Episode 4!!
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TEASER
Selmar and Elspeth are sitting on a couch staring at each other, having a 'mental battle'.
Selmar: (while absorbed with the game) Oh. Oh. (chuckles) Oh really? You think so?
Elspeth: I do.
Selmar: Well, we'll see about that, Monkey Pox.
Elspeth and Selmar continue to battle, but all we see is a lot of glaring. Selmar sighs dramatically suddenly as Elspeth looks at her smugly.
Selmar: So the pupil has become the teacher.
Madame Vega and Alexi walk in together. They are both dressed very nicely.
Alexi: Hey guys!
Elspeth: Hey.
Selmar: (unenthusiastically) Who died?
Madame Vega: Selmar, we need to talk to Elspeth.
Selmar and Elspeth look a little guilty.
Selmar: Okay. If this has to do with the rug though, I just want to tell you that Elspeth had nothing to do with it.
Madame Vega: (looking down at the rug) What about the rug?
Selmar: I'm gonna go now. (leaves the room quickly as Madame Vega is still looking at the rug)
Alexi sits down on a chair, while Madame Vega stands next to him.
Alexi: So, Vega and I went to the Council this morning. And we told them that, uh, that we want you to stay with us. (Elspeth looks very hopeful) But there's a catch. Because you're a minor, the only way they'll allow that to happen is if we assume all legal responsibility for you.
Elspeth: I can't ask you guys to do that.
Alexi: Well, you don't have to. We're asking you.
Madame Vega: We've all talked about it. And we want to be your legal guardians. We want you to be part of the Obernewtyn family. If you want to be...
Elspeth: (looking a little uncertain) What if it doesn't work?
Pause.
Madame Vega: Well, how do you mean?
Elspeth: Well... what if something happens and... and you guys change your mind.
Alexi: Like what? You steal a car? You burn down a house? You beat up the captain of the water polo team? (both Alexi and Madame Vega smile) Those ships have sailed, my friend.
Madame Vega: You just have to promise us you'll stay out of trouble. From now on... no more fights.
Alexi: You're still on probation. And the Council will be up our [censored] all the time.
Elspeth: (looking very grateful) No more trouble. I promise.
Madame Vega and Alexi smile at each other.
Alexi: Well. (Elspeth and Alexi stand up; Alexi extends his hand out to Elspeth) Welcome to the family.
Elspeth and Alexi shake hands.
Elspeth: Thanks, guys
Elspeth looks as though she's about to cry.
Madame Vega: (loudly) Okay, Selmar. You can come out now. (laughs)
Selmar pops her head around the corner with a huge grin on her face.
Elspeth: You knew about this and didn't say anything.
Selmar: (shrugging) I didn't want to jinx it.
Elspeth nods a little. They do one of those 'cool' handshakes.
Selmar: Dude. You're an Obernewtyner now. Welcome to a life of insecurity and... paralysing self-doubt.
Elspeth: Yeah. (takes a deep breath) Now, all I have to do is... stay out of trouble.
Selmar: (nodding) Yeah, that could be... difficult.
[Opening credits]
SCENE 1
Madame Vega, Selmar and Elspeth walk into another room, different from Selmar's. Elspeth now has her own room. Madame Vega is carrying a brown paper bag.
Madame Vega: You're going to need bedding. And towels. Oh, how's the bed, Elspeth? Is it comfortable?
Selmar jumps on the bed and bounces up and down on it.
Elspeth: Yeah, it's - Huh. It's fine. It's great.
Madame Vega: (looking a little uncomfortable) We really want you to have your privacy, but this is wing room - it needs a little warmth. You're going to need chairs, and a desk and a... bookshelf.
Selmar: a cat, fireman's pole, minibar -
Madame Vega: (gesturing at a linen shelf) And we should clean all this out, so that you have room for some of your... Right, you don't have any stuff. Which means we have to go shopping for clothes and shoes and underpants...
Selmar: Don't say underpants.
Elspeth: I've got everything I need. Really.
Madame Vega: I bet you don't have a gown. Cause you're going to need one.
Elspeth: For what?
Madame Vega: For cotillion.
Cut to the front of the Futureteller's wing. Madame Vega, Elspeth and Selmar are stepping out of a black carriage.
