STRANGE PARADISE- Episode 158

Episode 158: Slideshow

Susan sits on her bed studying pictures. There is a knock at the door. “Come in.” She says looking at the door. “The door opens and Philip walks in. “The Thaxtons would like you to join them for a drink.” Philip says as he walks over to her. “I don’t drink.” “I know you don’t, they would just like your company.” Philip says as he leans on the bed. “Everyone else has gone out.” “No I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very good company tonight.” “Oh come on down. I’m kind of in the dumps too and maybe we can cheer each other up.” He says as he kneels next to the bed and looks at Susan. “No I don’t like the Drawing Room.” “Well we can’t very well bring them up here.” Philip says with a smile. “No strange things happen to me when I’m in that room. I don’t like it.” “I’ll be with you.” “Look couldn’t we go for a walk instead?” Susan says to him. “No I don’t want to leave the house until Jean Paul and Emily are back.” Philip says as he stands up. “Where did they go?” “Out for a drive.” “Well I’ll come down when they come back okay.” “Well what do I tell the Thaxtons?” “Just make some excuse for me.” “Susan they would just like you to celebrate Jean Paul’s engagement with them.” “I don’t want to. I can’t pretend I’m pleased about it when I’m not.” Susan says as she looks at him. “I thought you were Emily’s friend.” Philip says as he leans on the bed towards her. “Well that’s why I don’t want her to marry Jean Paul.” She says as she crawls across the bed and sits on the edge of it away from Philip. “Well you can stop them.” Philip says to her. “You could if you wanted to.” Susan says as she looks at him. “No even I can’t any longer. Emily has made up her mind.” Philip says as he walks around the bed. “But you’ve got to stop them. She mustn’t marry Jean Paul. His star is against it.” Philip looks at the papers on the bed. “Is that what your charts tell you?” He asks picking up one of the papers. “Don’t make fun of them.” Susan says taking it away from Philip. “You can’t fight the stars.” “You can try. Instead of sulking in your room you might have the common courtesy to consider other people’s feelings for a change.” Susan glances down. “You just don’t understand that’s all.” “You’re right.” Philip says angrily as he walks to the door. He stops and looks at Susan. “I thought you were grown up not some spoiled child throwing a tantrum about things you can’t change.” He turns and walks out the door. Susan looks away.

Ada sits on the couch with a glass of champagne. “Would you like another my dear?” Laslo asks. “No thank you. One drink is quite enough for me.” Laslo walks around the couch and sits next to Ada. “I’m glad to see your not...”

“Drinking so much.” Ada says to him. “Yes as a matter of fact.” Laslo says. “Well there is no reason for me to have to drink so much any more.” “I’m so glad to hear that.” “I’m delighted to know that Cort is going to be working with you.” Ada says. “Yes I’m looking forward to it.” “I know he will be happy with something to occupy his mind. Why don’t you take him down to the office and introduce him to the rest of the men. Let him begin to get involved with the business.” “I intend to do exactly that. There is something I would like to discuss with you.” Laslo says as he looks at her. “What?” “Well I think it would be much easier on you if I took over your business affairs. It would save you all that trouble of facts and figures, papers to read and sign.” “Well it’s true I don’t know very much about it.” Ada says. “I could draw up a power of attorney and then you wouldn’t have to bother with any of it.” “Well wouldn’t it be better if I just turned it over to Cort?” Laslo stands. “Well since eventually my property will belong to him anyway. Why doesn't he just start handling it now?” “He has less experience than you do my dear.” “Perhaps you’re right. Well I’ll talk it over with Jean Paul. He’ll know what I should do.” “Your property has nothing to do with him.” Ada stands. “But it all belongs to the Desmond estate.” “Jean Paul has plenty on his mind. Why burden him?” “If I burden him he will tell me I’m sure. I don’t want to discuss it anymore.” Ada says as she turns and walks out of the room. Laslo walks back to the wine decanters as Philip enters the Drawing Room. “Well where’s your date?” Laslo asks. “She asked me to make her excuses for her. She’s not feeling very well.” Philip says as he walks to the fireplace and leans on the mantel. Laslo walks up to him. “Now that Jean Paul is getting married I suppose you will be leaving us soon.” “I hadn’t really thought about it.” “Don’t you think you should?” Philip smiles. “I can’t see that it has anything to do with you.” “No perhaps I was prying. It’s understandable though, you Desmonds are a fascinating lot.” he says as he walks away. “I’m glad you think so.” “Perhaps there is another reason you are staying.” Laslo says as he steps closer to Philip. “I don’t follow you.” “Well I was thinking you and little Susan could make the occasion a double ceremony.” “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t discuss my personal life.” Laslo turns and looks at Philip as Philip stares at him angrily. Philip turns and walks from the Drawing Room.

