EPISODE 315
Written by: Bre L Drew
November 5, 2024
Last Time on Town and Country
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Aaliyah advised Mala to keep the wedding small since Jai and Mala had a large ceremony years ago.
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Lenny and Louise were devastated when Dr. Saddleman revealed that neither Louise, Sean, nor Tanner was a match for the bone marrow transplant. Lenny also confided in Elijah that her life feels defined by cancer, as he tends to treat her as fragile.
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Despite being married to Jordan, Tommy still has lingering feelings for Tanner, which Tanner resists, wanting to stay faithful to Presley and avoid breaking up Tommy's family.
VICTORY COTTAGE
Meanwhile, in her home in the cozy nook of the kitchen in Victory Cottage on an autumn late afternoon, Mala Gupta is on the phone with her best friend, Lena Choudhury, despite the six-hour time difference. Lena's vibrant voice shows no sign of tiredness as the two lifelong friends chat excitedly about the architect’s upcoming wedding.
Jai Gupta, using his spare key, steps inside the home where his adult children and former wife—now fiancée—reside. The familiar inflection of Mala’s English accent cascades through the house, and as he makes his way into the kitchen, the sight of her brings a smile to his face. She turns at the sound of him and grins back, her eyes sparkling as he walks over and plants a hearty kiss on her lips.
She soon returns to her phone call, but not without a quick wink in his direction. "I’ve got to go," Mala says, still laughing. "It’s so good talking to you—Jai says hello! We can’t wait to see you." She listens briefly. "Alright, talk soon. Give our love to Raj and Jes too. Ciao!"
"Hi, you,” she says flirtatiously.
Jai stands, crossing his arms with a knowing smile. “So, from that little bit of conversation, I take it you told Lena we finally set a date?”
“I sure did,” she nods, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
“Well,” Jai muses, “The three of them were part of our first wedding, so it makes sense they’d come to this one too.”
Standing to her full height, Mala’s voice lowers. “For now, it looks like it’ll just be Raj and Lena. Jes has a big case and is unsure whether she can get time off on such short notice.”
Jes, Lena, and Raj’s thirtysomething daughter is a thriving attorney in Canada.
Jai nods understandingly as Mala steps closer. He wraps his arms around her, drawing her into him.
“You think a month is enough time for us to wed?” he murmurs, his tone filled with warmth.
Since their first wedding had been a grand affair, Mala, inspired by her daughter Aaliyah, imagined this one as a smaller, intimate ceremony in the cottage’s backyard.
She smiles, her head tilting in quiet assurance. “We’ve been apart far too long. And on November 18th, we’ll start a new chapter,” she says, her eyes shimmering. “No more bookmarks,”
“That’s what I like to hear,” Jai replies
Mala looks up at Jai, her eyes warm. "You know, you’ve always been the one constant in my life. Even in my rebellious days, you were there, no matter what happened."
Jai nods, a hint of nostalgia crossing his face. "I like to think that girl would be proud of the woman she became."
Mala’s expression shifts, a spark of apprehension in her smile. "Well, this woman thinks it’s time we discuss something else," she says, her voice secretive.
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
Inside the main house on Franklin Farm, Sarah Lynn Saunders pours two cups of tea and brings them to the kitchen table, where her eldest daughter, Louise Saunders Lockhart, sits waiting, her face clouded with worry.
"It's just that the thought that none of us—not Sean, not Tanner, not me—are matches for Lenny…” Her voice catches, trailing off. Lenny, one of her fraternal twin daughters is battling acute myeloid leukemia, and each day without a match adds to the weight on her heart.
Lenny is outside with Elijah, and her concern growing due to Lenny's weakened immune system. The cold air made her wonder if it was wise for Lenny to be out, but she decided not to dwell on it even though she was trying to find the right balance between caring and an overbearing parent.
Sarah Lynn reaches across the table, placing a warm, steady hand over Louise’s. “I know it’s hard, but things will work out. Lenny’s strong. She's going to make it through this and live a long, beautiful life.” Her voice is calm, full of a quiet belief, lending Louise some much-needed reassurance.
She had witnessed the changes her granddaughter had been going through since the cancer diagnosis, including shaving her head due to it falling out because of the chemotherapy.
Taking a slow sip of her tea, Sarah Lynn adds, “I went and got tested myself the other day. Hopefully the results will have a better outcome than your sister's."
