An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008)

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TILLY: Dear Mrs. Caldwell,
my friend and neighbor,
Mr. Gideon Hopkins,

had the pleasure to make your
acquaintance this summer

on a ferry trip
from Cyprus to Crete.

If you are reading this,
it means that

his first suspicions
have been confirmed.

You, Mrs. Caldwell,
are my mother.

I trust I will be forgiven
for not remembering
when or why we parted.

My beloved husband
was recently
kidnapped by Gypsies

and I must admit
the experience has
left me somewhat undone.

Deprived of his protection,
my children and I
live like wild animals,

demented by hunger
and at risk of
losing shelter as well.

We are kept
afloat by one hope,

that, having been
alerted to our plight,

you will joyfully embrace
your maternal responsibility

and restore us
to our former lives.

Anxiously
awaiting your reply.

Yours sincerely, Mary.

Chapter One. The Letter.

By which our story begins.

Good morning, Tilly.
Mmm-hmm.

Thank you.

Have a good day.

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

What could be
keeping Mother?

(SIGHING) She's
delivering a baby.

How much time
could it take?

She's been gone
all night and
half the day.

(BABY CRYING)

Don't worry,
she's well.

I found it.
The serving platter.

Lovely.

At this rate,
I'll miss the post.

The post office
can do without your
hovering for one day.

I'm not hovering.

I shall die of shock
if this mysterious
letter ever arrives.

Here's flour.
It's all we have.

We better put it away
so it doesn't get wasted.

What are you doing?

Planning Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving
is two weeks away.

I've been over the pantry.

It seems we need
pudding, cranberries,

mashed potatoes,
turkey and pies.

Basically everything.

It's not like
other years.

We may not have
a Thanksgiving, Solomon.

This way,
we won't be tempted.

(SOLOMON GRUNTING)
Watch yourself, Solomon.
Solomon!

It was an accident, Mother.

(CHUCKLING) Well,
at least you kept busy.

(ALL LAUGHING)

There won't be
pudding and there
won't be pies,

but we'll have
each other,

and that's what
Thanksgiving is all about.

But we have
each other
all the time.

Pudding is what
you look forward to.

We can look forward
to a very special
Thanksgiving.

SOLOMON: With no pudding?

MARY: No pudding.

No turkey?
No cranberries?

And no stuffing
and no gravy.

How?

If we can't put
dinner on the table,

then at least we can
put it on the tablecloth.

Is this another
stitching project?

We have much leftover cloth
that can be cut into
turkeys and pilgrims.

We'll make it
together over the
next couple of weeks.

Can I cut the cloth?

Everyone can cut the cloth.

How's Mrs. Yule?

She's very well,
all things considered.

Not well enough to pay.

Tilly's cross about
missing the post.

I went by
the post office
on my way home.

And?

Gideon's back
from college.

Gad's back!

That's what they
told me. Came home
on the morning coach.

Mother!

You're an angel.
You're a saint.

What about the letter?

It doesn't matter!
Gad's back!

You're not going!

Why shouldn't I?
Mrs. Hopkins hates us.

She doesn't hate us.
She won't even
know I'm there.

What are you doing?

Coming with you.

Listen, you can't.
Prudence, this is
terribly important.

Everything's
important to you.

If I used that as my guide,
I should never do anything.

I think Gad found
our grandmother.

The one Mother
won't talk about.
And she's rich.

Rich?
Extremely.

(SIGHING) Tilly...

I wrote her a letter
asking for help,

which Gad was
going to deliver
were she our grandmother.

If mother found out,
she would die.

Which is why I need to
speak with him privately.

MRS. HOPKINS:
Pamela, what is this?

I'll tell you.
That is a fingerprint.

And a fingerprint
does not belong
on a door,

and nothing belongs
on this door because...

I'd like you to start
with the bedroom,
and this time

I'd like you to lift up
my perfume bottles, please.

When you do
the dusting, dust.

Byron.

GAD: Perhaps
you require more privacy.

Gideon!

He's meant for you.

Why didn't you write
you were coming?

It was meant to be
a surprise.

Ow!

Well, that was
a nasty trick.

Trick?
Yes.

You've completely changed.

I can see you haven't.

I've matured more than
it might first appear.

So I see.

You've been away
for decades.

How many languages
do you speak now? Three?

How are you, Tilly?

There must be
a more compelling topic.

Whenever I wrote to you
about your father
you never answered.

No one knows more
about losing
a loved one than I do.

Don't let's talk
about this, Gideon. Please.

Mother says that
you're behind on the rent.

There must be something
I can do to help you.

Give me your news.

News?

I see, I shall
have to t*rture you,
Lord Stickywicket,

if I mean to
get at the truth.

Never, Madam Busybody!
I will die before
giving up my secrets.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

(MRS. HOPKINS CHATTERING)

(GIGGLING)

Mrs. Caldwell?

Were my suspicions
confirmed?

Is she my grandmother?

(SIGHING) She is.

What is she like?

In body, well-favored.
In speech, eloquent.
In manner, refined.

Go on.

She lives in a house
as big as a palace,

paintings by all
the great masters.