Jean Paul and Emily walk up to the front door of the mansion. “Oh that was a lovely ride Jean Paul.” Emily says as she turns towards him. He holds her hands. “And please forgive me for being so irritable earlier.” Emily says. Jean Paul smiles at her as Emily turns and opens the door. They walk into the mansion holding hands. “Darling it’s not your fault, it’s me. You have every right to be.” Jean Paul says as he takes her coat and hangs it up then turns and looks at her. “You’re very much a part of my life you know. But for your own safety there are just some things you can’t know. Trust me.” He says as he holds her in his arms. “I love you very much.” They start to kiss as Laslo enters the foyer. “The happy young couple returns. Ada and I were trying to celebrate by ourselves since no one seems to be about.” Emily pulls away from Jean Paul and walks towards Laslo. “Where is everyone?” “Cort went to town to the movies.” “And Susan?” Emily asks. “She’s upstairs, she’s not feeling very well.” “Okay I think I’ll go upstairs and make sure she’s all right.” Emily says then rushes up the staircase.

Jean Paul hangs up his coat and walks towards the Drawing Room. “Philip isn’t here either?” “No he’s in a bad mood. I must say for a house that is filled with festivities there is a great deal of gloom around.” “Yes it is very quiet tonight.” “It gave Ada and I a chance to talk about Cort’s future.” Jean Paul picks up a glass of champagne. “Well I wouldn’t worry too much about Cort, he’s young and impulsive but he is really a decent boy.” “Well we were wondering if it might be better if he received his part of the Desmond estate before you marry. Keep it in his name as it were.” “Well I don’t think we should rush into these matters. As you know I have most of my affairs in the hands of my lawyers. And after Emily and I are married I think I shall take an interest myself. Of course I shall leave the management of the factory in your competent hands but as far as family investments and real estate I think I might concern myself with that.” Jean Paul says as he walks across the room. “It’s a great deal of work.” “Well who knows I might really get to enjoy it.” Jean Paul says as he puts his glass down. “Then we might not have to depend so much upon you.” Jean Paul says then walks from the room. Laslo turns towards him. “I don’t mind the work.” Jean Paul stops in the doorway and looks back at Laslo. “Oh surely you have many other things to do with your life instead of handling other peoples business affairs.” Jean Paul says then turns and walks out of the Drawing Room.

Emily knocks on Susan’s bedroom door then walks in. “Laslo said that you weren’t feeling well.” Susan sits at her dressing table. “No I just said that to get out from going down and having a drink with him that’s all.” She says with a smile.” “Good I was worried.” Susan stands. “Philip tells me you’re going ahead with the wedding plans after all.” “Yes but we haven’t set a date yet.” “I wish you all the happiness in the world Emily. I really do.” Emily smiles. “Thank you and I wish that you...” Emily starts to say as she holds Susan’s arm. “What do you wish for me?” “Well I hope that someday you find a man who makes you happy as Jean Paul makes me.” Emily says as she lowers her hand. Susan turns away. “I don’t ever to expect to find that person.” “Oh we all think like that sometimes Susan. But then one day a man appears and we look into his eyes and we suddenly realize it’s happened.” Emily says as she steps up to Susan.

“No it’s happened for you but it will never happen for me.” “Well maybe if you give it half a chance it might happen right here.” Susan glances at Emily. “Why did you say that?” “Haven’t you even thought of Philip?” Emily asks as she touches Susan’s arm. “No Philip is marked for unhappiness the same as I am. We’re not a good couple.”” Susan says as she sits down. “Oh I think you are.”

