Season 2 Episode 7
"FAITH"
WRITTEN BY: TONI GRAPHIA
INTERIORS
University Library – Boston
Angel HospitalTriage
Area Claire's
Bed Hildegard's
Office Jamie & Claire's ApartmentHome
Staircase
Living Room
Dining
Room Bedroom
Hallway
Servants
' Attic House
ElisePrivate Room
VersaillesHallway Private
Apartment King's
Cabinet of Truth
LallybrochDining
room OUTDOOR LOUNGE
The Hospital of AngelsBack Garden
Jamie & Claire's ApartmentCourt
Versailles
Lallybroch CemeteryField
Dooryard
FADE IN:
1INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - BOSTON - 9541
TITLE CARD: Boston, Massachusetts 1954 A beautiful little girl, a crown of wavy red hair on her head, sits at a table turning the pages of a large book in color, something like John James Audubon's "The Birds of America."
DAUGHTER
Look, Mom. What a lovely bird.
MOTHER (O.C.)
Yes, my dear, it is.
SHOT OF the mother sitting next to the daughter: CLAIRE RANDALL.
The girl is BRIANNA, the daughter of Claire and Jamie, but whom she raises with Frank. Brianna lands on a stunning illustration of a royal bird, with glorious BLUE-GREY plumage, flying in the sky.
BRIANNA
What kind of bird is it?
CLAIRE
A heron.
BRIANNA
have you ever seen one in real life?
CLAIRE
Yes, I have seen some.
BRIANNA
Where?
The innocent question stirs a distant memory and before Claire knew it, she answered.
CLAIRE
In Scotland.
The girl turns around and looks at Claire now, a spark of curiosity.
BRIANNA
When were you in Scotland, Mom?
Claire pauses. Caught off guard, she answers honestly.
CLAIRE
A very long time ago.
BRIANNA
Tell me more. I want to hear everything.
But Claire remembers the promise she made to Frank: We will raise the child as our own. Yours and mine. You have to let Jamie go.
Claire looks into the bright eyes that look at her, eyes that remind her of the man she will never forget.
CLAIRE
One day maybe.
With that, Claire gets up, it's time to leave. Brianna also gets up and begins to walk away. As Claire lingers a little, looking at the illustration of the bird...
Fade ON:
A vision of the BLUE-GREY WINGS of a heron in flight
2OMIS2
3L'HÔPITAL INTERNATIONAL DES ANGES - TRIAGE AREA - EVENING3
VISIONS OF CLAIRE-- Distorted and frightening images and sounds: Claire's hallucinations. Urgent cries and PANIC. Weakened by massive blood loss, Claire was taken to the hospital after collapsing during the duel between Jamie and Black Jack Randall [Episode 206].
As a group of healers rush to save Claire's life — and the life of her unborn baby — she moves in and out of consciousness, struggling to figure out what's going on through the chaos.
Everything seems to be happening at the same time - the metallic FLASH of raw and barbaric MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS; macabre and distorted FACES hover over her, with disembodied VOICES:
MR. FOREZ shouts orders to his assistants while he works:
She loses a lot of blood / She loses too much blood; We must act immediately!; Give me space! / Make room!; Bring me the tray! / Hold it still! / Hold it!; Get more rags! / We need more linen!
MOTHER HILDEGARD tries to restrain and comfort Claire:
Rest assured, my child; We will take care of you; Mr. Forez works; You have to stay quiet now, that's better; I am here.
SISTER ANGELIQUE whispers a prayer again and again: Lord of Mercy, be with your servant in her time of need. / God of mercy, watch over your faithful servant.
The only respite from the horror that befalls Claire is her RECURRING FLASH of the soaring heron's wings.
CLAIRE
Where am I? What is going on... Jamie... My baby...
OFF CLEAR, confused and terrified.
FADE IN:
4THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - LIT DE CLAIRE - TOMORROW4
Claire sleeps under thick blankets, partially drawn curtains around her bed for privacy. His eyes open. She looks up in... THE FACE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
PLAN ON a statue of Mary was placed on a bedside right next to Claire's head. It is surrounded by flowers and ribbons, a homemade sanctuary. Claire glances the entire length of her bruised and tender body, then removes the blankets. Her HANDS come down and she feels through the cotton of her nightgown, probing her belly, which is sore under her fingers. She winces as she moves her hands and instantly knows something is wrong.
ON CLAIRE'S FACE as she realizes her belly is empty. She obviously gave birth to the baby, but why is it not with her? Claire screams, panicked:
CLAIRE
Where is my baby?!
She pulls back the curtains and tries to get up. The CLICK OF THE HEELS rushes towards her. Mother Hildegard appears, along with Sister Angelique and two other nuns.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Dear Madam, don't worry. You have to save your strength...
CLAIRE
Where is my baby?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Here. Take some water. Sister Angelique passes a cup to Hildegard who points it at Claire's lips, but Claire turns her head away.
CLAIRE
I don't want water. I want my baby.
A brief stroke of pain wrinkled Hildegard's forehead, but disappeared almost immediately.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
I'm sorry, my dear. She joined the angels.
A long beat. Claire stares at Hildegard, not understanding.
MOTHER HILDEGARD (continued)
She was... stillborn.
CLAIRE
(shaking her head) No. No... That's impossible.
Sister Angelique gently touches the statue of the Virgin Mary.
SISTER ANGELIC
The Virgin will comfort you, Madam. She, too, lost a child.
CLAIRE
Bring me my baby. Can you hear me?
Claire looks around at the other nuns, who speak only French. She repeats...
CLAIRE (continued)
Bring me my baby!
Furious, Claire gets out of bed. The nuns and caregivers' surrounds her, uttering COMFORTING WORDS, but Claire ignores them. She fights them, begins to shout:
CLAIRE (continued)
My baby! Bring me my baby!
In the struggle, the statue of the VIRGIN MARY FALLS AND BREAKS on the ground.
CUT To:
5L'HOPITAL DES ANGES - CLAIRE'S BED - ANOTHER DAY5
A few days later. Claire is lying in bed, shivering. Hildegard is there, with her dog, BOUTON. She wipes off Claire's feverish forehead, smoothing cold water over her cheeks and neck.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Stillborn. Born dead. If there was a crueler juxtaposition of words, I couldn't find one.
Hildegard frowns, worried. Claire, her voice being a mere whisper, asks:
CLEAR
Where... Is it now?