Name them.

Cezanne.

You lie.
Degas.

Gideon.

She's well-read.

Keeping up with her
in conversation is
like dancing on coals.

My letter.
Was it delivered?

Tilly...

Did she read it?

Yes.

What did she say?

She threw it away.

I'm so sorry.

Don't be silly.

It's not right.

After all,
what did I expect?

She doesn't know
what she's missing.

There must be
some reason they haven't
spoken in all this time.

GAD: Till.

Don't forget.

I was just saying
to myself, "I wonder

"how those poor
children are doing?"

And here you are,
right before my eyes.
How is your mother?

Very well.
Oh, she must be dreadful.

Such a... A robust
husband stolen from her
in the prime of life.

It's late.

Do give her my best.

What a pity
they live in such
wretched circumstances.

They would otherwise
be good company.
Now I am so often alone.

(CRYING)

Good sir, hello.
It is I, Mathilda Bassett.

Inspired by your
great words and noble
countenance to ask for help.

I have done all
that is in my power
to save my family.

Without some intervention
we are sure to lose
what little we have left.

I make no
frivolous petition.

In return for your aid
I am prepared to become
your postulant,

sacrificing my creature
comforts entirely

and devoting my life
and writing to
the pursuit of nothing

but beauty and truth.

Tilly!
What are you doing?

Come inside!

Whatever possessed you?

Papa put in potatoes
last year.

Tilly, we won't starve.

(SIGHING) Our
storage bins are empty.

I'm working
and so are you.

There must be
more than just us,

some relatives
we could ask
for assistance?

Your father's family
is in Ireland.

What about yours?

They're still alive,
aren't they?

Some bargains
are too costly to make.

TILLY: I've spent
many hours trying to unravel
the mystery of my mother.

One thing I know
about her past

was that she at one time
owned a skittish horse.

That is how she
met my father, Ellis Bassett.

She was trapped
under a bridge
in Central Park,

unable to get
the terrified beast to move
until, happening upon them,

my father began
singing to it in Gaelic.

According to him,
by the time they
got home he had proposed.

Years later,
my father revealed

that his songs were
actually off-color jokes,

the horse, like my mother,
being badly in need
of a good laugh.

Wake up.

Wake up, Tilly!
There's been an accident.

They sent for Mother.
Dr. Boland's
away on holiday.

MARY: Perhaps
if you kept more
reasonable hours

you wouldn't find it
so difficult to
rouse yourself.

I'm awake most mornings
before Prudence or Solomon.

(CHUCKLING)
Mathilda Bassett.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
Look! Look at
all the dresses.

Mary Bassett.
Thank goodness,

someone who knows
what to do.

Is anyone hurt?

WOMAN: The coachman.

MARY: Where are you hurt?
Your wrist?

Stand back now!
Clear the way. Stay back.

She's like a queen.

ISABELLA: How is it?

I'm worried
about that axle.

It could take a few days.

Oh, well, that's all right.

I'm here to
visit my daughter.

Your daughter?
Well, who would that be?

That would be me.

TILLY: Chapter Two.
Pandora's Box.

Containing,
among other things
a great many dresses,

a strained reunion and a fox.

You know what they say?

After a society lady
wears a dress once,
she throws it away.

Don't be silly.

If she's so well off,
I don't see why she can't
find a place to stay.

Why do we have to
sleep up here?
It's always so cold.

Do you want
a Thanksgiving turkey?

Then you'd
best behave. Okay?

How can all of you fit
in such a small space?

We consider
ourselves fortunate.

Present circumstances
notwithstanding.

You seem well.

Well enough.

You have your health.

How long can we
expect to indulge
in these pleasantries?

If you prefer,
we can dispense
with them immediately.

What is it
you require?

Require?

Money.
I require nothing.

Your husband is kidnapped

and you without
the means to pay the rent.

My husband is dead.

Well, I hope you
didn't bring me here
to make me a fool.

Well, I didn't
bring you here at all.

Well, you must have known
I couldn't read such
a letter and put it aside.

Letter?
All that talk of

wild animals
and Gypsies.

It seemed you had
become unhinged.

I could not
very well have that
on my conscience, could I?

This letter,
may I see it?

These are difficult times.

I'm not always
in my right mind.

"Kidnapped by Gypsies."

"Live like wild animals."

It seems I have
overstated my case.

I see.

My children and I have
no need of your help.

Well, I shall remove
myself to a hotel.

You're welcome
to stay until your
carriage is repaired.

I don't wish to
inconvenience you.

As the cause of
this misunderstanding
it's the least that I can do.

(SOLOMON EXCLAIMING)
Solomon!

(EXCLAIMS)

Solomon Bassett!
Give that to me
this instant!

Where did you get this?

I... I think
I shall lie down.

(SIGHING)

Why did you ask
about my family

when you had
already taken matters
into your own hands?

My words must mean
nothing to you.

I didn't know
what else to do.

Ever since your
father d*ed you behave
as if there's no one left.

Have you once gone
to bed hungry in my care?

Have you been cold?

No.

