New York City, 1802. In post-revolutionary war Manhattan, the rich and powerful gather to dance and celebrate the birthday of President George Washington. Among them is a woman whose charmed life is about to change. This is the true story of Elizabeth Ann Seton. The Saints. Adventures of faith and courage. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Episode one, certain doom. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at TheSaintsPodcast.com. What a monumental event! I'm glad you could make it, Lady Martin. How well the Setons look when they dance together. Oh, oh, is that Alexander Hamilton? He doesn't look like I'd imagine he would. Please lower your voice, madam. He might hear you. Who is that lady over there? A toast. A toast. Hush, it's time for the toast. Oh, where's my glass? We are gathered here to celebrate our young country's father, George Washington. New York is honored to celebrate you on this spectacular day, General Washington. Happy birthday, sir. Too many more. To General Washington! To General Washington! Yes! May I have this dance, Mrs. Seton? Why, yes, you may, Mr. Seton. You look well tonight. As do you, Mr. Seton. Any news of the fleet? Not yet. I'm sure they'll arrive soon. They're four days late. Oh, they must have been delayed by the weather. Have you seen Julia yet? No, no sign of her. She promised she'd come. Oh, I love dancing. You're not too tired, love? No, no. We're expecting a very amiable baby who doesn't tire me out. At least, not today. Be a dear and bring me a glass of water. Of course. Oh, Mrs. Seton, you and your husband do look well together. Thank you, Lady Martin. You too, considering your condition. My baby is always like dancing. It really soothes me to see you and William out in public, considering the way your prospects look. Our family is in good health. We have much to be grateful for. But your family? Business? I hear it is all wrapped up in seven ships lost at sea. I can only imagine the agonies you must be suffering. You are a good wife, Elizabeth, to put on such a cheerful front in the face of certain doom. Certain doom? Is it prudent to be so optimistic? And with your fifth baby on the way? Please allow me to enjoy myself until I find out that the Seton ships are sunk in treasure, instead of fruitful investments. Well, is everything all right, Lady Martin? I pray that God will bring you to safe harbor, young man. Elizabeth. Thank you for the water. What was Lady Martin in a huff about? Oh, she advised me to worry more about everything out of my control. Ah. Well, I have happier news. I found Julia on my quest for water and insist you speak with her until you've forgotten all your worries. Julia? My Elizabeth, it's been a fortnight and it's simply egregious. Oh, positively sinful. Oh, you're terrible. How are your little ones? They are well. They ask about Aunt Elizabeth often. I see John waving me over. Excuse me, Elizabeth. Julia? Go ahead, William. Find me here when you finish, darling. I will. Don't wonder. I am ever so excited to introduce you to Reverend Hobart at Holy Trinity tomorrow. I've told him all about you, dearest. What is there to tell? You are my best friend, Julia. I could talk about you for hours. You can talk for hours. Yes, that's true. I told him about the society for widows and orphans we ran while you were in New York. Before I became a widow myself. Yes. I miss him more when I am here in New York. I know. How is William? He looks so pale. He needs more rest. He lays awake at night worrying about those ships. The only place he sleeps soundly is in church. He falls right asleep to Reverend Hobart's sermons. I am sure Anina scolds him roundly for it. Oh yes. She takes her responsibilities as our oldest child very seriously. But come Elizabeth, be honest with me. When are the ships due in Harbor? Four days ago. I see. I tried to take him to the country for some fresh air but he wouldn't hear of it. Spring is coming soon. I'm sure it will bring the color back to his cheeks. I hope so. Elizabeth? William, have you seen my cloak? I'm sure I set it on the chair last night. Why are you getting up already? It's only half past six. That service isn't until ten. There it is. It must have fallen off the hook. Julianne and I are going to the first service at seven. Why? I… well, I want to receive as many communions as I can. What are you, a Catholic? We're Episcopalians. We don't believe in the real presence, right? Or did they change something last week? I slept through the sermon. I don't remember a word of it. We believe it's only a symbol but it… it helps me feel closer to God. So you're going to the ten, too? And the noon. I told you last night, didn't I? Hmm, I forgot. Go back to sleep now so you can stay awake at church. I must go. Julia is waiting downstairs. The children are still asleep and I'll be back in time for breakfast. Have a nice time with Julia. I will. Ready, Julia? Ready! You only have a few months left before the baby is here. Do you think it's a boy or a girl? Oh, I think it's a girl. You thought Anina was a boy? Anina was my first. I had no idea. I knew John would be a boy. How are John and Maria? Growing like weeds. John is the spitting image of his father but he has my personality, poor boy. Oh, I think that's an asset. He's rich in looks and wit. You flatter me. How are you doing? I'm well. It's been four years since Louis died. Sundays are still the hardest. I'm glad I get to be with you this Sunday. Me, too. My mother reminds me often that I can remarry but I can't imagine it. I don't want to. I wouldn't, either. I wonder how my father did it. So quickly, too. He had two little girls to look after and he was a busy man. He was a good man. Just not a very feeling one. Here we are, just in time. Here's our pew. Go ahead, dear. Thank you. God is our Father. We are the passive clay in the hands of the potter. We are the potters and sisters. We are the work of his hand, dependent creatures to an almighty creator. Let us pray to love God's will and abandon ourselves to it, letting the potter shape our lives. Good morning, Reverend Hobart. Good morning, Mrs. Seton. What brings you to the 7 o'clock service today and all alone? Not alone, I've brought my dearest friend Julia with me. And your husband? He'll be back with me and the children for the 10 o'clock. Two in one day? Three. Elizabeth has taken it into her head to receive communion as many times as possible so she can be as close to the good Lord as she can today. An admirable scheme. Can a person go to church too much? Not at all. You have a delicate love for the communion service. You'd think you were Catholic, not a Episcopalian. I assure you I am not a Catholic. I'm English after all. You do have a bit of French in you. Oh, all the Catholics are Irish here. Yes, grubby Irish immigrants. I look forward to seeing you and the rest of your family in a few hours, Mrs. Seton. Yes, I will be back soon. Have a good morning, Reverend Hobart. You too, ladies. Mama, Will won't stop chewing with his mouth open. Close your mouth, Will. My mouth isn't open. Be respectful, Will. William, what do you think of this Louisiana purchase? More than doubles the size of our country. Will it help with American trade? That's the hope. It's a territory, not states yet. Is someone else coming to dinner? No, dear. A messenger come to see a master, Seton. I'll come with you. No, stay. What is it, William? Our ships are wrecked. All of them? All of them. The Seton shipping business is bankrupt. Is there anything to be done? No. God will provide. Will He? William. Father's mouth is bleeding. Anita, take your siblings away. Anne, send for the doctor. Yes, mom. Dick, Kat, Will, come with me. Mama, why is father coughing blood? He's sick, Will. Come with me. Elizabeth. I'm here. I'm here, my love. Oh, God, help us. I'm here. I'm here, my love. Oh, God, help us. I'm here. I'm here. My love. Oh, God, help us. The Mary Beggars is the entertainment division of Relevant Radio.