Hildegard stops wiping. She is friendly, but direct.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
I baptized her. And gave it a name. Faith. You have to understand, it's illegal unless the child is alive. But I wanted her buried in sacred ground. This, dear, will remain between you, me and God.
Claire accepts it. The chills are deeper.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
A white heat settled deep in my bones. I knew what it was. Puerperal fever. The baby had come, but part of the placenta had not. It has invaded my belly, a warm place where infection thrives.
Hurried STEPS approached. Claire looks to see the tall figure of a man walking towards her.
CLAIRE
Jamie
FATHER LAURENTINE
Mother Hildegard... I came as fast as I could.
The man is not her husband. He is a priest. FATHER LAURENTIN. Mother Hildegard turns to Claire.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
It is Father Laurentin. (explains) It is customary to anoint the sick, my dear.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Last rites. Mother Hildegard was convinced that there would be two funerals.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
It's been several days now. Your fever is very high. It is wise to prepare the soul.
CLAIRE
Where is Jamie? I need my husband.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
I'm sorry, my dear. There was no word.
Claire accepts it. Father Laurentin leans towards her...
FATHER LAURENTINE
Would you like to confess one last time, in order to free yourself from all sins?
CLEAR
My sins are all I have left. If I die, they go with me.
Hildegard nods, and Father Laurentin dips his thumb in a small container of oil, smooths the oil over Claire's pale forehead, and then over her hands and feet.
FATHER LAURENTIN
(in Latin) Per istam sanctam Unctiónem,et suam piíssimam misericórdiam, ádiuvet te Dóminus grátia Spíritus Sancti... Amen.
Hildegard wipes Claire's red cheeks again. Father Laurentin now walks away and, in the background, RECITES VERY GENTLY The Lord's Prayer in LATIN
CLAIRE (V.O.)
The truth is that I didn't care about my soul. I had already been to hell. I was undead. Undead. And soon I would be... Dead. I had lost my child and my husband. There was nothing to live on.
Mother Hildegard finishes wiping Claire's cheeks, then points to the foot of the bed with an authoritarian finger.
MOTHER HILDEGARDE
Button! Stay close to her!
The little dog jumps into bed, curls up at Claire's feet.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
And Bouton lay as motionless as the dogs under the feet of the queens on the tombs of Saint-Denis.
Hildegard joins the priest as they both watch...
FADE FOR:
6THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - LIT DE CLAIRE - NIGHT6
Plagued by fever and despair, Claire struggles under her covers in a restless sleep. Bouton is still lying at the end of the bed, looking intently at Claire.
MALE VOICE (O.C.)
Get off there, little critter. I take care of her.
Button looks at someone. REVEAL A HOODED FIGURE dressed in a brother's robe arrived.
MALE VOICE(
Button)
Can you give me a moment? Please.
Bouton jumps down, but sits nearby, like a sentinel. The hooded figure's hands gently pin Claire's shoulders.
MALE VOICE (continued) (a low whisper)
Be quiet now.
Claire opens her eyes and sees the man leaning over her.
CLAIRE
Jamie...
But one of the hands passes over his mouth.
MALE VOICE (O.C.)
Shhh, Madonna. If they find me here, it's over!
Finally, she recognizes the face under the hood - MAÎTRE RAYMOND. He now removes his hand from his mouth, throws the sheet and opens his garment up to his waist. He rests his cold hands on Claire with astonishing delicacy.
CLAIRE
Master Raymond... what...?
Raymond moves his hands very slowly over her neck, breasts, arms, gently squeezing joints, elbows, wrists and fingers. Claire closes her eyes.
MASTER RAYMOND
Tell me what you see, Madonna.
Again, she HALLUCINATES ON - A PAIR OF LARGE BLUE WINGS. A HERON gliding effortlessly through the sky.
CLAIRE
Aile. Blue wings... a heron.
MASTER RAYMOND
Ah, blue, the color of healing. The wings will take away your pain, if you let them.
As Raymond continues to massage her...
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I could feel the fever as it ebbed and flowed, draining from my bones. And as Raymond's hands moved across the meridians of my body, I could smell the tiny dead bacteria that inhabited my blood, small explosions as each flicker of infection disappeared. My tortured body relaxed gratefully as part of his hands, melting and reforming like molded wax.
The relief can be read on Claire's face, but there is still work to be done. Raymond pauses, his hands pressed around his belly. He lowers his head, listening to her bowels, the echoes of her empty belly.
CLAIRE
She's gone. I'm all alone.
Raymond slips one hand UNDER THE SHEET and between his legs, the other presses on his belly. Her blunt fingers make their way inside her. Claire gasps. His hand probes deeper now, feeling the inner walls of his belly.
CLAIRE (V.O.) (continued)
He touched the center of my loss, and held the source of my pain in both hands as if it were a crystal sphere, heavy and fragile. Then Raymond did what the doctors and nuns couldn't, he cleaned my belly.
MASTER RAYMOND
Now... Call. Call.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
The pressure continued, cracking the crystal sphere, releasing the chaos inside.
Pain gripped Claire as Raymond literally purged her of the remains in her belly, sweeping it into a leather pouch he brought.
RAYMOND
Call him!
CLAIRE
JAMIE!
CLAIRE (V.O.)
A flash of heat flashed through my belly, from one hand to the other, like an arrow in the center of my bones. Raymond's grip relaxed and lightness filled me.
The CLICK OF THE HEELS is approaching. Raymond slips under the bed, barely in time, as the curtains separate and Sister Angelique watches, alarmed...
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
Madam! Are you all right?
She puts a hand on Claire's cheek, then eyebrow, shocked to find the two fresh to the touch. At first, she thinks that Claire may be dead, she leans down to listen to her breath.
CLAIRE
(smiled faintly) I'm fine. Tell my mother.
SISTER ANGELIC
Praise be to God!
Angelique crosses paths and hurriedly walks away. Raymond emerges.
MASTER RAYMOND
I have to go now. Be well, Madonna.
CLAIRE
Why do you still call me Madonna? Even now, when I lost my child?
Raymond looks slightly surprised.
MASTER RAYMOND
I didn't call you Madonna because you were pregnant, my dear.
CLAIRE
Why then?
MASTER RAYMOND
Everyone has a color around them, all around them like a cloud. Yours is blue, Madonna. Like the mantle of the Virgin. Like mine.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Raymond had saved my life. A little magic and a medical technique not yet in practice. How could he have known how to execute it?
Claire stands up and gasps her arm, sliding her hand down her sleeve, feeling the skin for a telltale scar.
