02x08 - Struggling Against the Perception of Facts

[bunniefuu]

RUBY: And when my big sister, Susan,
was proposed to, he said:

"Father has given me the farm
in my own name.

What do you say, darling pet,
if we get hitched this fall?"

Have you ever heard such a thing?

DIANA LAUGHS
- That's it?

Anne, he called her "darling pet."

That proposal is about as amorous
as Mr Phillips doing a roll call.

THEY LAUGH

Jane says Prissy's convinced
it'll happen any day now.

"Prissy, you leave me breathless!

Marry me, or I shall die
choking on my love for you to the end!"

My... brother has guaranteed me
a position on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

And upon our relocation

he's promised introductions
to the city's social elite.

"Will you have me, my dearest Ruby?"

No.

I plan to have several beaus
and be proposed to several times

just to drive Gilbert Blythe mad
before I accept his offer.

Your turn, Anne.

ANNE SIGHS

For you... I will build a castle

with each brick forged in my heart
with the fire of my transcendent love.

Will you accept
this exquisite diamond ring?

My life will only be complete
if you consent to our marriage.

I vow to be a... distinguished

and... and... and worthy husband.

Good Lord, man. Stand up at once.

Sh-she will want for nothing.

Prissy?

What say you?

- Yes!
- THEY GIGGLE

PRISSY:
Thank you, Father.

MUSIC: "Ahead by a Century" by Tragically Hip
♪ First thing, we'd climb a tree ♪

♪ And maybe then we'd talk ♪

♪ Or sit silently ♪

♪ And listen to our thoughts ♪

♪ With illusions of someday ♪

♪ Cast in a golden light ♪

♪ No dress rehearsal ♪

♪ This is our life ♪

♪ You are ahead by a century ♪

- ♪ This is our life ♪
- ♪ You are ahead by a century ♪

When you go to school and leave me here
whole day with no one to talk to

I keep myself busy.

If you cook and the food ain't have no taste

I chew and swallow.

I've carried this pain, quiet,
into the cold Canadian spring.

You know me, Blythe.
I don't like to complain.

So when I say lesser men
would've cracked by now...

- Then?
- Exactly.

I'm ready. Close the door.

- Uh, no.
- You're right.

Give it a good slam.
I only wanna do this once.

This is a very bad idea.
Go see a doctor.

For a toothache?
Just be my friend.

The onliest one I have
in this vast, lonely country.

BASH GRUNTS

Ah! Nothing like a little peace and quiet.

MARILLA:
Whatever are you doing in there?

- ANNE: It's a surprise! For your trip!
- I don't like surprises.

That's my issue with this whole business.
It's the not knowing I find disconcerting.

That's why you're going to the oculist.

To know! All will be revealed.

Then again, I'm afraid of that too.

So your eyesight isn't what it used to be.
It happens to people your age.

My age?

Some of us manage
to retain more of our girlish youth.

RACHEL CHUCKLES
Now, hurry it up.

We're taking the train today,
not a week from now.

ANNE:
Finished!

No peeking.

What am I forgetting?

What am I forgetting?

Oh, Anne...

upstairs in the cedar trunk in my closet

- please fetch my good shawl.
- Will do!

Senility, the partner of failed vision.

I'm trying to remember
why I invited you along.

- Oh, that's right, I didn't.
- RACHEL CHUCKLES

Consider me a burr in your sock.

THEY CHUCKLE

MARILLA:
Anne!

Coming!

I can't wait to get away from it all.
SHE CHUCKLES

Can you imagine?

Tonight, I'm gonna be eating a meal
that I didn't cook.

SHE GASPS
The mind reels.

- Oh, thank you.
- Oh. Uh, and...

Marilla?

May I use the curry that Sebastian gave you
for the dinner I'm planning to cook tonight?

You may cook on top of the stove only.

- You're not to use the oven. Understood?
- Mm-hmm.

I want Green Gables standing
when I come back tomorrow.

Curry? Ha! Let's hope Matthew is standing
when we return.

- What now?
- RACHEL: Oh, let's be away! Let's be away!

Come along now, Charlottetown awaits.

- Don't be late for school.
- I won't.