Madame Vega: It's the annual debutant ball. It's Obernewtyn's biggest event.
Selmar: Until whatever's next week.
Madame Vega: It's the day when Obernewtyn's most accomplished young women make their formal debut into society.
Selmar: Or another excuse for them to get wasted and throw up on themselves.
Madame Vega: Hey. I was a deb. I made my debut at this very barn not so many years ago.
Selmar: The year was -
Madame Vega: Hey!
They enter the Futureteller's wing.
Elspeth: You know what. Maybe I should skip it.
Madame Vega: You have to go. It's a family tradition and you're part of the family.
Maryon: Hello!
Madame Vega and Maryon do that kissing the air thing.
Madame Vega: Hi, Maryon. Mwah. How are you?
Maryon: I'm good.
Madame Vega: And how's it going?
Maryon: It'll be fine. Oh, the fitting area's back there. (she points 'back there')
Madame Vega: Thank you. Come on, girls. It'll be fun.
They walk towards 'back there.' Selmar makes a 'riiiight' face, while Elspeth just looks apprehensive.
SCENE 2
The Obernewtyn main house. Alexi's black carriage is pulling into the driveway. Alexi gets out of the car, throws his bag on the front steps.
Louis: Alexi!
Alexi: Hey, Louis.
Louis walks up as Alexi is getting gear out of the carriage.
Louis: I know ye're not thrilled with me. Th' whole thing with the farms an' th' money, I... should have... told you sooner. I wasnae - I wasnae going behind yer back.
Alexi: Look, it's done. Let's move on.
Louis: I was, uh... I was afraid of what ye'd think of me. (pause) Losing this much money as I have is, eh... not an impressive accomplishment. (looks very uncomfortable)
Alexi: How much money did you lose?
Louis: Ah. (waves it away) It's not important. We'll recover.
Alexi: (nods. Then shakes his head) How'd you lose it?
Louis: Look. The important thing is - is I don't know what Obernewtyn would do without friends like you and Madame Vega.
They shake hands.
Alexi: So everything's okay?
Louis: Oh yeah. Yeah. Thank you. (moves to leave)
Alexi: I'll see you around.
Louis: See ya!
Alexi looks a little unconvinced.
SCENE 3
At the barn, in the back where they are doing fittings. Elspeth is being dragged along by a futureteller with a measuring tape around her neck.
Futureteller: (pointing at a rack of gowns) Okay. Pick whatever you want. We've got silks, lace. (points somewhere else) Tartan's over there.
Elspeth looks out of her element. She fingers the gowns, walks forward then stops short when she sees Rushton. He's passing a piece of paper to a woman.
Rushton: Hi. Uhm. I'm picking up for Rushton Seraphim?
Elspeth: Hey.
Rushton: (turns and sees her) Hey. What are *you* doing here?
Elspeth: I, uh. (gestures at futureteller with measuring tape) I had an appointment with my personal shopper.
Rushton: But I thought you said you were leaving. With your…friend.
Elspeth: It didn't really work out. So, I'm kind of living here now.
Rushton: For good?
Elspeth: Is that... going to be a problem?
Rushton: No. No! It's great. I mean, I guess now we can be friends, right?
Elspeth looks uncomfortable. Rushton looks uncomfortable.
Dameon: (walks up) Hey, Rush! (removing gloves) Oh, these gloves are giving me serious sausage arms.
Dameon and Rushton laugh. Ariel is with him and walks up, stands a little behind, and eyes Elspeth suspiciously.
Ariel: (to Elspeth) What are you still doing here? I thought you were going back to Kinraide?
Elspeth: I had a change of plans.
Rushton: Elspeth is living here now.
Ariel: She's WHAT?
Elspeth: Look. I'm not here to cause problems.
Madame Vega: (walking up, looking concerned) Is everything all right?
Rushton and Ariel smile at Madame Vega a little uncomfortably.
Madame Vega: Rushton. I was going to call you. Since you're in charge of most fellas here, I - (turns behind) Selmar! - I wanted to introduce you to a couple of last minute debs. In case any of your mates are available to be white knights.
Dameon: (licentiously) Every girl needs a white knight.
Elspeth looks scared.
Selmar: (sidling up) Selmar, last-minute deb.
Dameon: (glances at Selmar then focuses his attention on Elspeth) So, uh, you'll be at the rehearsal.