MASTER RAYMOND
What do you do?
CLEAR...
I wanted to see if you had a vaccination scar.
MASTER RAYMOND
(perplexed) Vaccination?
CLAIRE (V.O.)
As skilled as I was at reading faces now, I would have seen the slightest contraction of understanding, no matter how quickly it was concealed. There was none. But I felt an unmistakable connection with this man.
Claire grabs her sleeve now.
CLAIRE
You shouldn't have come. There is too much danger.
MASTER RAYMOND
Yes, you were right about the King. He wants blood now, not Hail Mary. The executions have begun. (then, remembering the words she addressed to him) But these are the things we do for our friends.
CLAIRE
Will I ever see you again?
MASTER RAYMOND
As I told you before, we will meet again. We will all meet again. Trust.
As they hear the nuns return, Raymond retreats again and motions for Bouton to return to the foot of the bed.
MASTER RAYMOND
(Button)Here! Right away!
Bouton jumps into bed and snuggles at Claire's feet. Sister Angelique now returns with Mother Hildegard, whose hand runs from Claire's cheek to her forehead and back, confirming what Angelique told her. Raymond slips away unnoticed.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Yes. The fever has passed.
SISTER ANGÉLIQUE
How can this be? It's a miracle.
Mother Hildegard is astonished as she continues to examine Claire, who looks clearer and rested. Hildegard looks curiously at Bouton - who has seen it all - but says nothing.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
A miracle indeed. Thank God. (then) Could you fetch some broth, sister?
Angelique leaves. Claire is more consistent now. It asks:
CLAIRE Has
Mr. Fraser ever heard from? I don't understand why he didn't come.
Hildegard pauses, deciding whether to protect Claire from bad news, but the truth is compelling.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
He cannot come, Madam. He was arrested for duel with the English captain and is detained at the Bastille Saint-Antoine.
Claire takes this news. Then asks:
CLAIRE
How long?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
The duel is a serious offence. I fear that Mr. Fraser will remain in prison at the whim of the king. If your husband had killed his opponent, the penalty would have been much worse.
CLAIRE
He's not dead? The English captain?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
He was seriously wounded and the British ambassador begged him to recover from his wounds in England.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
So Jack Randall was still alive. The cat with nine lives. And so did Frank. But at what cost?
Hildegard reads the conflicting emotion on Claire's face.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
It's a chance, isn't it?
CLEAR
Yes. Certainly. (then, stoic) But my husband betrayed me, Mother. Revenge meant more to him than me, or his child.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
How so?
CLAIRE
All I asked for was a year of grace, which he accepted. One year. He might as well have passed his sword through me.
Mother Hildegard senses Claire's anger and sadness and offers advice.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
God says we must revel in mercy. Trample sins under your feet and cast iniquities into the sea.
CLAIRE
I'm not sure there's a deep enough sea.
Claire turns her back on Hildegard, disappearing into her own envelope of pain.
FADE TO BLACK.
7OMIS7
8EXT. THE HOSPITAL OF ANGELS - BACK GARDEN - DAY8
A SMALL PATCH OF BLUE WILDFLOWERS. A young boy carefully chooses the best ones. IT'S FERGUS, as he gathers the flowers into a bouquet. That's weeks later.
WIDE SHOT to show two nuns tending to the small green space outside the hospital, and - Claire, pale and absent, parked in a chair, looking into space. Mother Hildegard thought that the fresh air could do her good. Fergus approaches, holding the flowers in front of Claire.
FERGUS
For you, Milady.
Claire looks up, surprised to see him. She takes the flowers. Offers a small smile.
FERGUS (continued)
I'm sad for... your toddler.
Fergus bows his head and offers a French condolences to each other.
FERGUS (continued)
I am with you, with all my heart and soul.
CLAIRE
Thank you, Fergus.
His voice is weak, hoarse, having not spoken for a long time.
FERGUS
When will you return to rue Tremoulins?
CLAIRE
I don't know.
FERGUS
What about Milord? We should help him, right? To return from the Bastille. Master Murtagh is not expected to return from Portugal for weeks.
CLAIRE
I appreciate your visit, Fergus. But you'll have to go home now.
FERGUS
A roof does not make a house.
CLAIRE
A hospital is not a place for a boy.
FERGUS
I am not a boy. (then) What for? Why won't you help Milord?
CLAIRE
Fergus... It's a private matter between me and...
FERGUS
I don't understand.
CLAIRE
(abruptly) He broke a promise he made to me. A very important promise.
FERGUS
And you chase me away, Milady. You said I was needed. But if you never get home, then you don't need me. (then) I will return to Maison Elise.
CLAIRE - As Fergus turns around to leave, she grabs his sleeve.
9EXT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - COURTYARD - DAY9
The carriage arrives. Fergus helps Claire. She is dressed now, but she is still pale and physically weakened by her hospital stay. Fergus grabs her arm and stabilizes her as he leads her to the front door.
MAGNUS and SUZETTE, as well as all the SERVANTS AND SERVANTS of the rue Tremoulins lined up in the courtyard to welcome the mistress of the house on her return. As Clare descends the line of servants, everyone bows to her. Claire is immensely touched by their gesture. The penultimate is Suzette, who takes Claire's hands and kisses them, tears in her eyes. The last one online is Magnus. He is heartbroken by her loss, but happy to see her.
MAGNUS
(emotional) Welcome home, Milady.
Magnus begins to bow, but Claire touches his cheek, lifting him up again. Then gave a deep rebuke to the man who saved her life.
CLAIRE
Thank you, Magnus.
Magnus opens the front door and Fergus, like a gentleman, helps Claire through. The servants follow them.
A10-B10OMISA10-B10
10JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INTERNATIONAL APARTMENT - DINING ROOM - DAY10
A WEEK LATER. Claire walks to the dining table unaided. She is stronger now, and there is more color in her cheeks. Still a gentleman and imitating what he saw Jamie do, Fergus pulls a chair for Claire and pushes his seat.
Both sit alone at the LONG DINING TABLE. The empty chair at the head takes up all the space in the room. Fergus is agitated.
FERGUS
I... I went to... the warehouse and I spoke with the foreman. The shipment of Muscadet has arrived.
CLEAR
Very good.
A beat.
FERGUS
and... then
CLAIRE
Come on.
FERGUS
the... Gray mare, she limps, Milady. It needs new sabeots.
Claire senses that Fergus seems to be struggling.
CLAIRE
Is that all, Fergus?