- And don't burn down the house.
- I won't.

And don't get up to any mischief!

ANNE:
Bye!

INDISTINCT CHATTER

- Diana, you're such a dear.
- THEY CHUCKLE

Thank you. Now I have everything I'll need
for the perfect wedding.

ANNE:
Prissy, do you have a bridal veil?

PRISSY:
I'm going to be wearing my mother's.

It's a tradition in our family.

You should keep this sixpence
and hand it down to your daughters.

What are we buying?

Diana got a genuine sixpence for Prissy,
all the way from London.

THEY GIGGLE

I wrote to my cousin two months ago,
as soon as I heard about the engagement.

- I'm just glad it got here in time.
- Something old, something new.

Something borrowed, something blue.

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

THEY LAUGH
- Sounds painful.

Sounds like a magic spell for happiness.

GIRLS LAUGH

COLE GRUNTS

You need to be more careful, bud.

Is it healing alright?

It's getting there. Thanks.

- I've just come for some firewood.
- Well, hurry up, then.

- COLE: Oh...
- Ugh. Imbecile.

I'm sorry. I'll get it.

You disgust me.

Be on your way.

Hello. Good morning, sir.

Tooth trouble.

Actually, it's gum trouble
causing the tooth trouble.

I was hoping for some coconut water.

My mum used to give it to me
as a kind of healing.

Maybe a trade ship came in
with some huang lian?

It's Chinese.

I have no idea what you're saying.

You don't like me.

But I see you like money.

- Just sell me some salt to gargle with.
- We're all out.

HE SIGHS

Sometimes I find bigotry very inconvenient.

You won't find care anywhere around here.

- You should be with your own kind in the Bog.
- The what?

Don't play dumb,
you know what I'm talking about. The slum.

For people like you,
outside Charlottetown.

People like me? This true?

Get out of my shop.

Go back to where you belong
with the other delinquents and indigents.

Go!

I was just leaving.

You have no idea
how happy you've made me.

The area equals one half times
the sum of both bases

multiplied by the height.

Simple enough.

Begin.

The student who finishes last...

will wish he had stayed home
from school today.

Sebastian!

Good morning. Pardon me,
I need to have a word with Gilbert, please.

I'd thank you to stay in the cloakroom.

Sebastian, what are you doing here?
You look terrible.

You're not welcome here.

He tried to k*ll me
at the Christmas Pantomime.

If there's any thr*at in this classroom,
it's you, Billy Andrews.

MR PHILIPPS:
Return to your lesson.

You never told me about the Bog.
Can I get my own doctor there?

Uh, just...
sit down before you fall down.

BASH GRUNTS

I didn't think you'd want to go there.

You have a fever, Bash.

No doctors round here for me.
That's what the man said.

Unbelievable.

That... is just...

I know a doctor in Charlottetown.
I'll take you to him right now.

I want to go to the Bog.

Bash, the Bog is just not a place for you.

It's sad and unlawful
and full of poverty and...

People who resemble me.

I'm sorry.

I'll take you. But first, let me bring you
to a doctor that I know can help you.

No time to waste.

BELL RINGS

RACHEL: Thomas and I had a sleeper
compartment on our honeymoon.

Not that there was much sleeping.

So what you're really saying
is CP Railways is prejudiced?

I'm saying there's no place
on this train for your...

guest.

Isn't that right, Isaac?

On this train,
we put the coloureds to work.

We might find space enough for him
in the back.

With the cargo.

I am a passenger.
I'm not going to any back.

This man my guest.
I paid for his ticket and mine.

Is that true?

GILBERT:
Sir, unless this train is legally segregated

we will be taking
our legally purchased seats.

Sounds like quite a fuss.

- Why, that's Gilbert and Bash.
- GILBERT:...and let us pass.

MARILLA:
Oh... Gilbert!

Sebastian!
I wondered where you'd got to.

I have seats saved for you. This way.

MAN:
Last call for Charlottetown!

Boarding, Charlottetown!

WHISTLE BLOWS
- Good morning, Mrs Lynde.

Oh, hello, Gilbert.

And, um, uh, and...

Heavens, Sebastian, what ails you?