“Emily remember I told you I had dreams about cavaliers and Kings. “Susan I’m not talking about dreams. I’m talking about real people.” Emily says as she knells down in front of Susan. “Now listen I dream about real people but they have different names. And one of them is Philip. Something terrible is going to happen to him. I know that.” Susan says as she looks away. “What’s going to happen to him?” “I don’t know. It’s like a dream I can’t remember.” “Well you should tell Philip.” Susan glances at Emily. “No I’m afraid too.” “But you might save him from what ever is going to happen to him.” Susan stands. “No it’s already happened. It happened a long time ago but I really don’t know what time.” “Susan we all dream about people we know in different situations.” “I know but I’m not asleep when I dream that’s the whole thing.” Emily stands. “I don’t understand.” “Sometimes when I’m talking to someone my mind goes blank. It’s as if it was in someone else’s mind or in a memory.” Susan turns away. “That’s why I’m not quite sane at times. I become someone else in another time.” “In the 17th century?” Emily asks. “Yes.” Susan nods. “And you see the sign, the Mark of Death?” “No, no I’ve only seen that here twice on Cort’s face.” Susan says as she looks at Emily. “I’ve never seen it anyplace else.” “Do you dream about other people besides Philip?” Susan turns away. “I’m not sure. I think I do but there’s a strange feeling when I’m talking to someone. That they have lived in my dream as well.” “Me for instance?” Emily asks. “No. No but Cort and Raxl, as soon as I start seeing them again it just sort of disappears.” “Listen Susan will you promise me something.” Emily says as she touches Susan’s arm. “What’s that?” “The next time this happens to you no matter who you are with or where you are come and tell me about it. Will you do that?” Susan turns away. “Why should you want me to do that?” “I’m sorry I can’t answer that now but just promise me you’ll do it.” Susan nods her head. “Okay I promise.”

Ada knocks on Jean Paul’s bedroom door; she opens it and calls inside. “Jean Paul?” “Yes.” Jean Paul answers as he walks towards the door. “I didn’t mean to disturb you but do you have a minute?” “Of course Ada come in.” “I shouldn’t trouble you with my affairs but what is a power of attorney?” “Oh that’s an agreement between two people which allows another person to handle lets say your business or financial matters without your having to sign any piece of paper. They in effect act for you.” Ada walks across the room, “Well shouldn’t it be a lawyer?” “Not always. It could be a kind of relative you trust. Why do you ask?” Jean Paul says as he walks towards Ada. “Oh Cort mentioned it. I just wanted to know what it was.” “Well I wouldn’t advise giving Cort such authority. He doesn’t have enough experience in business to assume such a responsibility.” Ada walks away from Jean Paul. “Well could Laslo do it?” “If you wish, I don’t see why not. But my advice would still be to talk to a lawyer.” Ada turns and looks at him. “Don’t be alarmed it’s simply that handing ones power of attorney is risky business unless you hand it to someone you trust absolutely.” Ada walks up to him. “Thank you Jean Paul I guess I’ll go talk to Laslo about it.” Philip walks through the doorway of Jean Paul’s room. “I didn’t know you had come back. Can I speak to you?” Philip says to Jean Paul. “Of course.” “I’m just going down to prepare dinner.” Ada says as she walks out of the room. “Did you find Raxl?” Philip asks as he walks into the room. “No we drove all over Desmondton looking for her but not a sign.” “Does she know anyone in town?” Philip asks as he turns away from Jean Paul. “Only the shopkeepers. She seldom leaves Desmond Hall except to do errands.” “Well is Mrs. Hatter a friend of hers?” Philip asks. “Irene? No they don’t get along at all. Why do you ask?” “Well I just saw her going into Mrs. Hatter’s house this morning. I thought it rather curious so I waited and in a little while she came out and returned to Desmond Hall.” Jean Paul turns away. “Are you sure?” He glances back at Philip. “That seems very unlikely.” “I’m positive. Do you mind if I ask Mrs. Hatter?” “Well I really would rather not get her too involved. She’s a nice woman but she is a bit of a gossip.”

“Well I’ll pretend I’m making a social call.” Philip says with a smile, then he turns and walks from the room closing the door behind him.