I may not be as spirited
as your father was,
but I deserve your trust.

I'm sorry.

I just thought, with
the holidays upon us,
we've had so little.

She's come all this way.

Why don't you
let her help us?

The only person
that my mother
helps is herself.

PRUDENCE:
What's she doing?

As a rule, it is
advisable not to spy.

In some countries,
they gouge out your eyes.

TILLY: Solomon
did not return the fox.

He understood it was
important to return it,

if not to secure
his Thanksgiving turkey,
then for his mother's sake,

but it had
a certain hold over him,

like a four-leaf clover
or a rabbit's foot.

In its company
he felt braver

and more certain than he had
since his father passed away.

He became convinced
that as long as he kept it,

they would all be protected
from further harm.

(ROOSTER CROWING)

(SIGHS)

Oh.

(GROANS IN DISGUST)

What? No,
thank you, no! What?

Mr. Yule!

Mother. My mother.

(COUGHING)

He helps with the farm.

What kind of help
can such a man be?

His name is Abel Yule
and he was injured
in the w*r. He can't speak.

We invited him to work
so that his family
would be taken care of.

(MARY AND ISABELLA CHATTERING)

MARY: Is it possible
for us all to survive?

Your love of virtue
renders you somewhat

insensible to the realities
of your situation.

You should consider
keeping him
at a greater distance,

if not for yourself,
then for the safety
of your children.

You have nothing
to say about how I
raise my children.

You could have had
anything you wanted.
The best education.

Tours of Europe.
Personal acquaintance
with well-bred men and women.

Money is the only thing
you can imagine wanting,
isn't it?

I feared it would
come to this.
Ah!

You have no idea
what it has come to!

Ellis Bassett
was a vagrant!
A vagrant!

He was the finest man
I ever met in my life.

I pity you and all your
well-bred friends.

TILLY: Chapter Three.
Fox in a Henhouse.

Mary Bassett,
you do keep the most
extraordinary secrets.

To think your father
was Harold Caldwell,

the greatest importer
of silk and tea this
country has ever seen.

You are well informed.

Oh, dear, and you,
Mrs. Caldwell,
are most fortunate

to have had
such a husband.

I find liberty to be
a better husband
than he was.

(CHUCKLES)

It... It does seem
frightfully early, I know.

But as I said
to Mr. Hopkins,

I didn't want to miss
the opportunity to meet.

Wouldn't that
have been a pity?

Speaking of silk,
Mrs. Hopkins.

What exactly
is the substance
of your attire?

It's so original.

This? It's flax.

Flax?
Mmm.

Well, isn't that
what the poor
eat for breakfast?

Isn't it?
MR. HOPKINS: Um...

Mrs. Hopkins
is in mourning.

The Hopkins lost
three sons to scarlet fever
nearly five years ago.

I am so sorry.

Since then I can't bear
to wear anything too fancy.

If I may,
Mrs. Hopkins,

can I suggest that
you let a little joy
back into your life?

Your fine son here
has just returned
from abroad.

Why not celebrate?

Try a party

with flowers and music.

Thank you, dear.

Thank you for coming.
Thank you.

Mr. Hopkins.
Thank you so much
for having us.

Dear.

I saw the Collins
family earlier.

I think
Mr. Collins d*ed.

I didn't want to say
anything in front of
Mrs. Hopkins.

(COACHMAN WHISTLES)

(HORSE WHINNYING)

Knocking is always good.

I know why my mother
doesn't want you here.

Is that right?

You're not nice.

You made fun of Mrs. Hopkins
and you insulted my family.

My father was not a vagrant.

Is there some reason
you feel compelled
to discuss this with me?

Because I brought you here.

I wrote that letter.

You did?

Yes.

(CHUCKLING)

Well, that explains it.

Gypsies. How marvelous.

I suppose
you'll want to go.

No. I have just
found a reason to stay.

TILLY: The visit
began to take on
a different character,

less guarded and
more like a game,

although who would enjoy it
remained uncertain.

(SIGHING)

Never mind, girl.

It wasn't like this
before my father d*ed.

Oh, women are too quick
to give men credit
they're not truly owed.

You didn't know him.

Well, perhaps
I could be educated.

Why did you
call him a vagrant?

Before he became
a paragon, he was
my stable boy.

I suppose Tilly's
still sleeping.

You'd best wake her.
She'll be late
for Mr. Carterud.

(TILLY AND ISABELLA
CHATTERING)

This entire field
was stones.

People said nothing
would grow here.

That's why Mr. Hopkins
rented it so cheaply.

My father planted
beans and beets,
potatoes.

He could tell
the precise day
of the year

just by looking
at the plants.

My.

Most people were
improved by my father.

Gad says he could
reform the worst
cynic in the world.

(EXCLAIMS)

Shall I add cynic
to my list of virtues?

That's up to you.

My father built this.

I suppose he's
the one who taught
you how to write.

No. He didn't know
how to write.

My mother taught us.

How did he die?

Working the fields.

Mr. Yule found him
crushed by a tree.

You must miss him.

My father said
everything is a lesson

from which
we ultimately profit.