FERGUS
Yes, Milady.
CLAIRE
Maybe after dinner you'll help me brush my hair?
Fergus nods, but there's clearly something on his mind.
11JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - LATER11
Claire sits in front of her vanity mirror while Fergus brushes her hair. A long silent rhythm.
CLAIRE
Thank you, Fergus. It was nice.
He finishes and puts the brush on his vanity, next to some glass perfume bottles that are there. Fergus is moved at the sight of the bottles.
CLAIRE (continued)
What do you have?
FERGUS
Nothing, Milady.
Fergus waits for a while, then leaves.
12JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INTERNATIONAL APARTMENT - ROOM - NIGHT12
Later that night, as Claire prepares to go to bed, something catches her attention. A WOODEN BOX on one of the tables. She approaches, opens it. Inside are the apostle spoons that Jamie gave her as a baptismal gift for their baby [Episode 205]. She looks at them, grief and anger return. She closes the lid and deliberately stores the box, out of sight, in a cabinet.
Unable to sleep, she pulls her dressing gown around her and goes down the hall.
13JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER13
As she walks, Claire hears what sounds like a scream, coming from above her. Claire FOLLOWS THE SOUND through the corridors. A moan, almost like the sound of a baby in distress. Is she going crazy?
14INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - NIGHT14
Claire enters a small room and finds Fergus, tossed around on his bed, still asleep, but in the grip of a nightmare.
CLAIRE
Fergus? Wake up.
Claire wakes him up abruptly, he startles and gasps when he sees her there. He is embarrassed.
Claire is sitting on the edge of the bed.
CLAIRE (continued)
You had a bad dream.
FERGUS
Yes, Milady.
CLAIRE
Will you tell me about it?
FERGUS
No, Milady.
Claire looks at him warmly. But Fergus squirms under his gaze.
CLAIRE
Are you sure?
FERGUS
is... Not just a dream.
CLAIRE
What is not?
A beat. He can no longer hold it back.
FERGUS
The Englishman, Milady.
Claire's jaw tightens.
CLAIRE
Which English? Fergus, tell me.
The attic room has the quiet privacy of a confessional. And this is where the real story spreads.
FERGUS
I... went with Milord to the Elise House. He was there to see Madame Elise... Prince Charles owed money. He told me to wait...
15MAISON ELISE - NIGHT - FLASHBACK - INTERCUT15
Fergus accompanies JAMIE to the brothel. Jamie disappears with Madame Elise to settle Prince Charles' debts.
FERGUS
One of the rooms was open and I saw a bottle of perfume...
R16MAISON ELISE - PRIVATE ROOM - FLASHBACK - CONTINUER16
Fergus slips into a room and walks over to the perfume, which is sitting on a table. The red coat of a British officer hangs on the nearby coat rack.
FERGUS
It smelled so good that I wanted to bring it to Milady as a gift. I put it in my pocket...
Fergus picks up the BOTTLE, made of ribbed glass with a silver top. He opens it and feels it, then slips it into his pocket.
16INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - INTERSPERSED16
BACK TO Claire and Fergus.
FERGUS
I kept the bottle, but I was too scared to give it to you, after what happened...
CLAIRE
Where is she now?
Fergus goes to get the glass bottle under his mattress where he hid it. He hands it to Claire. She opens the bottle, sniffs it.
FERGUS
It's lavender, Milady.
Claire recognizes this - all too well. A sickened look crosses his face.
17MAISON ELISE - PRIVATE ROOM - FLASHBACK - INTERCUT17
After stealing the bottle, Fergus turns around.
FERGUS
When I turned around, he was there. English.
Captain Jack Randall, a customer of the brothel, comes out from behind a screen. It is as if a lion had just discovered that a rabbit had wandered in its den. Randall considers his prey.
JACK RANDALL
(smiling) You're not what I ordered, but you'll certainly do.
As Jack makes his way to Fergus...
18INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - INTERSPERSED18
Claire looks at Fergus, horrified.
CLEAR
(In a breath) My God.
FERGUS
He said to me, "You, come here." -- He grabbed my arm. I tried to run away, Madam -- I told him that Milord was there, but he wouldn't listen. He said he wanted me -- I can't say it in front of a lady --
19MAISON ELISE - PRIVATE ROOM - FLASHBACK - INTERCUT19
Black Jack pushes Fergus onto the table.
20INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - NIGHT20
MAP of Claire and Fergus.
CLAIRE
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
FERGUS
I wanted to, Milady, but I was... ashamed...
CLAIRE
It's okay, Fergus...
After so many weeks of fear, guilt and silence, Fergus lets it out.
FERGUS
No, Milady! It's all my fault! I should have kept quiet. I didn't cry or scream at first. But it hurt so much that I couldn't help it. Milord heard
me and came running...
21MAISON ELISE - HALLWAY/PRIVATE ROOM - FB - INTERCUT21
SHOT OF JAMIE as he hears Fergus' scream. He runs down the hallway and bursts into the room. Jack Randall looks up, surprised.
JACK RANDALL
Look who it is.
JAMIE
You sick! He's just a child!
A murderous and furious Jamie attacks Randall.
FERGUS
Milord punched the Englishman in the face. There was a lot of screaming... I hid in the cupboard.
JAMIE
I'm going to kill you for it! I swear!
As Madame Elise's bouncers rush to end the fight, Fergus slips into a cupboard to hide.
22INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - INTERSPERSED22
BACK with Claire and Fergus.
FERGUS
Then the fight was broken down. When Milord was taken away, I heard him challenge the Englishman...
23MAISON ELISE - PRIVATE ROOM - FLASHBACK - INTERCUT23
As Jamie is dragged outside, he yells at Randall.
JAMIE
You coward, I'm going to make you suffer! I challenge you to a duel - to the death.
JACK RANDALL
I agree.
The rest is history.
24INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - INTERSPERSED24
BACK with Claire and Fergus.
FERGUS
and Milord was taken away.
25MAISON ELISE - PRIVATE ROOM - FLASHBACK - INTERCUT25
Fergus looks through a crack in the cabinet doors, while Jamie is dragged by the bouncers.
26INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APT. - SERVANTS' ATTIC - NIGHT26
BACK with Claire and Fergus.
CLAIRE
It's not your fault, can you hear me?
But Fergus can't hear it. His world was shattered.
FERGUS
I didn't know! I didn't know he was going to fight the Englishman. And now Milord is gone, and he will never come back!