Selmar: (nods enthusiastically at Dameon then Elspeth) Yes. Absolutely.
Dameon: (to Elspeth) See you then. (drags Rushton away)
Rushton: Bye.
Selmar: Cotillion ROCKS!
Elspeth doesn't exactly look like she agrees.
In a fitting room. Rushton is sitting down on a chair while Dameon is facing a mirror on the wall.
Rushton: You want me to fix you up with ELSPETH? I mean I thought you said she was a 'total psycho.' (he supplies the finger quotes)
Dameon: (holding up a tux to himself) Well, that was before I got to know her.
Rushton: Wait. When did you get to know her.
Dameon: Just now. Plus I'm into that whole brooding bad girl thing. She's wounded - I can save her.
Rushton: I mean have you really talked to her, though? Cause she's not really a bad girl.
Dameon: Well, she will be by the time I get through with her. (exchanges the tux he's holding for the one on Rushton's lap)
Rushton laughs weakly.
Dameon: What? You're not like... into her are you?
Rushton: (a little too quickly) Of course not.
Dameon: Good.
SCENE 4
At Alexi's room. Alexi is sitting at his desk.
Druid: Alexi?
A Druid armsman from a couple of episodes back enters the room.
Druid: I'm with the Druid's Commission Enforcement Division?
Alexi: (stands up) Okay.
Druid: (doesn't quite close the door, but shuts it a little) I was hoping you could help me out with a case that I'm investigating.
Alexi: Sure. What can I do for you?
Druid: Were you aware that a sack of coin you made out to a Louis Larkin for one hundred thousand dollars was not treated as an investment but a direct deposit into his personal vault?
Alexi: It wasn't an investment. It was a loan. Louis is an old... (pauses) What's this about?
Druid: Do you know that Mr Larkin is currently the subject of an DCED fraud investigation?
Alexi: (softly) No. (things clicking in his brain) No, I didn't.
SCENE 5
At the main house. Madame Vega is walking into the house with Elspeth and Selmar behind her. They are all carrying bags.
Selmar: Hey. White gloves (to Elspeth) are ready for a comeback.
Madame Vega: (walking into the kitchen, she sees Alexi pouring two glasses of red wine) Hey! What are you doing home?
Alexi: Girls, do you mind?
Selmar: Oh. Uh. If this is about the vase -
Alexi: Which vase?
Selmar: Hm. (shakes her head) Nothing. Uh, let's go, Elspeth. (jerks her head at Elspeth) Come on, chicky.
Selmar and Elspeth leave the room.
Madame Vega: (walks up to Alexi, leans against the kitchen counter) What's going on?
Alexi sets down one of the glasses in front of her.
In Elspeth's room, Selmar is messing with her dress. Elspeth walks in and dumps her dress on the bed.
Elspeth: Okay. So... I think I'm not going to Cotillion.
Selmar: (sitting on a chair reading a book) Yeah, okay. Except that you are.
Elspeth: I made a promise to your parents that I'd stay out of trouble.
Selmar: Yeah, it's a debutant ball. What kind of trouble can you get into?
Elspeth: I don't know. Why don't you ask *Ariel*?
Selmar: (sets down her comic book on her lap) Elspeth. We're debs, okay. That means Rushton probably already has some sad, lonely guy all lined up to escort you, so you can't just call and cancel at the last minute. That's a faux pas, chicky.
Elspeth sits down on the bed, looking not too happy.
Elspeth: Would you tell him?
Selmar: (looking up from her book) No. (closes the book again) If you're going to bail on Rushton like some like poor, pathetic dateless girl, you're just going to have to do that one yourself.
In the kitchen.
Madame Vega: (looking upset) Are you sure?
Alexi: Well, according to these guys, Louis's been siphoning money out everyone's accounts to cover his own debts.
Madame Vega: (sits down on a chair, looks disbelieving) How could we not know something like this?
Alexi: Because. We trusted the guy. Everybody did. This entire community gave him bags of coin and never asked any questions. *We* gave him a hundred grand!
Madame Vega: It was just a loan.
Alexi: WHICH according to the DCEC makes us worth investigating too.
Madame Vega: (looking very upset, rests her forehead on her clasped hands) I'm going to be sick.