Nevertheless, you have
the right to complain.

You're a strong
young woman
like your mother.

"Once I beheld
a splendid dream,
a visionary scene of bliss."

"Truth! Wherefore
did thy hated beam

"awake me to
a world like this?"

Oh! I forgot
about Mr. Carterud!

(LAUGHS)

Most people will have
their Thanksgiving dinner,
and then it'll be gone.

We'll have ours
the whole year round.

I'd like it better
if there was
pudding involved.

(LAUGHING)

Well, I think
if your father were here,

he'd find lots to love
about this tablecloth.

Can we put him on it?

He'd like that.

(SIGHING) It's best
not to distract Tilly.

She's quite at sea
when it comes to
practical matters.

She's up half
the night writing stories,

then she arrives
late for work.

Mr. Carterud has
already complained.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

I must go to the Yules'.

The children aren't well.

You can run, too,
if you like.

What sort of stories
does Tilly write?

(BABY CRYING)
She's burning up,
isn't she?

All three of them,
burning up.

I've seen this before.
I've seen people die from it.

You must put
cold wet cloths
on their foreheads.

It will draw the fever out.
And change them often.

Thank you.

Welcome home.

You look dreadful.

Carterud was wretched.

Poor Tilly.

He lectured me
on my lateness,

refused his soup
and held back half my pay.

On the bright side,
Grandma seems happy.

We might just
get that turkey.
And pudding.

One minute and
I'll have the tea.

You've done something.

Absolutely.

You have no right.

Thank you.

You hated it.

I didn't say that.

You didn't say anything.

It is quite lively.

Lively?

Spirited.

You did hate it.

I like your people.

You don't find them
dull and ordinary?

(CHUCKLES)

There is nothing
ordinary about you
or your people.

I hate putting
my characters
in a place like this.

Do you? What's wrong
with a place like this?

There's nothing
but cows and fir trees.

Well, if you don't
like cows, maybe
you should get out.

(CHUCKLES)

You mean leave?

You could travel,
as I've done.

Explore the world.
Take note of
what it's like.

TILLY: Chapter Four.
Possible Allies.

MARY: How long
will it take?

Well, if it were up to me,
she'd have it already.

Caused quite a stir,
your mother.

All the women coming in
trying to match her outfits.

A couple more days.
Could be a week.

A week?

European parts.

Good luck, isn't it?
She'll make
the Hopkins' party.

Tighter.

Good.

(WHISPERING) Why tie her up?

To keep her parts in.

Old people have
trouble otherwise.

May I cut this up
for the Thanksgiving project?

I can make a bed
of leaves out of it.

Certainly.

Isabella says
I should have
a proper gown.

Does she?
Yes.

She says the first impression
is what one always remembers.

I trust it does not owe
solely to one's costume.

The outward appearance
affects the estimation
of the rest.

Do you hope to affect
a particular person,
or just cause a general stir?

We do not have
Isabella's wardrobe
at our disposal.

I know.

Mother.

I thought
you might wear it.

It's not the dress
that matters, Tilly.
It's how you feel inside.

What is that?
Where did you
get a corset?

Special delivery
for Mathilda Bassett.

She said
I could have it.

I see.
Just for tonight.

Just put those things
in your room
for now, children.

TILLY: My mother took
few things when she and
Ellis Bassett left her home

when she was 17.

The plainest dress she owned.

A pair of sturdy shoes,
for my father had warned her

they would do
a great deal of walking.

The embroidered shawl
he gave her when
they became engaged.

And a porcelain cup.

The cup was part
of a tea service,

originally presented
to Louis XIV in 1683,

which Isabella
had painstakingly

reassembled on her
many trips abroad.

It was the only
complete set of its kind.

For most of my
mother's childhood,

Isabella had the service
on proud display
in the hallway.

My father heard rumor
that she kept it out
after my mother left,

the empty saucer
a daily reminder

of what had been
taken from her.

WOMAN: Hello.
We're so glad
you could make it.

Good to see you, old man.

MAN: Good to see you.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

My dear, you look lovely.

Oh. At last,
our guest of honor.
Looking lovely as always.

Good evening.
Good evening.

How wonderful.

Good evening.
Good evening.

Oh, Mrs. Bassett.

(MOUTHING)

Hello, Mary.

You must forgive us
for staring.
We are struck dumb.

Praise more eloquent
than any flattery.

(WALTZ MUSIC PLAYING)

(WOMAN MURMURING)

(GIGGLING)
Ah.

Easy, girl.

You're talking to me
like I'm your horse.

A thoroughbred, no doubt.

Gad!

Just follow me.
You'll be fine.

(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)

Your mother
seemed unhappy
when I walked in.

That's because
she's feeling guilty.

For what?

Not accepting you sooner.

It seems we both
were rather late
to come to our senses.

You have always
had my friendship.

Your friendship
is not what I crave.

You never
did like parties.

They'd always find you
hiding somewhere.

Under the piano,
in the coat closet.

Tilly's doing beautifully.
You should see her.

You shouldn't have
given her the dress.

Poverty was
your choice, not hers.