CLAIRE
Shhh... Everything's fine. Everything will be fine...
Claire holds the traumatized boy, rocking him until he calms down. PLAN SUr CLAIRE, the sickening realization of why Jamie broke his promise.
27L'HÔPITAL INTERNATIONAL DES ANGES - CABINET D'HILDEGARD - JOUR27
Mother Hildegard sits at her desk, tapping her blunt fingers on a piece of music paper, as she considers...
MOTHER HILDEGARD
A private audience with the King?
PLAN ON CLAIRE standing in front of her, well dressed and healthier.
CLAIRE
You mentioned that you are the goddaughter of the Old Sun King. Surely you have an entrance. Or know someone who does.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
It is possible.
CLAIRE
I would like to ask for my husband's release from the Bastille.
Mother Hildegard pauses, remembering Claire's words.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
So, dear Madam, have you found a deep enough sea?
CLAIRE
I learned the reason why he broke his promise. I was angry with him. I still am. But... (simply) He is the father of my child.
A beat like Mother Hildegard thinks of this, and then...
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(a warning) His Majesty is a wonderful man. There is a price to such requests. CLEAR
That is?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
(bluntly) The king can expect to sleep with you.
Claire accepts it.
If
it is a question of sacrificing my virtue, Mother, I will add it to the list of things I have already lost in Paris, where I assure you, it will hardly be noticed.
Mother Hildegard only holds her gaze. Claire nods.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Very good. I will take care of that. This may take some time. In the meantime, I will pray for you... But I wonder exactly who would be the right boss to invoke under the circumstances?
CLAIRE
Marie-Madeleine comes to mind.
This gets a smile from the old nun.
28OMIS28
29EXT. VERSAILLES - DAY29
Foundation.
30INT. VERSAILLES - CORRIDOR - DAY30
Claire is led down a hallway by a discreet GENTLEMAN OF THE ROOM. They arrive at a door. HE STRIKES. The door opens and Claire is introduced inside.
31INT. VERSAILLES - PRIVATE APARTMENT OF THE KING - CONTINU31
"The Gentleman of the Chamber" ANNOUNCES it to His Majesty King Louis XV.
BEDROOM GENTLEMAN
Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Mrs. Claire Fraser, Lady Broch Tuarach.
The Gentleman of the House leaves, closing the door behind him.
Clare gives the king a deep rebuke, and he exhorts him to stand up with one hand under his arm. He smiles and she smiles back, but he can feel her nervousness.
KING LOUIS
You have nothing to fear from me, dear Madam. I don't bite.
CLEAR
No. Of course not.
KING LOUIS
Will you take a sip of this hot chocolate from New Spain?
Claire looks around and sees that they are completely alone, no servants or guards. The steaming HOT CHOCOLATE, a delicacy, is already poured into a pair of cups on a small table near a luxurious velvet lounge chair. The King's ROYAL BED looms nearby.
CLAIRE
Thank you, Your Majesty.
KING LOUIS
And maybe also an orange picked from my orangery? I own more than a thousand trees.
CLEAR
With pleasure.
KING LOUIS Please
sit down.
The king gives Claire an orange, another rare treat, in her palm as if it were a multifaceted jewel. He sits on the chair and motions for her to do the same. She sits next to him, their physical closeness giving intimacy to their conversation. As a courtesy, Le Roi switched to English.
KING LOUIS
Now tell me what I can do for you.
CLAIRE
My husband. He is at the Bastille. For the duel.
KING LOUIS
Your husband has broken a royal decree.
CLAIRE
Yes, I understand. But he was... Provoked. You know he's a Scot. The men of this country are the fiercest when it comes to matters of their honor.
Louis finishes his glass, puts down his cup.
KING LOUIS
Absolutely. Absolutely, Madam. However...
CLAIRE
I would be... very grateful, Sire.
The king takes her hand and makes small circles on her back. Claire resists the urge to tear it off. He draws the line of his COVENANT with his finger and asks:
KING LOUIS
Is it his ring?
CLAIRE
Yes, Sire.
KING LOUIS
(ref.: Frank's ring) And this other?
CLAIRE
I was married once before.
KING LOUIS
Yet you still wear his ring. Your loyalty is... the most remarkable.
He brings his hand to his lips and kisses her.
KING LOUIS (continued)
I am inclined to mercy, my dear Madam... but.... Louis lets go of his hand now and looks at it for a long time. A shiver hits Claire deep in her stomach. His face is inscrutable, but he has been king since the age of five and is adept at hiding his thoughts.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
His name was Louis the Beloved. His power was absolute. He could free Jamie with a word – or kill him. He could do with me whatever he wanted. I waited to see what Her Majesty's pleasure might be. Finally, Louis speaks, his eyes sliding down her neck, breasts and body.
KING LOUIS
Tell me, if I were to accede to your request, to release your husband... Would you be inclined to give me a small favor in return?
Claire meets his eyes squarely and tilts her head.
CLAIRE
I am at Her Majesty's disposal.
His heart was beating so hard that he almost drowned out his words.
KING LOUIS
Ah. Very well, my dear. Come with me, then.
The king stands up and holds out his hand. Claire wants her knees to rise, expecting to be led to the royal bed. But instead, the king touches his cheek, still so gently.
KING LOUIS (continued)
So pale. So good. I can understand why they call you The White Lady.
Claire reacts. He knows her nickname, The White Lady? Before she can refute him, he pulls her towards the wall where... A secret sign opens and they enter.
32OMIS32
33INT. VERSAILLES - CABINET OF TRUTH - CONTINUING33
A SECRET ROOM behind the king's private apartment. Strange and dimly lit by SUNSHAFTS filtering through a domed ceiling, it is filled with MYSTICAL OBJECTS AND SYMBOLS. There are TWO TABLES OF EVIDENCE with curious, HERBS and BOTTLES. In a separate area, a CAGE is covered with a DRAP. The first person Claire sees, she recognizes, MISTER FOREZ.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
When I saw Monsieur Forez, the king's executioner, I knew that his presence could only mean one thing: there would be death here today.
Mr. Forez is flanked by THREE HENCHMEN on each side, distributed around the perimeter of the circle, wearing SIRINISTER HOODS. Their eyes shine through the holes in the fabric, all focused on Claire – apparently the guest of honor. Louis turns to her.
KING LOUIS
The King asks you to give us the benefit of your expertise this evening.
CLAIRE
I'm not sure what you mean, Sire. Louis gestures and two of the hooded henchmen come forward, taking with them TWO DARK FIGURES, prisoners who had been held in the shadows.