Alexi: (picks up a piece of parchment and a quill) I'm going to have to let our friends know.
Madame Vega looks up immediately.
Madame Vega: Alexi, wait. You're just going to panic people.
Alexi scoffs.
Madame Vega: Don't... do anything until I talk to him, okay?
Alexi: Put our personal feelings for this guy aside. Forget about the history -
Madame Vega: He's one of the oldest Obernewtyners. If it's true, I just need to hear it from him.
Alexi turns puts down the parchment.
SCENE 6
Elspeth is standing in front of Rushton's door, knocking.
Rushton: I'm coming!
He opens the door wearing a black tux, tie and shirt undone.
Rushton: Hey!
Elspeth is stunned speechless by how good he looks.
Rushton: You're, uhm, at my room.
Elspeth: I, uh, well, I wanted to talk to you about Cotillion.
Rushton: Oh. Okay. Well, uhm, (tries looking down his front) I was just trying this on and I can't seem to do the-
Elspeth: Did you want me to, uhm - I could. Do you want me to, uh -
Rushton: Yeah, you know, actually. (holds his head up) If you wouldn't mind.
She stares at him back for a good, long moment. She looks really uncomfortable and nervous as she does up the top button and ties the tie.
Rushton: (turning back) Thanks. So, what's up with Cotillion?
Elspeth: What time did you we need to be there?
He's smiling. She looks shell-shocked.
SCENE 7
At the farm house. Inside Louis's barn, he and Madame Vega are talking.
Louis: I'm, I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to be dragged in like this.
Madame Vega: How did this happen? I mean I understand a couple of bad investments, but theft -
Louis: (laughing) Theft? No, no, no!
Matthew: Okay, Cam. So Louis, we're going get - (stops short as he enters the room and sees Madame Vega) Oh, Vega.
Madame Vega: Matthew.
Matthew: Louis didn't tell me you were coming by.
Louis: She just stopped by to ask a quick... business question.
Matthew: A quickie, huh?
Louis: (unimpressed) Matthew.
Matthew: I'm kidding! So, we're off. Cameo needs new shoes for Cotillion. Then we're test-driving the plough. And then we have to re-up the fertiliser quota on the beans, so which vault number should I use?
Louis: (looking harassed) Uh, 302.
Julie: What about 301?
Madame Vega is watching this exchange with great interest.
Louis: Uh, no, don't use 301.
Matthew: 'kay. You two have fun.
Louis: (when Matthew's gone) Well, now that the how and why have been accounted for. Look. I - I was not... *stealing*, I was - I was *borrowing* to pay back my debts and then the market took a turn and you know, I, uh - there we are.
Madame Vega: You were stealing. From Obernewtyn.
Louis: I - I can't say no... to these farms. I'll pay everything back. I just need that one stock. That one stock -
Madame Vega: Louis, you need help.
Louis: (scoffs and looks defeated) Yeah, well, who's going to help me. (get up and turns away)
SCENE 8
At the Futuretellers hall. Elspeth and Selmar are walking together.
Elspeth: So, uh, what exactly happens at this rehearsal?
Selmar: Just, uh, stupid Cotillion stuff. Bowing, Curtsying...
They walk into a hall where people are dancing. Elspeth grabs Selmar's arm. Maryon (from Scene 1) is counting and dancing around a little while some young couples dance together stiffly.
Maryon: One two three. One two three. Try to enjoy this please. One two (continues in background)
Elspeth: Dancing? You didn't tell me there was dancing.
Selmar: Well, if I told you there's dancing, I would be here by myself right now.
Elspeth: Because I really... don't... dance.
Selmar: Uh huh. Nether do I. I just move well. (does a really weird dance, then whispers) I'll teach you that one. Huh? Maybe later. You ready?
Elspeth gives Selmar a 'you're weird' look.
Rushton: (talking to some couple, holding a clipboard) Take your places. (walking over to where Selmar and Elspeth are sitting) Hey girls. So, can I introduce you to dates?
Dameon: (sidling up to Elspeth from behind) We've... already met.
Rushton: Oh well, actually, Dameon, Elspeth's already been promised to someone else.
Dameon: I can't believe this! You *gave* her to someone else? Who? Who's pathetic enough not to already be escorting a deb the day before Cotillion?