Poor manners and a sore tooth.
Many thanks, Miss Marilla.

Sebastian, I must speak.

I insulted you when we first met

assuming you were the help.

Avonlea has never been home to a...

Uh...

You are the first...

Well...

All that to say,
you must come to tea someday soon.

You too, Gilbert.

Thank you. I appreciate the apology,
and the invitation.

MAN:
Disgusting.

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

GILBERT: I haven't been on a train
since my father and I travelled west.

Was it difficult?
Travelling with John in such poor health?

He loved every minute of it.

I'm taking Bash to his doctor, actually.

I guess Anne didn't tell you but I'm
looking to pursue a career in medicine.

My, won't that be wonderful!

Finally, a doctor in Avonlea.

Your father would be very proud.

He'd be glad I'm back home, anyway.

Me?

I'm not so sure.

Returning to a one-room schoolhouse
with an apathetic teacher

might not have been my smartest move.

Mr Phillips will be moving on
after the wedding.

I hope whoever they get next
will actually be interested in teaching.

Ah, yes, my surprise.

I forgot all about it.

It's pretty. That must be from Anne.

I wonder which aspiration,
from her many passions

Anne will choose when the time comes.

Anne Shirley-Cuthbert
is a passionate individual, alright.

Oh, thank you.

The trousseau of an unmarried woman...

Is it an exquisitely preserved memento
of her youth

or a tragical reminder
of a life she'll never know?

Tell us when you're an old maid.

Do orphans even have trousseaus?

- Anne has parents now, Josie.
- Not by blood.

My actual mother started mine
when I was born

just like my grandmother did for her.

When I lost mine in the fire, I...

But Gran and Mother and I
have been sewing nonstop to restore it.

- I'll help you, Anne.
- We all will.

Off the top of my head,
I'd love to acquire the collected works

of the Bronte sisters
and Shakespeare and Mary Shelley...

No, Anne, it must be things
like petticoats and linens.

I've already monogrammed
several kerchiefs with the initials G.B.

- JANE SNORTS
- ANNE: Such antiquated rules.

What if I don't want
to acquire those things?

Can't I choose what I want
to enter into my new life with?

A bride has a trousseau
so that she can have pretty things

and be a beautiful wife
to her husband, Anne.

You can't change that.

Sorry to intrude, my lovebird.

Don't think I'll stop calling you that,
even after we're married.

Although I'll love calling you husband, too.

I promise to find a way
to balance college and marriage.

You won't be neglected.

Sweet Prissy.

I've been thinking about it
these past two months.

And after we're married,
I'm gonna need your full devotion as my wife.

We can't social-climb
if you're locked away at school.

It's a wife's duty.

Isn't it?

Of course.

ANNE:
Why does he get to decide?

Hey! You have no right!

- Stop!
- BILLY LAUGHS

What is this?

Just give it back.

Sure.

Catch.

CHILDREN GASP AND LAUGH

MR PHILIPPS:
Mr Andrews, that's enough!

To whom does this belong?

It's mine, sir.

Then your parents
can pay for a new window.

ANNE:
That's not fair!

- Billy threw it at him!
- I'm speaking to Mr Mackenzie!

Well?

Why don't you tell the truth for once?

I was just... doing what you told me to.

I was giving it back.

My parents can't afford that.

Then we'll have to punish you
in some other way.

Open your hand.

I didn't do anything wrong.

You are the most disruptive student
in this classroom.

That... is your perception

but it is not fact.

If you want to hate someone...

you should look in the mirror.

Open... your... hand.

No.

F... C... Z...

P?

Your eyesight's not as strong
as I would like.

Due to age, I hope.

And I do read and sew a lot by firelight.

I am concerned about your headaches
and the vision impairment you described.

It's possible that eye strain
could be the cause

so I'm gonna give you
some reading glasses to try.

And I want you to amend your diet
before I see you again.

- See me again?
- In three months.

In the meantime,
eat foods that promote eye health.

Lots of fish, carrots...

and be sure you have good light to read by.

MARILLA: Is there something else
that may be the cause?

Something worse?

I'm not going to make a formal diagnosis
right now.