KING LOUIS
Look.
Claire is shocked as the SKYLIGHTS on the ceiling light up - Master Raymond and LE COMTE SAINT-GERMAIN! They stand inside a large circle with mystical symbols painted on the floor. Forez lays TWO MORE CIRCLES - smaller rope circles, around their feet, enclosing them.
St. Germain's eyes widen. He scowls Claire. But Master Raymond gives no sign of recognition.
KING LOUIS (continued) (cold and sinister)
Please read the charges.
Forez rises to read the indictment.
DRILL
Raymond the Heretic and Count Saint-Germain, you are hereby accused of witchcraft and perversion of the search for knowledge in an exploration of the dark arts. You are accused of plundering the teaching of the ancient alchemists and using the evil arts for your own benefit.
KING LOUIS (
to Claire)
We have nothing against the proper search for wisdom. But if much good can be found, evil can also be discovered. And the pursuit of wisdom be perverted into the desire for power and wealth for one's own depraved and immoral purpose.
FOREZ
We must also take into account the evidence collected in the shop of Master Raymond, as well as at the residence of Count St. Germain.
Claire glances at the tables of trinkets, bottles and herbs, she now realizes that they are artifacts from Raymond's shop, as well as various "suspicious" items belonging to the Count.
The king reaches out to Claire.
KING LOUIS
We have brought a witness here. An infallible judge of truth, a pure heart. The White Lady cannot lie. She can see the soul of a man, and feel the Evil that resides there.
CLARE
(In a breath) Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.
The king used English for Claire and French for the court.
KING LOUIS
(to Claire) I beg you to use your talents, to look into their souls and if there is darkness within, it will be handed over to Monsieur Forez.
Claire glances at Forez, staring at her with her dark, sparkling eyes. She is horrified to be pushed into this position, but knows she has no choice.
CLAIRE
Of course... it will be an honour to assist Her Majesty in this task.
KING LOUIS
Very good. Start. You are free to question the accused.
All eyes are on Claire. Having no choice, she begins.
CLAIRE
Monsieur le Comte. What do you have to say about the charges?
St. Germain begins in French -- It is true that evil forces are at work --
KING LOUIS
You will speak English by addressing my guest.
St. Germain tries not to look disgusted as he soothes the king and starts again, this time in English.
SAINT-GERMAIN
It is true that there are practitioners of the dark arts who walk among us! But such wickedness does not remain at the bottom of this subject, His Majesty's most loyal! (He hits his chest) I am a courtier of His Majesty, with respect for all his decrees. For the perversion of knowledge and the use of forbidden arts, you must look beyond your own Court, Sire.
St. Germain glances at Master Raymond, giving an accusatory look.
CLAIRE
Master Raymond. Do you wish to speak?
Raymond bows his head.
MASTER RAYMOND
I am only a humble servant of the people of Paris. I practice medicine and nothing more. I use the knowledge of herbs and other gifts of nature for the benefit of the afflicted of our beautiful city.
Claire studies both, as if deciding who to believe. She turned to Saint-Germain.
CLAIRE
Mr. Count, I see a shadow behind your words.
Claire closes her eyes and puts her fingers on her eyelids, as if looking inside. After all, the man tried to murder her.
CLAIRE (continued)
I see an image... A bunch of men in the streets, dressed as aristocrats... but wearing masks... I see a name in your mind, Sir, The Disciples. What do you have to do with The Disciples?
St. Germain's eyes swell as he vigorously defends himself. The name of the Disciples is also familiar to the king; His dark eyes suddenly narrow into slits.
SAINT-GERMAIN
I know nothing of these disciples of whom you speak.
CLAIRE
I think you're lying, sir.
SAINT-GERMAIN
(to the King) Your Majesty, it is this woman who is a liar and a witch! With my own eyes, I have seen her handle men with smallpox, and yet she did not get sick herself. Sire, you know well the dangers of smallpox, it has taken your family. Your father, your mother and your brother...
KING LOUIS
Enough.
The king bristles, Saint-Germain has touched a nerve raw.
KING LOUIS (continued)
You have no proof of your words.
SAINT-GERMAIN
This woman is also known to drink poison and survive.
KING LOUIS
And how do you arrive at this knowledge?
In his anger and frustration, it spreads.
SAINT-GERMAIN
Because I gave him the poison myself!
Claire is shocked that he admitted it. St. Germain continues, trying to justify himself.
SAINT-GERMAIN (continued)
She tried to ruin my livelihood! She had my ship destroyed with her false convictions! She's a witch, she doesn't deny it!
His eyes meet Claire's, all bets are open now.
CLAIRE
No, I don't deny it! But The White Lady is a white witch and I practice white magic, Sire.
The king thought for a moment. Is Claire in danger? Then:
KING LOUIS
Mrs. Fraser is not being tried here. (then, to Claire) Do not delay any longer, look into the souls of these men, tell me who is obscured by darkness?
Claire stares at St. Germain but stagnates as she tries to think of another way out.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Even knowing that St. Germain had tried to poison me, I had a hard time condemning him in cold blood to death.
Finally:
CLAIRE
I see darkness in his soul. (turning to Raymond) And in hers too.
The room buzzes, electrified.
CLAIRE (continued)
But only the normal darkness that dwells in the souls of all men. Even a King.
A BREATH of astonishment in the room – Louis' eyes narrowed.
CLEAR (continued)
I mean that without darkness there can be no light.
It's Claire's attempt to get out of here without anyone being pulled and quartered. Unfortunately, the king is not satisfied. He doesn't let anyone get away with it.
KING LOUIS
Nevertheless, if I have to clean up this city, I have to make an example. Maybe we can help you make your decision. (then he commands) Get out the snakes!
Claire glances at where the DRAPÉ is whipped out of the cage, revealing a snake coiled and whistling. It's terrifying.
KING LOUIS
The Bible says that a true believer can handle snakes and that they will not harm him, for they are God's servants.
As the hooded men prepare to bring the snake, Claire sees the evidence tables again and deliberately walks towards them, a plan forming. She looks at the two tables, filled with objects - St.Germain with crystals, drawings, books, etc. And on the other, from Master Raymond's shop -- THE HERBS, THE SKULLS, THE ZEBRA SKIN, THE SHEEP SHANKS...
CLAIRE
May I suggest another test, Your Majesty?
