The Letter from Belmont.

How the season unfolds

Each beat scaffolds into a real scene + shot when you start the project. Edit, rearrange, or drop any of them as you write.

1. S0101
   The Bridal Suite

   Dawn. Eliza, in her wedding gown's underlayer, watches her maid lace the dress. A music box plays a tune neither admits she remembers.

   Cliffhanger

   The maid presses a sealed letter into her hand. 'It came at four this morning. Don't ask through whom.'

   bridal suite2 cast
2. S0202
   The Handwriting

   Eliza locks the door. The handwriting is Henry's. He was reported dead at Inkerman two years ago.

   Cliffhanger

   'Meet me in the atelier. Before the church. If you cannot come, light the lamp in the east window and I will know.'

   bridal suite1 cast
3. S0303
   The Atelier

   Eliza slips out the servants' door. In the dressmaker's back room: Henry, gaunt, in a borrowed coat, pocket-watch in his hand.

   Cliffhanger

   He hands her the ring she gave him before the war. 'I did not desert. I was sold.'

   couture atelier2 cast
4. S0404
   The Document

   Henry shows Eliza a family-crest document — proof that her fiancé's father paid to have him removed.

   Cliffhanger

   Her fiancé's signature is on the second page.

   couture atelier2 cast
5. S0505
   The Rival in the Garden

   Returning, Eliza meets her sister-in-law-to-be in the zen garden. The rival knows. She has known for months.

   Cliffhanger

   'Marry him today and you bury my brother twice. Refuse and you bury me too.'

   japanese zen garden2 cast
6. S0606
   The Father

   Eliza confronts her future father-in-law in his study. He does not deny the document.

   Cliffhanger

   'A girl of your station does not destroy an empire over a corporal's bones.'

   opera house grand2 cast
7. S0707
   The Estate at Sunset

   Three hours past the appointed bell, Eliza stands on the hilltop estate's lawn. Henry, hatless. The horses are saddled.

   Cliffhanger

   She places the bouquet on the gatepost. 'I am no longer his.'

   hilltop estate sunset2 cast
8. S0808
   The Empty Ballroom

   Inside the mansion, the orchestra waits. The fiancé reads aloud the letter Eliza left on the altar. Guests sit in silence.

   Cliffhanger

   The rival stands. 'I'll have the document, Father. And you'll sign over the estate. Or I read the rest.'

   mansion ballroom3 cast