Gilbert: (coming up from behind Rushton) Actually, at this point, that would be you.
Rushton: So, Gilbert. This is Elspeth Gordie. Girls, Gilbert just moved here from The Druid Encampment.
Dameon: Druids? Ew.
Gilbert: (looking a little uncomfortable) Can we just get this over with?
Rushton looks proud of himself.
Selmar: (to Elspeth) Caliente.
Elspeth gets up and walks next to Rushton.
Rushton: Hey, it's not that bad.
Elspeth: You haven't seen me dance. (grimaces)
Rushton: Well, I can help you.
Elspeth and Rushton head over to where Gilbert is (at the other end of the dance floor)
Dameon: (shouting after Rushton) So, like, what am *I* supposed to do?
Selmar: (coughs) Over here.
Dameon rolls her eyes. Selmar starts whistling and swinging her legs.
Dameon: Fine! Let's go.
Selmar: (very excited) Are you sure? Because if, if, if you're not totally sure
Dameon: Just! Don't. Talk to me.
Selmar: All right. I get it. Our - Our connection is a little bit deeper than words.
Dameon looks nauseated.
Selmar: That's it. I'm done. I'm sorry. A chockfull of quiet now. (offers her arms out to him meekly)
Rushton is with Elspeth and Gilbert.
Rushton: Okay. So you guys will be over here. (nudges Elspeth onto the dance floor next to Gilbert) If you wanna go ahead and get into waltz position. (Gilbert and Elspeth look completely lost) Which means Elspeth, you put your left hand on Gilbert's shoulder.
Elspeth places her palm on Gilbert's shoulder.
Rushton: Uhm. No. Not like that. (nudges Gilbert aside and stands in front of Elspeth) Here. Watch. (places her hand correct on his shoulder) Okay? Now, Elspeth, I put my right hand on your back.
Rushton places his hand on her waist and they have a *long moment*.
Rushton: (looking suddenly uncomfortable) Okay. Good. Good.
Ariel walks up with Domick.
Ariel: I'd be pretty jealous right now if she wasn't a misfit pig. (Elspeth and Rushton are still in position, but turn to look at him)
Ariel laughs at his own joke. Rushton breaks out of Elspeth's arm.
Ariel: What? No. It doesn't bother me. I mean she's born that way right.
Elspeth: (softly to Rushton, without looking at Ariel) Thanks. I can take it from here.
Rushton: Okay. (gestures for Gilbert to return)
Elspeth watches Rushton walk away.
Gilbert: (whistles lowly) You're into him, huh? (Elspeth looks up at him) Sweetie, are you in trouble.
Elspeth: (with resignation) I know.
Gilbert: Yeah. (lifts Elspeth's arms) Come on.
Maryon: All right, darlings. Listen up. Let's review the classic waltz step. (gestures to a good looking young man) Gevan? (they start waltzing) Aaaaand One two three. One two three. One two three. One two three. Smile please.
Selmar and Dameon are dancing stiffly.
Elspeth is watching Rushton still out of the corner of her eye. Gilbert is eyeing Elspeth, then narrows his eyes.
Gilbert: Wait. Are you the kid from Kinraide who steals carriages and sets people's houses on fire?
They stop dancing.
Gilbert: So, you're saying, I'm partnering Obernewtyn's most wanted?
Elspeth: Is that going to be a problem?
Gilbert: (smiles) I can't wait.
Elspeth shrugs and then resume dancing.
SCENE 9
At Alexi's study. Madame Vega and Alexi are talking, a table between them. Alexi is flipping through some files.
Alexi: Absolutely NOT! As happy as I am that you came ALL the way out to my office to visit me. (walks around the table and gives Madame Vega a kiss on the cheek) The answer is no. (calls out the door) Stephen! I need that file on the Norse twins. (walks back to the other side of the table. Then to Madame Vega) They're two time drug offenders and will most likely be burned, unless we act. Fifteen years old.
Madame Vega: Alexi. He needs help.
Alexi: Louis Larkin? He stole from his friends. And then he had the nerve to borrow a hundred thousand dollars from us to cover it up.
Madame Vega: He was trying to look after the farm!
Alexi: Yeah. Beans. Ponies.