Louis nods. Then another shocking admission:
CLAIRE (continued)
That's right. I drank the Count's poison and he didn't kill me. Let him drink mine and see what happens. Let them both drink it. With your permission?
King Louis pondered, intrigued.
KING LOUIS
Very good.
CLAIRE
I can?
The king nods, then looks in fascination.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I decided to take a page from Master Raymond's book, so to speak. I looked through the "evidence," the remains of his store, and found the weed I was looking for. Cascara bitter.
Claire mixes a cascara concoction in a bottle. She brings it, with TWO cups.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I knew the cascara would make both men sick, but I wouldn't kill them. And maybe Louis, having had his show, would be appeased and let them go.
CLAIRE
This potion will give you your answer, Sire. We may well see a death. Or two. But I ask one thing: if the two men survive, they will be released.
KING LOUIS
We'll see if the king likes it.
Claire pours a jet of liquid into the cup. The capricious Louis takes a perverse joy in the idea and appreciates the show very much. Claire hands Raymond the cup first. With the ceremony in due form,
Raymond drinks. After a beat, he hiccups and coughs and swings on his feet, but remains standing.
Raymond returns the cup to Claire to pass it to Saint-Germain.Claire takes the cup, turns to St. Germain, but as she does, she lowers her eyes and notices that the crystal necklace that Raymond gave her [episode 204] has turned black. The drink is now really poisoned! Claire remembers Raymond's turn from episode 204 with the cup and the dice.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I never saw Raymond add anything to it, no one did. It was another incredible feat, a sleight of hand, like the one he showed me in his shop. I didn't know how he did it. All I knew was that this time, inside the cup, it was death.
Claire turns to Raymond. But St. Germain also sees the crystal - and the look on Claire's face. He mentioned at dinner [episode 204] that he knew exactly how the crystal worked. The king is impatient.
KING LOUIS
Give him the cup.
Claire finally hands the cup to Saint-Germain. He takes it, in full knowledge of what awaits him. Among its many faults, cowardice is not one of them. He looks with one last curse at his enemies.
SAINT-GERMAIN
I salute you, Master Raymond, Satan's henchman that you are, you and your accursed witch! We will see each other again in Hell!
St. Germain empties the cup, his eyes on Claire, remaining fixed until they veil themselves and he hits the ground while twisting.
A faint buzz of excitement from the hooded men as the Count dies a violent death. His corpse is taken away by hooded men. The king then turned to Raymond with a wave of his hand.
KING LOUIS
Consider yourself lucky, but leave today and never set foot France again.
Master Raymond is taken away by the King's guards, who will escort him out of the country. Claire closes her eyes, grateful to the man who saved her life – not once, not twice, but three times.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Maybe it was the shock of what I had experienced, but as Master Raymond was being taken away, what was going through my head was a line from a movie, you know the one – "I'm going to miss you above all else."
Raymond gives him one last look, he shares the same feeling. After leaving, Claire turns to Louis.
CLAIRE
Her Majesty will honor my request?
KING LOUIS
First of all, there is always a question of payment.
OFF Claire's surprise. She had thought her role as The White Lady was a payment.
34INT. VERSAILLES - PRIVATE APARTMENT OF THE KING - MOMENTS LATER34
Back in the room where they started, Louis leads Claire to the ROYAL bed, lays her down and lifts her skirts. He takes a bottle of rose-scented oil from the table and massages it briefly between Claire's legs, preparing to take Her Majesty's pleasure.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
I had been married twice, for heaven's sake, I thought. I closed my eyes and thought of England.
Claire hardens as her face reddens with excitement and a little fear – after all, he's about to put The White Lady to bed. Then THREE QUICK BUT DELIBERATE THRUSTS of the royal member. A brief and mundane business transaction.
Then, the king escorts Clare to the door, where they exchange a courtly greeting, before she is handed over to the gentleman in the bedroom who is waiting just outside.
R35INT. VERSAILLES - CORRIDOR - CONTINUR35
The Gentleman in the bedroom leads Claire back into the hallway, the same way she entered.
35OMIS35
36INT/EXT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - SHORT MONTAGE36
Rue Tremoulins, life goes on. Servants cook and clean. The courtyard is swept. The tables are erased. The clocks are wound. Days go by.
37JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INTERNATIONAL APARTMENT - STAIRCASE/FIREPLACE - DAY37
Claire approaches the top of the stairs and stops in her tracks. She lowers her eyes to see JAMIE's tall, freshly released figure waiting for her at the back. It is dirty and unshaven, the weeks at the Bastille have wreaked havoc. Their eyes meet. A lot of things pass between them. Jamie slowly climbs the stairs and meets her at the top. She doesn't rush into his arms. She is not angry, but the wound is deep and there is a chasm between them - gaping, yawning, seemingly impassable. They stand awkwardly for a beat.
38INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - PARLOR - A MOMENT LATER38
Jamie follows Claire and pours himself a WHISKY.
JAMIE
I don't deserve your mercy, so I won't ask for it. (then) But will you at least let me comfort you?
Jamie tries to take her hand, but Claire walks away.
CLAIRE
(calm) Can you give me back my child?
Tears filled his eyes.
JAMIE
He was also my child. I don't even know if it was a girl or a boy. Will you force me to beg you?
It's hard for Claire to talk about it. Finally:
CLAIRE
She was a girl. Mother Hildegard baptized her. And gave it a name. Faith. Mother Hildegard has a very strange sense of humor.
Jamie's heart cracks. A girl.
JAMIE
Where is she now?
CLAIRE
She is buried in the cemetery, next to the convent.
JAMIE
I tried to keep my promise.
He is about to tell the story, but she stops him.
CLAIRE
Fergus told me what happened.
Jamie looks surprised.
JAMIE
See, how could I have left Randall unpunished for what he did to the boy? (then) Do you hate me for that, Claire?
She looks at him, her voice choked with grief. His pain is palpable, sharp as crystal ice spears. She tells him the truth. Raw and honest.
CLAIRE
I hated you.
A long beat. ON CLAIRE'S FACE. Then--
FLASH BACK TO:
39INT. L'HOPITAL DES ANGES - LIT DE CLAIRE - DAY - FLASHBACK39
As we return to the moment we saw earlier – where the nuns struggle to hold back a frantic Clare, who shouts:
CLAIRE
Bring me my baby, bring me my baby!
THE STATUE OF THE VIRGIN MARY FALLS AND BREAKS on the ground. Hildegard nods to Angelique, who hurries.
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Lie down, Claire.