Just follow my instructions
and I'll see you soon.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Gilbert Blythe!

- It's been awhile.
- It has.

I was very sorry to hear about your father.

- Who do you have with you?
- This is my friend, Sebastian.

- It's an emergency.
- Yes, yes, I can see that.

It's Blythe that needs help.

Cure him of thinking he knows
what's good for everybody else.

That's a sentiment
I've heard in this office before.

Open up, let me see it.

It's criminal.

Blame him.

I was coerced.

My judgment was impaired
by my need for silence.

You have a fever from the infection.
I can give you something for both.

You're going to have to have some sutures.

Sorry to be rude, but I can't stay.

They must have doctors
who can help me in the Bog.

The only person who can help you
in the Bog is a barber

who pulls teeth with rusty tongs.

Blythe, new plan.

I'll get fixed up here,
and then we go to the Bog.

Oh, God...

Blythe?

BIRD SQUAWKS

I came as soon as we were dismissed.

Not that anyone did any schoolwork
after you left.

Mr Phillips shut himself away
in the supply room.

He wouldn't even open the door to Prissy.

I'm never going back.

Why do you think
Mr Phillips hates you so?

He wanted to hurt me today...

because he couldn't punish himself.

For being like me.

Like you?

I'm...

the same as Josephine Barry.

But with boys?

Thank you for sharing that with me.

I think Mr Phillips is too

but he doesn't want to be.

So he's marrying Prissy.

Life is very complicated.

Then again, it's very simple.

Love who you love and be with them.

- It's against the law to be like me.
- The law is wrong.

I've just had the most brilliant idea.

If the time comes and we haven't found
our romantical kindred spirits

I propose that we propose to each other.

You'll be an artist,
in all the ways of your choosing

and I'll be...

I'll be something that thrills me, too.

A union of equals.

Individuals together.

Free spirits living our true lives.

HE SNIFFS
Ooh!

I'm not convinced medicine
is for you, Blythe.

- What happened?
- You fainted.

You want to be a doctor, eh?

You sure? It's never pretty.

He has a knack for it. Most of the time.

Well, this is exciting news.

Nowadays his nose is always in a book.

Ready, Blythe?

BASH HUMS

Dr Ward?

Do you need an apprentice?

Maybe I could help around here
every now and again

and, in exchange,
you could help me craft my study plan?

I promise I won't keep fainting.

BASH CHUCKLES
- It would be my privilege to mentor you.

I've been thinking I might like
to share my practice someday.

Ah. Settled.

Let's go to the Bog.

I've never seen anyone
in such a hurry to get to a slum.

I imagine it's a beautiful place where
black people dance beautifully in the snow.

HE LAUGHS

He's fine.
Just a little laudanum.

Oh. What do I owe you, Doctor?

No charge,
if Gilbert will clean up around here.

I've got some time before my next patient
if you'd like to start our discussion too.

Could you meet me back here in an hour?

You can come and fetch me.

If you can find me.
I'm going to blend in.

Ah, this little vacation
is absolutely invigorating!

Reading glasses. Are you relieved?

A certain optimist I know
was worried about much worse.

- You were right, I'm just an old woman.
- Buck up.

We're the ones chasing old age,
not the other way around.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

- Rachel Lynde! Did you wink?
- RACHEL LAUGHS

- Go on, try it!
- Absolutely not!

Keeps you young.

RACHEL SIGHS

All this after ten children.

Marilla, isn't that your brooch?

Oh! How could I have allowed our
family heirlooms to end up in such a place?

Now, now, you did what was needed
to pay the bank.

MARILLA:
That's Matthew's pocket watch!

It belonged to Michael before him.

Our family legacies scattered on the wind.

I don't have much, but maybe...

I don't mind a simple supper.

Anne said the pawnbroker's
a powerful negotiator.

There's still some fight
in these old girls yet.

Let's go in.

You first.

BASH:
Hello there.

- Good afternoon.
- Afternoon.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

HORSE WHINNIES

Hello. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

If it isn't the man from the train...

So, your guest ditched you?

Where you from?

Trinidad. I worked a steamship to get here.

I mean where do you live when you're not
slumming down here with us

in the muck?