I don't want her regretting
what isn't within her means.

She can have
whatever she wants.

Not from you.

So you continue
to punish me

for wanting you
a better husband.

Oh, tell the truth.

When I left with Ellis
you were relieved.

Don't be ridiculous.

Why didn't you
stop me, then?

You made your choice.

There was no choice.

You never wanted me.

My whole childhood
I saw you fewer times

than some people
see distant friends.
You embellish.

When you did come
I was kept out of sight
by my governess

who was quick to
remind me I must
keep my distance

or run the risk of
shortening your stay.

You had everything as a child.

Complete freedom.

Freedom is not
what a child needs.

You were no comfort.

From the moment
you were born
I felt your judgment.

Judgment? I was a baby.
How could I judge you?

Was I to grovel
for your approval?
Oh.

So, deprived
of approval from me,
you will take it from Tilly?

I have lost much
this past year.

I do not wish to lose
my daughter as well.

It's Tilly.
Come quickly. Come.

(PEOPLE MURMURING)

Help me.

Some air, please.

Gad, get some water.

Yes.

Tilly.

I'm fine.

She just fainted
dead away. I...

Corsets generally
produce such outcomes.

I'll take her home.

Oh, but the party
has just started.

She's right.
I want to stay.

TILLY: Chapter Five.
A New Life.

A changed world in one night.

Every door once closed
swinging open.

What on earth
are you doing?

I had a grand
time last night.

So did I.

Come to tea?

Have you gone insane?

ISABELLA: I hope
you don't treat all
your suitors this way.

Don't blame the poor boy.
The idea was completely mine.

I can't. I must
work at Mr. Carterud's.

It's been taken care of.

(GAD, ISABELLA
AND TILLY LAUGHING)

They put the pig's
head on the table,

and the King,
considering it
a great honor,

plucked out the eye
and gave it to me.

GAD: Did you eat it?

You've gone
your whole life
without fine food.

One day will not ruin you.

Nor one
shopping expedition.

That's a good one.

(EXCLAIMING)

(INAUDIBLE)

Ladies. An unforgettable day.

It was.
Good.

(COACHMAN WHISTLES)

(HORSE WHINNYING)

SOLOMON: Wow.
PRUDENCE: Wow, look!

PRUDENCE: Is this for us?
Thank you.

(BABY CRYING)

And this one's for you.

Thank you.
Perfect.

Land ho! I see land.

Pilgrims.
They're having a feast.

Sweet potatoes.
Cranberries. Turkey!

Not like that.

Not like how?

Like how you're doing it.

Patience, child.
You must allow
an old woman to find her way.

Perhaps patience
is overrated
as a virtue after all.

Mother.

Look what we've done.

Here.

Come.

Go on. Go on.

She bought us everything.

We shall have
our Thanksgiving.

It's lovely.

Please, Mother.

You've worked so hard.
Just enjoy it.

It's wonderful.
Now if you'll excuse me.

Where were you?

With the Yules.

How are the children?

I can't tell
whether they're
getting better or not.

Well, you mustn't
keep going there, Mother,
putting yourself at risk.

Mr. Yule risked his life
and saved your
father's in the w*r.

We owe them
our best efforts, at least.

Please, Mother.
Don't go back again.

ISABELLA: You look tired.

It's been a long day.

It's not wrong,
what you did today.

Your mother is a person
of unflagging piety.

It might not be
possible to equal her.

Maybe we should try.

TILLY: Father once said
Isabella's mistake was
assuming he wanted money.

What he really wanted
was my mother's heart.

A treasure far too fine
to be traded for gold.

"My Dear Mary,

"No doubt you
will be surprised
to receive this,

"knowing me to be
a man who does not write."

ELLIS: But I have been
lucky enough

to make the acquaintance
of a Mr. Abel Yule,

who has agreed
to take on the task
of our correspondence.

Our paths crossed
on a march through
Charleston, South Carolina,

where I found Mr. Yule
endeavoring to free
a small child

from his hiding
place in a drainpipe.

Mr. Yule would not
escort the boy
to the Union camp as ordered.

He took him instead
to the Confederates,

hoping the child
would find his family.

The soldiers
were so astonished

they let us all
pass without harm.

His act of kindness
saved us all.

"His act of
kindness saved us all.

"Until we're together again.
Love, Ellis."

Mrs. Bassett.
What a happy
surprise. Please.

You've just missed
your lovely mother.
I see.

Yes, she's taken
Mrs. Hopkins
on a shopping spree.

We hope to free her
from these tiresome frocks.

Mrs. Caldwell has
brought a great deal
of life to this house

at a time when I had
resigned myself

to seeing my wife
mourn for all eternity.

I have come
about the rent.

My dear lady,
do not trouble yourself.

Since Mr. Bassett's death
you've been most generous.

As you have been
with my son.

My mother appears anxious
to interfere in my affairs.

I'm afraid she might
approach you about
settling my account.

I'd prefer not to be
indebted to her.

The rent, Mrs. Bassett,
is no longer my concern.

I met with your
mother this morning.

She purchased
the farm outright.

