
CLAIRE
He will discover that Black Jack is alive.
MURTAGH
You have to tell him, and you have to tell him now.
Jamie enters the room with a bottle of whiskey and three glasses. He quickly pours them each a glass.
JAMIE
I can't tell you how good it is to progress after fighting in the void for so long.
Each of them has a drink, Jamie lifts his.
JAMIE (continued)
To Mother Hildegard. Without whom our enemies would remain unknown to us. And to my wife. Who is always there when I need her.
They make a toast. Jamie drinks, but Claire doesn't. She tries to gird herself to say the words that need to be said. Jamie
sees the look on his face.
JAMIE (continued)
What is it, Sassenach?
CLAIRE
I... I love seeing you so happy.
Jamie hugs her. As they kiss, his eyes meet Murtagh's. She knows she is postponing the inevitable. But that's a problem for another day. She holds her husband in her arms.
CROSSFADE.
END OF EPISODE
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