Avonlea.

Farming community.
Hear it's pretty up there.

Must be nice.

I was rounding off a -hour shift
when you got all uppity.

Boss rode me till the end like a mule.

Sounds like you had it bad
before I stepped foot on that train.

Pushing me to the back
wasn't bound to help you.

Boy...

it's alright for you
to be those people's pet

but you don't know your place

and that's dangerous.

What I can't understand, b oy

is someone who was born free

but still likes the taste of the bossman's
boot enough to lick it

when he doesn't have to.

BASH GRUNTS

A steamer's just a floating train!

You licked your share of boots to survive!

I could've hit you in the mouth.

Laundry's a few streets that way.

They'll take care of you.

It's so beautiful.

- Why are you crying?
- Oh, Prissy, I...

I had such hopes for you.

More so than for myself.

I wanted you... to live a full life.

But I'm... getting married.

And giving up college.

You were supposed to start
a new tradition of educated wives

who think for themselves.

I can still go someday.

I'm sure I will.

Of course I will.

Prissy, it's not too late.

I'm not a child.

I know what I want!

WOMEN CHATTER

There's a good-looking man outside!

Oh, yeah?
Then why's he making us wait?

He's smart.

If a bunch of women were talking about me,
I wouldn't come in without an invitation.

WOMEN LAUGH

Afternoon, ladies.

- I have to be honest...
- I hope so!

The last man who tried to rob us
left here with less than he came in with.

WOMEN LAUGH

My situation might be a bit of a challenge.

Well, bring your challenge inside
and close the door!

WOMEN EXCLAIM

BASH:
Ooh, hot in here!

Feels just like a perfect Carnival Monday.

If I didn't have to smell him,
I could listen to him talk all day.

Lucky you got a warm place to be in,
in this bone-chilling winter.

- I'm lucky?
- WOMEN EXCLAIM

Yes?

I'm lucky to be working here all day,
hunched over this tub

cleaning dirt and worse
out of peoples' foul-smelling underthings?

Now that you put it like that...

Nickel per item,
press and starch included.

I hope you don't mind me sayin' so, Miss,
but you're very pretty.

- Like a Julie mango shining in the sun.
- Mm-hmm.

WOMAN:
I do mind.

Why is it that men think women are waiting
around to be complimented? I'm working.

S-sorry. I used to be good at this.

Good at what? Dropping off your laundry?

WOMEN LAUGH

Talking to ladies.
Must be out of practice.

Must be.

March in here with your mango this,
lucky that?

I'm sorry. For a moment,
you made me forget all my troubles.

WOMAN:
Well...

Let's have your things.

Come on now! You don't have anything
Jocelyn hasn't seen before.

- I don't mind seeing it again.
- THEY LAUGH

HE SIGHS

WOMEN LAUGH

- Wool pants!
- I'm not so good with the cold.

- WOMAN : Give 'em up.
- WOMAN : Oh, Lord!

GILBERT:
I've been looking all over for you.

What happened?

Why are you standing half-naked
in a room full of women?

Fortune finally smiled on me.

Ladies, this is my friend
and business partner, Gilbert Blythe.

Forgive me. Pardon me.

- And you are?
- Name is Sebastian.

You can call me Bash, Bastian, Trini.
Whatever you like.

GILBERT:
Turns out there's no train until tomorrow

so we'll need to find a hotel.

Can you recommend one?

Caters to black folks? Good luck.

I know someone.

Who has a room.

She... lets it out to people in need.

Mm-hmm.

These were never claimed.

I wonder why not.

Best I can offer.

What is this someone's name,
who takes in wayward travellers?

Mary.

ANNE: Remember when I wanted
to be a bride but not a wife?

I do. You said that... the day we met.

I think I need to re-imagine
the whole marriage/wedding thing.

How so?

It isn't just about one
brief, shining moment in white

or saying "I do".

And I'm not gonna give myself
over to someone

and be a pretty-ish piece of property
without a voice or ambition.

We will be equals and partners,
not just husband and wife.

And neither one should have to abandon
their heart's desire.

I've come up with a new name
for both parties, together, cos I believe...

that they should be named the same.

