The Duke of Braintree Finds His Guiding Light

"I must be off to Paris now. We cannot defeat the British alone, so I must secure the cooperation of the French."

"But father, what about us?"

"That cannot be helped. My country calls and I must answer her need."

"But what about our needs, father? What about your family?"

"It is not my wish to be away so far from home, but surely you understand I must go. Without aid from the French we are lost."

"Yes father, but at what cost? Is losing your family not too high a price to pay?"

"You look after your mother while I'm away. Be strong my son, as we all shall be strong, for the future or our nation depends on it."

(Oh, man, this John Adams miniseries is great stuff, isn't it? What other TV drama delivers such a mawkish blend of 5th grade history and primetime soap opera. You know, I think I'd like to try to write an episode myself. Just to see if I could do it. Maybe it'd go something like this. )

"I don't know what to say, Abigail. This has never happened to me before."

"It's alright John. You've been under a great deal of stress lately, that's all. You must try to relax."

"Relax? Relax!? While that scoundrel Hamilton sounds the drumbeats of war? He would destroy this nation with his wrackful war with France."

"John you must not think of such things. They tense you up and...and...well, you see what happens."

"For heaven's sake, I'm not a machine Abigail. What would you have me do?"

"Is there no word from Marshall? We may yet have peace with France. I know Thomas would like that."

"Oh would he? No more than to see himself in my place. I'm afraid no peace can salve the bruise which Mr. Jefferson's stubbornness has brought upon this nation."

"He is a man of principle and worthy of admiration. You cannot expect him to compromise his principles."

"No, but as a true patriot I can expect his support. I'm afraid all he has done is turn from me now when I need him the most."

"You speak too harshly of him, John. Surely, if you only understood..."

"You were always fond of Thomas. Too fond, perhaps."

"Don't be silly John. I merely said..."

"Those nights in Paris when you were away. You told me you were nursing a sick friend. Is that really where you were?"

"What are you saying? Do you think I..."

"Yes I remember now. Those walks in the garden, just the two of you. Him, charming as ever and you giggling like a little girl. I saw you two, but I never thought that..."

"Stop it John. I'll hear no more of this foolish talk. I've always like Thomas and have never kept that from you. We are friends, that's all."

"Is it?"

"Yes, friends and nothing more. It's not like you to be envious and jealous, particularly without cause. It's because Thomas favors the rights of states and you the need for a strong federal government that you torment me so."

"Tell me Abigail, and be truthful now. Is Charles really my son?"

(slap)

"He has another mistress. Did you know that Abigail?"

"You're a liar and a jealous old fool."

"No, it's true. Perhaps you've met her. She's the slave girl Sally Hemmings."

"Sl...Sl...Slave girl? Thomas would never...he is too honorable a man."

"Yes, the slave Sally Hemmings. What? Did he not tell you? The esteemed and honorable Mr. Jefferson forgot to mention that. Oh ho, that is rich."

"I've always been faithful to you John. Even on the darkness of nights, though my soul cried with loneliness, and you too busy to even write me a letter. You cannot know the suffering, and now to be paid so cruelly for my tears. What have I ever done to bring on such reprobation? Why do you treat me so?"

"My dear, suffering wife. It is not you. It is France. They would have us pay to ransom our peace. Such insults cannot be borne lightly, and the Congress would have me deliver our reply at the point of a sword, though such a reply would be our ruin. I am fairly vexed by this business and now find myself turning on you. Will you forgive me Abigail?"

(a knock comes on the door)

"Yes, what is it?"

"News from John Quincy, father."

"News? What news?"

(he opens the door and opens the letter)

"What is it John?"

"France has signed the treaty. There is to be peace between our two nations."

"Oh John, it is the news we have been waiting for."

"Yes. The nation is safe and I...I...I feel a new vigor."

"Do you mean..."

"Come here woman."

"Why yes, Mr. President."

Stay tuned for scenes from next weeks episode.