It belongs to her now.

We do not choose
our fate, Mrs. Bassett.

This much I have learned.

One day a man has a family

and the next
his house is a tomb.

Therefore, when a bit
of good fortune lands

on your doorstep,
don't turn it away.

TILLY: Chapter Six.
Devil's Bargain.

At what price do we
secure our dreams?

(LAUGHING) Mrs. Caldwell
told him ostentation
is our only goal.

You have succeeded admirably.

Mmm. Mrs. Bassett.

We were trying the effect
of Mrs. Hopkins' dress.

I have been
entirely carried away.

I think it's lovely.

Oh.
I'm told you
purchased the farm.

Perhaps this can wait?

This farm?

With what in mind?

In my opinion,
it is too far gone
to be properly repaired.

I plan to remove it.
Good heavens.

And where shall we live?

New York City. With me.

No.

Oh, Look at the time.
Gideon, we should go.

We'll find other lodgings.

Don't let your resentments
make you insensible.

Resentments!

Your children
will be fed and clothed.

Educated. Exposed
to culture and art.

Do you want all of them,
or just Tilly?

Because if you only
want one there's
no point in buying three!

Your mother does have
an impeccable pedigree.

Oh, does she?

Mary.

My mother was born
in a hovel, Mrs. Hopkins.

The sort of place
you're afraid to set foot in.

Later in life she became
my father's nursemaid.

They married
when he became
too senile to object,

after which
she persuaded him
to leave his fortune to her.

His children spent years
trying to contest the will.

But as luck would have it
she bore him a child.

This made it difficult
to have the will thrown out,

as I was living proof
of a legitimate marriage.

My mother's pedigree
has been collected

by using her
considerable charm

to acquire associations
like others collect
works of art!

Stop it!
Whatever you say,
she has made us happy.

Anyone who is unhappy
is free to leave!

Tilly!

Did you really
dislike it that much?

Everyone's looking for you.
I knew where to find you.

What possessed me?

You were angry.

I shouldn't have taken
Grandmother's part.
It wasn't right.

Your mother was
humiliating her.

This isn't why.
I want to go.

Go where?
Anywhere.

I've been wanting to go
ever since my father d*ed.

The world is not
quite so grand a place
as your grandmother claims.

My father used to say
I was born for adventure.

Do you remember
how the three of us
would go to the woods?

And he'd get us to imagine
what it would be like

to be a mackerel in the lake
or a bee in a hive?

Don't go.

Oh, Gad, I do love you.

Marry me.

I'm not ready.

I'm only at the beginning.

I couldn't find her.
I don't know why
I thought I would.

The other two
I can reach, but Tilly,
she has her father's spirit.

Ever since he d*ed
she's been pulling away.

Maybe it's time you stopped
holding on so tightly.

You're not like me, Mary.

You won't fail her
if you let go.

I'm more like you
than I thought.

The way I went
after you today.

It's nice to know
you have some fight.

(DOOR RATTLING)

We should get the constable.

This isn't drink.

(COUGHING)

Let the driver take him.

Stop putting yourself
in harm's way.

So you have
decided to return.

Your mother was worried.
As was I.

You shouldn't have done it.

My mother and father
made this farm.

It wasn't yours to take.

How long
will she be gone?

She didn't say.

It's not that many days
till Thanksgiving.
We won't be ready.

Why does Thanksgiving
matter so much to you?

Because it's how
we'll know we're all right.

Sweetheart, we are
more than all right.

Look!

ISABELLA: Oh, how pretty.

You see?
You've something to be
thankful for already.

I don't see why.

Tilly.

People get trapped in it.

One winter,
an entire family froze.

You hang the turkey
over the fire.

You do not.

Do, too!
In a hanging oven.

We already have an oven.

It's what you use
if you do it
the proper way.

I think it's
time for a story.

What story?

ISABELLA: There's one
about a camel who bit me.

SOLOMON:
I don't like camels.

Hmm.

What about pyramids?
Do you like pyramids?

You've seen pyramids?
Mmm-hmm.

I want a story
about family.
Something real.

ISABELLA: What about a castle?

SOLOMON:
That's not real.

ISABELLA:
It most certainly is.

Your great-great-great
grandmother lived in one.

SOLOMON: Why?
Was she a queen?

She was a Lady.
Her name was Mathilda.

Like Tilly.
Mmm-hmm.

She lived a long,
long time ago.

When there were
knights and sword fights.

And dragons?
No dragons,

but they had
plenty of danger
to keep them busy.

Lady Mathilda's father
was in trouble with the King.

Why was he in trouble
with the King?

Because he couldn't
keep quiet, like you.

Most people felt
he should go into hiding,

but Lady Mathilda's
mother was dead

and he refused to leave
Lady Mathilda alone.

In the end, 20 soldiers
stormed the castle.

They brought a battering ram
to break down the gate

and they took
him away to prison.

Lady Mathilda wasn't
much older than you.

Did she cry?

No. She wanted
to save her father.
She had to be very brave.

I would have taken
my father's sword

and ran those
soldiers through.

Father had no sword.