Well... let's hear it.

"Life-mate".

- Ah, that's a new one for the dictionary!
- ANNE LAUGHS

Instead of a marriage,
I shall call it a love bond

and any two people can have one.

Think it's ready?

I think Marilla might be cross.
She forbade any proximity to the oven.

Well, you're no longer
in proximity to the oven.

SHE SQUEALS
- I am!

SHE LAUGHS
- Ahem.

Whoa!

Oh, it smells divine!

SHE LAUGHS
- Stand back.

It's a hot supper

brought to you
with very little disobedience.

Coming through.

ANNE:
Ah!

MATTHEW GRUNTS
- ANNE SIGHS

To life-mates.

- I'll drink to that.
- ANNE LAUGHS

ANNE:
Mm!

I take you...

match to my intellect

proponent of my happiness

friend of my heart

to be my life-mate.

Let us dance together
as equal partners through the years.

SHE GIGGLES

SHE SQUEALS

FABRIC TEARS

SHE GASPS

RACHEL SNORES

RACHEL SNORES

DISTANT CARRIAGE PASSES

KNOCK ON DOOR
- DOOR OPENS

How are you two? Not still hungry?

GILBERT:
Oh! Or fragrant.

- Bless you for drawing him a bath.
- Yes, bless you, Mary. You're an angel.

I brought your receipt.

Oh.

You gave me too much.

I was hoping for some breakfast?

I do know how to cook, don't I?

Good night, then.

"Bless you, my angel."

THEY LAUGH

Tease all you like.

I don't shy away from the truth of
how I feel like some fellows I know.

- Ah...
- BASH CHUCKLES

BASH SIGHS

I don't think I'll sleep much.

Too much has happened today.

I know exactly what you mean.

SEABIRDS CRY

I only meant to try it on.

I was... curious about your trousseau.

But I-I'm sure it can be mended.

Marilla, it was a terrible accident,
but I did a wicked thing

and I'm ready to receive
your severe yet just punishment.

I'm very proud of you for coming to me
straightaway with the truth.

This veil was to be mine
and then my daughter's.

It belongs to you now, Anne.

Most everything in that trunk
should be yours.

SHE GASPS

What did the oculist say?

SHE SIGHS

With any luck,
I'll get to see you as a bride one day.

I have something else for you.

Your brooch!

You reclaimed it.

I am bequeathing it to you.

This too will be yours someday.

And later, it will be your gift
to bestow on someone you love.

I don't know which I love more.

The word "bequeath" or the brooch.

MATTHEW:
Oh, is it time for tea?

Why don't you see for yourself?

I never thought I'd see this again.

That pawnbroker
was a nasty bit of business.

Well, it paid to bring Anne home.

And that's what counts.

What do you mean?

- Didn't Anne sell it with all our things?
- I sold it.

For train fare to fetch Anne after the...

misunderstanding.

And I'd do it again.

RUBY:
Something old...

Something new.

ANNE:
Something borrowed?

Something blue?

And a silver sixpence...

In... my shoe.

THEY LAUGH

Prissy, I can only hope that one day

eventually,
this union between you and Mr Phillips

will grow into one where you can both
fulfil your heart's desires.

Oh, well, I-I only meant that even if
your marriage isn't all romantical

you can still have the most
marvellous life in Toronto

and perhaps one day,
you can go back to... school...

- We'll leave you to it.
- JANE: I'll see you out.

BASH HUMS

CHURCH BELLS RING

CHURCH BELLS RING

Do you remember how quickly we sped
through our wedding vows?

THEY CHUCKLE
- Mm.

They stood between us
and our honeymoon.

- I never spoke so fast in my life.
- Shh!

This is such a pretty little venue...
Minnie May, stop that at once!

BAND PLAYS

MR PHILLIPS WHISPERS:
Prissy?

Prissy?

HUSHED GASPS

JANE:
Prissy?

HUSHED MURMURS
- DOOR OPENS

HUSHED MURMURS

PRISSY LAUGHS

PRISSY LAUGHS

THEY LAUGH

THEY SQUEAL

THEY CHEER AND LAUGH

VOICES MUTE