Emily walks through the hallway. “Philip I was just coming to find you. I said some very rude things to you this afternoon and I want to apologize.” “It’s forgotten already.” Philip says with a smile. “Don’t give it another thought.” “Thank you. I guess Jean Paul told you we couldn’t find Raxl. She must be hiding somewhere.” “Well if she is I think I know where. I’ll be back in a short while. And Emily?” “Yes?” “Stay with Jean Paul and if anything goes wrong just say Orendo, Orendo.” “I will.” “He’ll protect you when I’m not here.” Emily nods as Philip turns and walks away. Emily turns towards Jean Paul’s door when Susan calls out. “Emily! Emily come here! Quick!” Emily rushes down the hallway. Susan stands outside her door. “Please, please hurry!” “What’s the matter?” Emily asks. Susan grabs Emily’s arm and pulls her into her room. “Stay here with me.” “What is it? Tell me!” Susan rushes to the window. “Look.” Emily rushes to the window “I don’t see anything.” “The star!” “What star?” Emily asks. “Jean Paul’s star. The star of death, its there.” “Oh no.” Emily says as she backs away from the window. “Look you’ll be safe here with me.” Susan says to her. “No I promised Philip I would stay with Jean Paul.” “Emily you don’t understand. You’ve got to stay away from him when the star appears.” Emily glances at the doorway.

Jean Paul walks into the Drawing Room and stands in front of Jacques’ portrait. He stares at it then turns away as Laslo enters the room. “Ada says we have time for a drink before dinner. Will you join me?” Laslo asks. “If you would like.” “Good then we can continue our discussion. It’s so seldom we get to discuss business affairs.” Laslo says as he hands Jean Paul a drink. “Ada has already asked my advice.” “Oh what about?” Laslo asks. “About power of attorney.” “And what did you tell her?” “I told her it would be best to deal with her lawyer.”

“The Desmond estates are so complicated. So much property here and abroad. So many investments.” Laslo says to him as he walks across the room. “Yes we really aught to divide it up equally you know. There is enough to go around for everyone.” Jean Paul says as he walks closer to Laslo. “I suggested that Ada aught to receive her share now. And Cort too.” Laslo says as he turns towards Jean Paul. “Cort’s portion is to be held in trust for him until he’s twenty-five as mine was.” “What about Philip?” “Philip, well Philip is not eligible to inherit any of the estate. He’s from an entirely different branch of the family.” Jean Paul says as he walks away Laslo. “Oh I thought perhaps that’s why he remained at Desmond Hall so long. To stake out a claim.” Jean Paul looks at him. “Don’t be crude Laslo.” “Well since no one has seen fit to inform me of his presence I just made assumptions.” “Well I assure you after Emily and I are married then all this will be settled. I mean there is no great race is there?” Jean Paul says as he walks towards Laslo. “Well marriage changes a man’s financial situations. He takes on new responsibilities and obligations. There are wills to be filled, trusts to be established.” “You sound as if you are talking about my funeral instead of my wedding.” “One can’t be too careful in matters of money.” Ada steps into the Drawing Room. “Well dinner is ready. Would you mind telling the others Jean Paul.” “Yes. I don’t know if Philip will be back in time. I don’t think we had better hold dinner for him but I’ll check with Emily and Susan.” Jean Paul says as he sits his glass down and walks from the room. Laslo looks at Ada. “So you did talk to Jean Paul about the matter we discussed earlier.” “Well since it is my money I decided to seek his counseling.” “I suggested you not.” Laslo says to her. “Well I prefer to handle my own affairs in my own way.” “What does that mean?” “It means Laslo that things are quite different from what they were when we were first married.” Ada says as she walks to the table and straightens up the glasses. “Ada you haven’t forgiven me for Irene have you?” Ada looks at him. “It merely means that I’ve decided to retain control of my income and it goes to Cort when I die.”

Susan stands at the window looking at the sky. “Is it still there?” Emily asks. “No it’s gone. It comes and goes. But it will come out again late tonight.” Susan says as she turns towards Emily. “Then may I go now?” Emily asks as she walks across the room. “If you want to.” Emily glances back at her. “Susan please don’t be angry with me. I know you’re trying to help me and I do appreciate it.”

Jean Paul knocks on the door. “Dinners ready.” He tells them. “We’ll be down in a minute Jean Paul.” Emily calls out. Jean Paul turns and walks down the hallway. He hears the heartbeat, he stops and turning he rushes into his room locking the door. He is leaning against the door when someone knocks at his door. “Jean Paul.” Emily calls out. “Emily go down without me.” “Let me in.”

“No please do as I tell you. Go down with Susan and wait until Philip comes back.” “Are you all right?” “I will be all right if you do as I tell you now promise.” Jean Paul says then steps away from the door and rushes to the window. He sees the star in the sky. He turns away. “No, no!” he shouts as he knocks the lamp onto the bed. He then falls upon the bed.

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Summaries written by Debby Graham . The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.

~Ron/Bella~
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