Neither did Lady Mathilda.

But she had great spirit.

She put all the gold
and all the family
jewels in a basket

with bread and fruit.

And in the middle
of the night

she stole one of
the soldier's horses.

She rode to London.
She went straight to the King

and offered the treasures
in exchange for her
father's life.

Now, the King was so moved
at her courage that he agreed

and Lady Mathilda's father
was released from prison.

Poor in property,
but richer than
a king in family.

How is he?

I'll pay for the doctor
and any other
expenses he requires.

He requires nothing.

Well, what is
his condition?

Dead.

Dead?

Quite.

(GASPS)

Mother!

TILLY: Chapter Seven.
Scarlet Fever.

He must be a stranger indeed
who has not heard of
that terrible disease

that is usually
known as scarlet fever.

It begins with
a slight indisposition,

much resembling
an ordinary cold

until the fever
suddenly increases.

Then the rash comes,
from which
the disease gets its name.

Then the patient is
afflicted with a cough,

quickly succeeded
by the most distressing
asthmatic symptoms,

under which
the poor creature struggles

until released
by perfect suffocation
or stoppage of breath.

The lucky ones survive.

Why did it bite you?

It appears not to have liked
the feathers in my hat.

Camels are
notoriously fussy.

(DOOR OPENS)

How is she?

She's past
the contagious stage,
so all we can do is wait.

You're a good girl, Tilly.

You're a great mother.

SOLOMON: Where
are you taking it?

To the Yules.

But why should
they have it
and not us?

That means
we're not going to have

any cranberries,
any stuffing...

Hush. She's
doing it for Mother.

We'll take the carriage.
There's too much snow.

You'll never
make it on your own.

Prudence can't
stay here by herself.

We'll be fine.

Are you going
to be all right?

Never you mind about me.

It's a relief. Really.
He was lost already.

You take good care
of your mother.
She's done so much for us.

She used to laugh more,
you know, when
your pa was alive.

Bye.
Goodbye.

Thank you.

(COACHMAN WHISTLES)

They are lucky
to have her, your mother.

The other day she implied

that she was conceived
in order to guarantee
my financial security.

She was angry.

No, she was right.

I used her.
Which made it difficult
to be in her company.

I traveled often.
Coming home for meetings
with the estate lawyer.

He was a good-hearted
family man,

so I put your mother
in pretty dresses

and took her
to the meetings with me.

Over time, he became
sympathetic to us,

pressed the other
beneficiaries
to settle their case.

Until I received your letter

I considered myself lucky
to have acquitted
myself so admirably.

Why are you
telling me this?

So you won't
make the mistake
of excusing me.

Telling yourself, as I did,

that it could not
have been helped.

Tilly! She won't wake.

Fetch Dr. Boland! Go!

(COACHMAN WHISTLES)

(HORSE WHINNYING)

Get a basin of cold water.

Please don't take her away.
Please don't take her away.

Please.

(COUGHING)

She's everything to us.

I have not been grateful.
Please don't take her.

(MARY COUGHING)

She's cold.

Get some more blankets.

Mary.

Hold that.

(BANGING ON DOOR)

Tilly?
I'm sorry
to trouble you.

No, no trouble at all.
What is it?

It's Mother.

We've sent for the doctor,
but he hasn't come.

The coach must have
gotten stuck.

Well, come in,
my dear. Come in.

Scarlet fever,
that's what the boys had.

The carriage won't go.
I'm going to have
them try the sleigh.

Good heavens.
Sit for a minute

and warm up.
I'll get you a cover.

I must go back.
Please.

Are you all right?

Gideon...
Don't.

Don't talk about it.

I must talk about it.

Everything's all upside down.

I was wrong
to think of leaving.

I see that now.

I love you.
And I love my family.

I was too forward.

Do you love me?

What do you think?

If we were married,
how would we be?

Tilly.

Could we live near my family,
see them as often as we like?

They're family to me.

Yes.

My answer is yes.

(SIGHS)

Put that back!

It's Thanksgiving tomorrow.

We can't make a turkey.

She won't get better
if we don't.

SOLOMON: It smells burnt.

It's only been 10 minutes.

We could check.
No, that dries it out.

Who's lived longer,
you or I?

What's happened?

Where's Mother?
She's in her room.

Is she better?

No, she's not better.

Where were you?

The Hopkins'.

The Hopkins'?
That's right.

Well, this is
hardly the time.

It's hardly
the time to roast
a turkey, Prudence.

Don't say a word
about that turkey.

It's the only
good thing that's
happened in months,

and I won't have you ruin it.

I forbid it! At least
I'm doing something.

I suppose this means
I wasn't doing anything...
Ever since I can remember

I've had to be
sensible, reliable,

organized while
you sleep late,

forget your chores,
write sonnets.

I've never written
a sonnet in my life!

It doesn't make a bit
of difference, does it?

You still end up
with everything.

That's not true.

Father took you to the woods.

You and Gad. Where was I?

You hate the woods.

How would I know?

I never got to go.

Pru.

(CRYING)

What if she dies, too?

TILLY: Chapter Eight.
Thanksgiving.