She gives Louise a small, understanding nod, knowing how tense things can be between her daughters.
Before going away on tour with her band Martha had gotten tested to see if she was a bone marrow match however it turned out she wasn't.
Louise’s face softens a bit, appreciative that Martha, despite their differences, took the time to be tested. “Well, for all the talk she’s done over the years about making something of herself with her music, she’s actually doing it,” Louise says, her tone a mix of exasperation and reluctant admiration. “Even if it means she’s on tour with her ex."
Due to an act dropping out at the eleventh hour, Martha's former fling and her son’s father, Murray, offered her and the band the chance to take their spot.
Sarah Lynn sighs knowingly. “That’s… causing some friction between her and Samuel,” she says carefully, though a hint of worry lingers in her voice. “But I’d rather not get into it right now.”
Louise nods, but as she takes a pensive sip of her tea, her expression grows strained. “I just don’t know how much longer I can bear watching Lenny go through hell,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
FRANKLIN FARM
The sun slips lower, casting a warm, fading glow over Franklin Farm as Lenny Lockhart and Elijah Barker sit on the porch swing, the gentle creak of the swing blending with the soft rustle of leaves around them. They’re wrapped together in a throw blanket, sheltering from the chill.
"I'll never get tired of it," Lenny says quietly, her gaze fixed on the land stretching out before them.
"I know," Elijah replies, glancing at her with a delicate smile. I want you to know, if you ever want to talk, I'm right here," he says, his voice gentle.
Lenny turns to him, her close-cropped hair making her look both fierce and fragile. "Look, it pisses me off that my mom, dad, or Tan aren't a match," she admits, her voice steady but distant. "But more of the family is getting tested, and one of them should be a match." She trails off, and Elijah can hear the doubt creeping in.
He starts to speak, then remembers what he’d been told—to listen, to be there, without offering advice just yet.
LOCKHART LAKE COTTAGE
For the first time in sixteen years, Tanner Lockhart wasn’t weighed down by schoolwork. Having taken a gap year after college graduation this past spring, she was here for her sister Lenny instead of diving straight into vet school, her longtime goal. Now, Tanner sits in the living room of her family’s cottage, catching up on the latest season of Hacks on Max.
Just as Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance gears up for another sharp-tongued comeback, the doorbell rings, interrupting Tanner’s moment of much-needed laughter. With a sigh, she grabs the remote and pauses the show.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” she mutters to herself, pulling herself off the couch. She’s dressed in a relaxed burgundy sweatshirt with "Los Angeles" emblazoned across it, paired with well-worn blue jeans, her brown hair pulled back into a loose ponytail.
When she opens the door, she’s met with a surprise.
“Hi,” she says, blinking at the sight of Tommy Covington standing in the doorway. He’s bundled up against the chill in a black track jacket layered over a white Henley and jeans.
“Look, I know this might not be a great time,” Tommy says with a determined glance, “but can you let me in? It’s freezing out here.”
Without a word, Tanner steps aside to let her ex-boyfriend in, her thoughts spinning as she shuts the door behind him. It had been a long time since he’d been in this house, and she couldn’t help but wonder why he’s here now.
Tommy gives her a knowing look as he steps into the warm, familiar space. "You’re probably wondering why I’m here?”
Tanner nods, her expression guarded. “Yeah, I am.”
He hesitates, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I wanted you to know that I'm now working at Covington."
"Well, you always wanted to work at your family company," Tanner mentions recalling how he wanted to work his way up and not be given a leg up due to his surname. "But I think that could've been said in a text."
Tommy moves his head like he's contemplating the next response. "Well, friends tend to tell each other good news. I mean we're still friends aren't we?"
Tanner gives a small sigh, crossing her arms as she leans against the doorframe. “I think it is, but I’m not sure your wife or my boyfriend would agree.”
Tommy frowns, considering her words. “So, the reverend does have a problem with us being close?”
Tanner glances down, a hint of frustration in her voice. “Things have been tense between us lately." she says of her relationship with Presley.
Their friendship, along with Thora pressing her about not wanting either of her children hurt by Tommy and Tanner, makes her sort of apprehensive.
He lets out a breath, nodding. “Yeah, I guess there’s no way around it. But… I’m here, Tanner, because I just needed to see you. Not to complicate anything, just… as a friend.”
