"Mr. Lodge and Mrs. Bartlett "

EPISODE 1 - Families
ACT 1

November 1873, Colorado Springs

"Don't forget, tomorrow you must bring me your writing. Now, you can leave the class. See you tomorrow." Teresa said to the students.

While the other kids walked outside the school, the ten year's old James pick-up some paper from his school bag. He stood up and walk toward the teacher desk, while Teresa was erasing the blackboard.

"Here is mine, Mrs. Slicker." James said after dropping off his writing.

Teresa smiled to the child. "Ready before the deadline; like always James. Thank you."

"That's my pleasure Mrs. Slicker. I'll have to go now; I have an appointment before heading back home." James said, while walking toward the exit door.

Outside, the child ran in direction of the town. He glance turned few seconds at the other children playing in the meadow, but brought his mind back to his first goal. No time to play today!

He slower his step in the streets, greeted Grace and Dorothy before stopping in front of the bank. James looked at his reflection in the window - he combs his bang before entering the building. It was quiet and fancy and well decorated - that was what he liked when he was here, remembering some of his father decorative crafting.

"'Afternoon Malvin." said to the clerk.

"Hi James, what bring you to the bank today? It is a working day." the young man asked.

"Is Mr. Lodge is available?" the kid requested.

At the same time, Preston came from the backroom. "I heard my name?"

Mr. Gormley nodded to his employer. "Mr. Bartlett would like to meet you Sir."

"Mr. Barlett?" he asked surprised while glancing the young boy. "Well, take a sit James." the banker said, showing the chair in front of his desk.

James smiled and took a deep breath. As he was sitting, he crosses discretely his fingers. "So, what can I do for you today James?" Preston asked.

"Sir, I would like a loan please." and the kid put a piece of paper on the table.

Preston pick it up, read it silently and rose and eyebrow. James wasn't sure if it was a good sign or not. He continues: "Sir it will be my 'Ma's birthday next week and I would like to purchase her a new coat and boots for the winter to come." James took a deep breath and continues before the banker said something. "Unless you had planned to fire me, I was wondering if you could take the payment directly on my weekly salary Sir, until the refund is completed."

Preston was surprise by the boy, but he liked his self-confident behavior. The amount requested was a piece of cake for Preston and the bank and he knew he could trust James, also cheer his interest for investment.

They could hear the train whistle from outside. Preston raised an eyebrow while looking to his clock - the train was early.

"Well James, come back tomorrow and we will arrange something. Now, if you want to excuse me, I have an appointment."

While he stood up, Preston shakes James hand.

A well-dressed men step down the train while looking around. Tall, dark hair, top hat, he turned back and helped a pregnant lady stepping out of the train.

"He is not here! I told you Nicolas." sigh the blond woman speaking of her husband.

"Give him a chance Sophia, the train was early." the man answered, while looking around, searching for his brother.

Preston walked quickly toward the train station and noticed his brother already arrived.

"Nicolas!" he greeted while walking near them. "Sophia. I hope the travel was good?" he asked, while glancing to the woman belly.

"Not really, but thank you for your concerned Preston." the lady replied, exasperate.

"Always so delightful" Preston said to his sister-in-law with a faked smile - Nicolas couldn't say that he didn't tried to be nice with Sophia. "Please, let me dispatch your bags to the hotel." he said, while walking toward the train conductor.

"Ah that's dirty." Sophia whines while looking to her boots. "Are you really sure it was a good idea to come here for the baby's birth?" The lady grinned; she didn't like what she was seeing around her and didn't hide her feeling.

"Please my princess, take it easy, for the baby. Please."

The reverend entered the church and heard the piano music. The music was often wrong and groping, he deducted that it was Isabelle who was playing. Just after he sat down on a wooden bench, Mrs. Bartlett smiled to her five years-old daughter.

"That will be all for today sweetheart. You did well progress." She kissed her daughter forehead. "Now, can you wait for me outside for a few seconds?"

The little black and curly hair girl stood up and nodded to her mother. "Afternoon Reverend." she exclaimed while leaving the church.

"You didn't have to stop the class for me Mrs. Bartlett." the reverend said.

"That is not you, I just realized that the day will end soon and James will wait for me at home." Mrs. Bartlett said while collecting her music sheets.

While walking toward the door, she glanced a last time to the man. "I wanted to thank you again Reverend for allowing us to use the piano. Isabelle really appreciates to learn it and I must admit..." the woman paused few seconds. "I must admit that I missed teaching the piano, I didn't had the chance since Frank passed away." Mrs. Bartlett thought few second to her second child who died during the diphtheria epidemic a year ago - Frank was a music prodigy, but her older son didn't had the musical ear.

"That is nothing Mrs. Bartlett, come as often you need it, this church is more lively with your music."

End of ACT 1
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