Spencer's home, second floor – Day
Outside he saw the market town streets bustle. Filthy. Pigs roam free. He goes back into his study and it's decorated in Early-American Mad Scientist: books, papers and jars of chemicals. Charts of anatomy above a small bed.
"Such a day for such a sad farewell. But, this is goodbye, my sweet."
At the window, he holds a bird cage with a red cardinal inside. He opens the cage. The bird flies free. Spencer watches it go, then looks down. He sees a coach halt in the street below and the forlorn driver looks up.
Spencer's couch – Day
The couch is in motion. Spencer absently studies his hands, touching the strange scars on both palms: evenly dispersed, tiny dots of tissues and many scars. Spencer lifts a leather satchel, checking its contents.
Upstate forests – Day
Two families of migrant workers travel a path, leading over-burdened horses. Spencer's coach approaches from the other direction. Spencer looks out, unnerved.
One gaunt man watches Spencer pass. There is a dead and worried look in the man's eyes. Other people stare at Spencer.
Sleepy Hollow, the long straight road – Dusk
Spencer faces two massive, vine-covered pillars, unsure. He turns to watch the driver lead the coach away.
Spencer walks between the two pillars to a long straight road. He does not notice that above him are three dead ravens hanging from a tree limb, twine wrapped round their necks.
Sleepy Hollow, Town Square – Dusk
Spencer walks on with baggage. The square is empty, a church and graveyard at one end. The road ahead is bordered by businesses and homes. Conversations drift from a tavern. A criminal sits in stocks. He hears crying and looks for its source. It's from a window above. He believes its the sobbing of an old woman.
Archer Estate – Night
Spencer sees a belltower stand tall, like a mast pole with a crow's nest basket atop. There's a man in the basket and a huge bell. Spencer ponders this as he continues. Ahead on a hill: the grand Archer Manor House.
Archer Manor House, Sitting Room – Night
Many children, in a circle, taunt a blindfolded young woman spun round by the handsome, barrel chested man, Nathan Harris. A few young men and ladies watch. Nathan releases the woman. Everyone quiets and avoids her searching hands.
"This is such a silly game." Lila Archer complains.
"Be a sport and stop complaining." Nathan tells her.
She moves to Nathan's voice. He backs away and peers by Glenn and Theodore and the children laugh.
Spencer enters, clearing his throat. No one notices. The blindfolded Lila keeps grasping. A little girl sees Spencer and goes to him, finger to her lips.
"Play along. You must."
She tugs him. Before Spencer can protest, he is placed in Lila's grip.
"There, I have someone. Am I finished?" Lila asks the group
"You have to tell who it is." The little girl tells her while giggling.
"Is this Theodore?"
"I'm sorry I'm just a guest." Spencer tells her.
"Well have a kiss on account." Lila kisses his cheek.
Nathan sees this and becomes jealous.
"Excuse me, Miss…" Spencer takes her hands. "They have a laugh at your expense."
Lila takes the kerchief off to reveal a stunning beauty: Lila Archer. Spencer tries to compose himself.
"Forgive me, I didn't know."
"I…I am looking for William Archer."
"We haven't heard your name yet, friend." Nathan tells him.
"Well, unless your name is William, you should not worry over mine."
Nathan grabs Spencer's collar, pissed. Spencer's baffled.
"You need some manners."
"Nathan!" Lila tells him angrily.
Nathan looks at her and reluctantly releases Spencer.
"What is this, then?"
Spencer turns his attention to the voice as William and Isabella Archer enter the room.
"Can I help you, sir?" William asks Spencer.
Spencer's relieved to have a proper focal point. Children gather around Lila and hide behind her.
"I have been sent from the city with a letter of introduction. I am told you offer me room and board." Spencer hands over the papers. William reads and furrows his brow. "If we could speak alone."
William nods and then looks to Lila. "This is not a time for frivolity, Lila, is it? Am I mistaken?"
"They're only children, father."
William snorts, then exits with Spencer. The others huddle to gossip, except Lila, who moves besides her step mother to watch Spencer and William walk down the hall.
How do you think about Lila. I wanted to see if I could incorporate her characteristic from Somebody's Watching and put it in the 1799 setting. Tell me your thoughts by reviewing or PM me.