She studies his face for a moment, sensing the sincerity in his eyes but also the unspoken feelings lingering he still holds for her. "Are you here as just a friend, or… is there more to it?"
VICTORY COTTAGE
Jai lets go of Mala and steps back slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Should I be alarmed?" he teases.
Mala just laughs. "Hardly. I was thinking, that since we’re getting married, it only makes sense we take the next step. I want you to move in."
Jai’s shoulders relax, and he lets out a relieved laugh. "Are you sure?"
Mala tilts her head, her dark hair brushing past her shoulders. "I’m sure. It makes sense. But if you have any reservations, don’t hesitate to say so."
Jai chuckles, his nerves fading. "No reservations here. I’d be happy to move in—and I can find someone to take over my lease."
Mala grins satisfyingly. "Good," her voice softening.
With that settled, the two exchange a knowing look before heading upstairs toward the bedroom, ready to share an intimate moment together.
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
Sarah Lynn looks at Louise, her expression softening. “There is no doubt in my mind that your father is looking down on all of us doing what he can to guarantee the best outcome."
The mention of the late patriarch and farmer makes Louise hope wherever he is he will do exactly that though at times she is unsure of the outcome that's ahead which in a way terrifies her.
The younger blonde sighs, a hint of frustration in her tone. “I wish I had more of your faith, Mom."
Sarah Lynn places a supportive hand over her daughter's. "I'm not going to lie to you Louise, sometimes it's hard to maintain it but I do believe Lenny is too strong not to come through this."
FRANKLIN FARM
Lenny lets out a soft sigh, shaking her head with a small smile. "That's great, but usually when I talk with you, I want to hear feedback too. That’s how we usually are."
Elijah nods as he looks out at the fields. "I know, but... you told me sometimes you get tired of talking about..." He trails off, unsure.
"Cancer," Lenny finishes for him. "Don't worry I don't think it's contagious," she says using dark humor.
"Yeah," he says, turning to her, his face thoughtful. "I just didn’t want to push it, you know? I want to be respectful."
"Elijah, I get it, but you don’t have to tiptoe around me. I’m still me, even if I’m going through this."
He lets out a breath, relieved, and manages a small laugh. "Alright, thanks. And sorry if I’ve been too quiet."
"You don’t have to apologize," she mutters. "Just a suggestion how about our next conversation we talk about sports or the new cute picture of your baby cousin."
The first-year law student received a photo via text of the little boy named Simon from his mother, Elijah's paternal first cousin.
Elijah nods obligingly as they slip back into silence, a deep, quiet understanding passing between them. Then, without another word, Lenny leans in and kisses Elijah, they pull apart, resting their heads together as they watch the sun dip below the horizon, savoring the moment despite all that lies ahead.
LOCKHART LAKE COTTAGE
Now settled in the living room, Tommy watches Tanner carefully. “I wanted to see how you’re doing,” he says. "How’s Lenny?”
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“She’s hanging in there, doing the best she can. I mean I'm her twin and I wasn't even a match." Tanner then shakes her head at the result.
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Tommy nods solemnly. “I know how tough it is, watching someone you love go through that kind of hell.” He pauses a flicker of pain in his eyes mentally reminiscing on how he lost his mother to breast cancer when he was fourteen.
Tanner’s face softens. “I appreciate you caring about her, and… about me,” she adds gently. “But I’m not coming between you and Jordan, especially with Jeremy in the picture. He doesn’t deserve a broken family—even if one parent is miserable.”
Tommy’s expression shifts, frustration creeping in. “You don’t have to be so damn noble, Tanner. We should be together. You know the years we lost were because of my fuck ups.”
“That’s beside the point, Tommy. We’re with other people now, and even if we weren’t... She trails off, shaking her head.
Tommy steps closer. “Then what? No more excuses, Tanner. You know, deep down, we belong together.”
Caught between feelings, Tanner looks away. As he leans in, she pulls back, turning her back to him, her emotions barely contained at the near kiss.
Tommy’s face falls, and he nods in resignation. He lingers for a moment, giving her one last, longing look before heading to the door. Tanner closes it behind him; she's left in emotional turmoil.
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
Is Joel a father?
Daniel spots an opportunity.
Tanner and Tommy confide to those nearest.
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