Mother, such a tender soul.

Too soon
to return to the earth.

I hate snow.

I left home
in a blizzard. Remember?

Ever since
I've been convinced
it would happen in winter.

Something I love
would be taken from me.

You know when he d*ed?
The first warm day in March.

The man who brought him home
said the thaw caused
that old tree to fall.

Ellis always said

life's purpose is greater
than our imagination.

I was wrong about him.

About everything.

Please forgive me.

(CRYING)

The fever has broken.

It seems your mother
will be fine.

(CRYING)

PRUDENCE: Mother!

Is it true?
Are you well?

We've made
the turkey.
Yes.

Tilly gave the rest
to the Yules.
Oh.

SOLOMON: Grandmother's
carriage got stuck
at the end of the road.

The coachman
and the footman were
digging it out all night.

And what else happened
while I was occupied?

Gad proposed.

And I've accepted.

Is that so?

But you wanted
to be a writer.

That was ages ago.

Let's eat!

(ALL LAUGHING)

Mother is well.

We cured her
by fixing a turkey,

which you are
all invited to eat.

(THE HOPKINS LAUGHING)

Mother?

I hope you won't
leave right away.

I have a proposal for you.

Hello.
Hello.

Hello. Just a few things.
Some puddings and cheese.

How is your mother?
She's much better.
Thank you.

Good.

Why don't you take
that from Mrs. Hopkins?

(EXCLAIMS)

It's lovely. Perhaps
Mr. Hopkins should carve?

We can't start.
Not till Mother comes.

Oh, Solomon.

Oh, the poor woman
has just recovered.

It's not Thanksgiving
if she's not with us.

Solomon, mother needs rest.

Don't be silly.

Mrs. Bassett.

This is what I need.

Mother.

I heard a voice
say something
about Thanksgiving.

Was that you, Solomon?

There's lots of food!

(ALL LAUGHING)

MR. HOPKINS:
Please, allow me.

I have so much
to be thankful for.

May I?

Thanks for the roses
by the wayside.

Thanks for thorns
their stems contain.

Thanks for home and
thanks for fireside.

Thanks for hope,
that sweet refrain. Amen.

(ALL CHATTERING)

It looks good!

I must commend you on this.

It is the most
magnificent bird

I've ever had
the honor to carve.

MRS. HOPKINS: I think
it's the big...

SOLOMON: I just
got the big part.

(ALL CHATTERING)

Yes, please.

I'm eating my
vegetables, Mother, yes.

(LAUGHING)

How is it?
It's delicious!

Perfectly cooked.

It's nice to see you
with your appetite back.

ISABELLA: Absolutely.
She's eaten so little
these last days.

Thank you.

MR. HOPKINS:
Care for a drumstick?

ISABELLA:
What do you like?

(LAUGHING)
Oh.

Tilly, do tell us,
have you ever
had wine before?

No, I haven't. Not yet.

To the turkey!

ALL: To the turkey!

SOLOMON: Thank you.

I cannot give my blessing.

You have the benefit
of four years of college
and a year abroad.

Tilly has no such
experience to prepare her.

I was not aware
it is required.

Her grandmother
has invited her

to undertake some travels
and studies of her own.

If after that she
is of the same mind,
she is free to wed.

Thank you again.

Lovely evening.

TILLY: Thank you for coming.

Careful on
the steps there, now.

MRS. HOPKINS:
Thank you, dear.

Don't be sad.

You were gone five years.
I won't be that long.

A minute is too long.

It's much too full.

You must have them
press everything
whenever you get to a hotel.

It wouldn't do
for a famous writer
to travel the world

looking as wrinkled
as a prune.

(SNIFFLES)

Don't make me cry.

Don't forget me.

That's impossible.

For luck.

We'll need
the small bags tonight,

and the big bags
we can leave
on the carriage.

I can't go.

Your father didn't
permit the word "can't."

I left my home in anger.
You're leaving with
all my love and support.

I was happy.

You'll find more happiness.

(EXCLAIMS)

I'll miss you.

You come back
for dinner anytime.

Okay.

Oh.

For you.
ISABELLA: Goodbye,
little poppet.

SOLOMON: Will you
send macaroons?

And marzipan.

And chocolate?

Goodbye,
you big strong girl.

PRUDENCE: Thank you
so much for everything.

Take care of her.

Oh, you and Ellis
raised her well, Mary.

She can take care of herself.

(COACHMAN WHISTLES)

(HORSE WHINNYING)

TILLY: A long time ago
up among the
New Hampshire hills

lived a man, his wife
and a pile of sturdy children.

We were poor in money,
but rich in land and love.

The wide acres of wood,
corn and pasture
fed and clothed the flock,

while mutual patience,
affection and courage

made our old farmhouse
a very happy home.

For those who dream
of adventure

it may seem too simple
a place to start our story,

until we remember
that the best adventures
begin with simple things.

Not Gypsies
or sword fights or dragons,

but hope,
and family, and love.

Hey! Hey!

Write.

I will, every day.

I'll wait.

You'd better.

I love you.

Me, too.