There is a calm authority in the tenor of Hildegard's voice and Clare obeys. She calms down for a moment and waits, looking straight ahead, meeting no one's eyes. A moment later, Angelique returns, holding a PACKAGE wrapped in white cloth. She hands it to Hildegard, who brings it to Claire, gently places it in her arms. Claire looks at the motionless child. Pale and tiny. And always like a doll. She looks at the face with a long beat, hypnotized.
Mother Hildegard agrees. Then motions for the others to walk away and give Claire room. Claire swings from side to side, rocking the baby very gently. Hildegard stays and looks, big and strong as the angel at the gates of Eden.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
My mother died when I was five. I don't have many memories of her. But one thing I remember is how she sang to me. An old music hall song she heard at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
And Claire starts to SING very softly...
CLAIRE
(singing)
Oh, I like to be by the sea, I like to be by the sea, I like to walk along the prom where the brass bands play tiddley-cheerleader... So let me be on the verge of lamer, and I will be beside me with joy...
40INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY40
REOUR with Claire and Jamie, who is too stunned and saddened to speak. Claire continues.
CLAIRE
The midwives said it was better this way, that I could see the baby. Because that way, I wouldn't have to imagine it.
41INT. L'HOPITAL DES ANGES - NIGHT - FLASHBACK41
LOUISE stands with Mother Hildegard a short distance from Claire, watching Claire lie in bed, the baby still cradled in her arms. She can hear them talking low:
LOUISE
How long has it been?
MOTHER HILDEGARD
Since this morning.
LOUISE
Holy Mother of God.
Louise pregnant unconsciously cradles her own belly. Then nods to Hildegard, then passes to Claire and greets her gently and with surprising compassion.
LOUISE
My dear, Claire.
Claire looks up. She has been there for hours, in a dissociated state induced by grief. The baby is wrapped and mostly not visible, except for a small hand that Claire holds. Claire opens the laundry, gives Louise a glimpse of her face.
CLAIRE
She's beautiful, isn't she?
LOUISE
Yes.
CLAIRE
Ten fingers. Ten toes.
LOUISE
She is an angel.
Louise approaches, knowing what to do.
LOUISE (continued)
Can I hold it?
Claire looks up, hesitant. A long beat passes. Claire knows that if she lets go, it's forever. She hugs the child tighter.
LOUISE (continued)
It's time, my dear.
Louise leans over. Claire sees Louise's bulging belly. She reaches out and touches it. And she realizes that what's inside is alive... And the package in his arms is not. Claire nods, glassy eyes, reluctant... but then lets Louise gently pull the baby out of her arms. Louise passes the child to Hildegard, then returns to Claire, who begins to shiver.
Louise says nothing else. There are no words to soothe a pain of this magnitude. She pulls the covers over Claire and diapers her.
42INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY42
BACK with Claire and Jamie. Tears on the face of a heartbroken Jamie.
CLAIRE
And she was beautiful. So small. I could put his head in the palm of my hand. Her ears were just popping out a little bit – I could see the light shining through them, and through her skin too, like the light of a pearl when she's still wet by the ocean. His eyes were closed. She didn't have eyelashes yet, but they were a little bridled, like yours. And she had coppery strands of hair.
Claire comes out of her reverie, looks clearly at Jamie now.
CLAIRE (continued)
I didn't just lose a baby. I lost... A life with someone I loved before I even met us. (then) So yes, I hated you.
Jamie is destroyed. He understands her anger.
JAMIE
Yes. You should have left me there in jail.
CLAIRE
Before Fergus told me what had happened, and even after that, I couldn't stop being angry and blaming you. (then, a surprising confession) But... I was the one who asked you for the impossible. I was the one who put Frank above our family. I was the one who made the decision to chase you into the woods.
JAMIE
Frank was also your family.
CLAIRE
But he's not there. And now, neither does our daughter. It's not your fault. It's not Fergus' fault, or even Randall's. Not this time. It's my fault.
Claire starts crying. Jamie comes to her.
JAMIE
You asked me for forgiveness once. I told you there was nothing to forgive. (then) The truth is that I have already forgiven you, long before today. For this and everything you could do.
CLAIRE
There is something else.
Claire stops crying and looks at him. Another confession.
CLAIRE (continued)
I slept with the king.
Jamie looks at her. She continues:
CLAIRE (continued)
To buy your freedom.
Claire watches Jamie struggle with this information with some detachment. To reconcile his pride in the 18th century with his understanding of particular circumstances.
JAMIE
You did it to save my life – just like I gave myself to Jack Randall to save yours.
Claire doesn't answer. A long beat.
CLAIRE
How can we ever be the same?
JAMIE
We won't be. (then) After the floggings, and what happened with Randall at Wentworth, I didn't think anything could ever hurt so much. But it is. Losing our child is worse than the mark on my ribs or the scars on my back. I will wear it for the rest of my life. The same as I wear those scars. (then) The weight of what happened here is too much for either of us to bear. We are the only two people in the world to share this pain... the pain of losing faith. The only way to live with it is to carry it together.
CLAIRE
Are you sure you want that?
Jamie kneels in front of her. Reminds him of their wedding vows:
JAMIE
Blood of my blood, bone of my bone, Remember? I gave you my body and my mind, until our life was over. And it's not over. (then) We lost our child. But with God's grace... I could give you another one.
CLAIRE
So let's go home. In Scotland.
JAMIE
Yes. But there is something I would like to do first.
TIME CUT:
43CEMETERY EXT. - DAY43
Claire and Jamie walk hand in hand through the granite tombstones. Finally, they stop in front of a small marker.
ZOOM ON THE TOMBSTONE
Faith Fraser 1744
They stare at the small grave, Jamie falls to his knees. Run his hand along the name. He takes from his sporran a handful of apostle spoons. He chooses one.
JAMIE
Saint Andrew. The patron saint of Scotland.
His silhouette carved on the handle of the spoon, holds the saltire.
JAMIE (continued)
If our daughter is to be buried in France, let's leave some of Scotland with her.
He places St. Andrew's spoon next to the tombstone, then recites a quote from the Solomon Songs, a quote on his father's tombstone:
JAMIE (continued) (in Gaelic)
Gus am bris an la agus an teich na sgailean.
Claire now sits next to Jamie and leans on his shoulder.
ZOOM back until they are small spots sitting next to their daughter's grave, and a waning sun shows that they will spend their last day in Paris with her, before returning home.
CROSSFADE.
END OF EPISODE
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