Madame Vega: So, you'll defend a couple of two-time drug offenders, but you won't defend -
Alexi: Yes! They're kids. Who have no hope! No guidance. Nothing. (Madame Vega turns her back to him) Louis Larkin is just another spoiled Obernewtyn brat (she turns back at this) who had everything handed to him.
Madame Vega: Like me?
Alexi: No. Not like you! *You* would never steal.
Madame Vega: I would like to think that. But the truth is - there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my family. (picks up her bag) See you at dinner.
SCENE 10
At the Futureteller's hall. Selmar and Elspeth are walking out of the dance hall.
Elspeth: (sounding exhausted) Three hours of dancing.
Selmar: (happily) I feel like I could go for three more.
Rushton: (coming out of the hall) Elspeth! So, Gilbert seemed nice. I mean, I just figured - he's new and you're new, so...
Elspeth: Yeah.
Rushton: Great. Good.
Domick comes up to them and pats Rushton on the back.
Domick: Hey, Seraph!
Rushton: Hey, Dom. I was just going to tell them about the cookout tonight.
Domick: Yeah. It's at the guard house. I do it every year for Cotillion.
Selmar: You didn't do it last year.
Domick: Yeah, we did.
Selmar: (dawning upon her) Ouch.
Domick: (to Rushton) See you tonight. (walks away)
Selmar: See you there!
Elspeth: Uhm. You really think that's such a good idea. (looking at Ariel who's talking to one of the other misfits)
Rushton: Yeah. I do. I mean you're living here now and there's no reason we can't all hang out, right?
(starts backing away, then turns and leaves)
Selmar: (staring at Elspeth) I can think of a reason.
Elspeth: Yeah. I'm not going.
Selmar: Wait. Chic, I don't want to go alone.
Elspeth: Dameon's going to be there.
Selmar: Yeah. I'm still *going*, I'd just prefer not to go alone. Listen to me. We're like sisters now. (Elspeth crosses her arms and listens intently) Okay? That means we do stuff for each other. For instance, if you do this for me, somewhere down the line, I'm going to be able to do something for you. I don't know what it's going to be yet, but it's going to be *awesome*! (Elspeth looks unconvinced) Please?
SCENE 11
Domick and Alad are at the kitchens. They're picking up many bags of food.
Alad: Here we are. Thank you very much. Okay. (gives Domick some bags) Here we go. You got that? Check, make sure we got everything.
As they are walking out, Louis walks in.
Alad: Hey! Louis!
They shake hands.
Louis: Hey.
Alad: Just the man I wanted to see.
Louis: Hey, Alad. Hey, Domick.
Domick: Hey, Louis.
Louis: (looking at bags) Somebody's having a party.
Alad: (looking at Domick) Yeah. Domick's hosting this thing for the debs out at the guard house.
Louis: That's right. I hear everyone's going. Have a good time. (walks away to the pick up station of the kitchens)
Alad: (gives Domick all the bags) Take these out to the carts, I'll be right there, okay?
Domick: Okay.
Louis: Hi. I'm picking up fer, uh, Larkin.
Alad is walking up to Louis.
Alad: Listen, Louis. Uh, I haven't heard back from you. Did you get my messages?
Louis: Oh yeah, I'm sorry. You know, farming is - has been so crazy. But what's going on?
Alad: Well, I've been asked to invest in this commercial real estate property over Darthnor way. It could be a nice second income for me. (joking) Might end up our only income the way the farming business' going up here.
Louis: That sounds - That sounds promising.
Alad: Yeah. So, uhm, we're going to have to pull two hundred and fifty thousand coin out of the vault.
Louis: (looks flustered) Well, I... Are you sure you want to do that? I mean, uh, with the market about to turn around.
Andra: Louis Larkin? No, your not getting any more pies til you pay your tab!
Louis: Huh. Uh.
Alad is watching this with interest.
Louis: Oh. Oh, it's all right. You know I'm good for it.
Andra: Thinking of putting it on Ariel's account again? Uh -
Domick: (walking back in) Alad, c'mon! We're going to be late to my own party!
Alad: Okay. (then to Louis) Uhm, listen. I'll call on you tomorrow about the details, all right? Just bring the coin to the, uh, the Cotillion. (starts walking away) Enjoy your meal.
Alad and Domick leave.
Louis: (to Andra) Uhm. I'll just pay it with - I'll just pay later. Please?