"Tilly:" "Dear Mrs. Caldwell, myfriendand neighbor, Mr.GideonHopkins," "Had the pleasure to make your acquaintancethisSummer" "On a ferry trip fromCyprustoCrete." "If you are reading this, it means that" "His first suspicions havebeenconfirmed." "You, Mrs. Caldwell, aremy mother." "I trust I will be forgiven fornotremembering whenor whyweparted." "My beloved husband wasrecently kidnappedby gypsies" "And I must admit the experience has left me somewhat undone." "Deprived of his protection, mychildrenand I livelikewildanimals," "Demented by hunger and at risk of losing shelter as well." "We are kept afloatby onehope," "That, having been alertedto ourplight," "You will joyfully embrace yourmaternalresponsibility" "And restore us toourformerlives." "Anxiously awaitingyourreply." "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 torture 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 manyhourstryingtounravel themysteryofmymother." "One thing I know about her past" "Was that she at one time owned a skittish horse." "That is how she metmy father,EllisBassett." "She was trapped under a bridge in Central Park," "Unable to get theterrifiedbeasttomove until,happeninguponthem ," "My father began singing to it in Gaelic." "According to him, bythetimethey  gothomehehadproposed." "Years later, myfatherrevealed" "That his songs were actuallyoff-colorjokes," "The horse, like my mother, beingbadlyinneed  ofagoodlaugh." "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'sbox." "Containing, amongotherthings a greatmanydresses," "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 died 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 hisThanksgivingturkey, thenforhis mother'ssake ," "But it had a certain hold over him," "Like a four-leaf clover or a rabbit's foot." "In its company hefeltbraver" "And more certain than he had sincehisfatherpassedaway." "He became convinced thatas longashekeptit," "They would all be protected fromfurtherharm." "(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 war." "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." "Foxin ahenhouse." "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 died." "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 beganto takeon a differentcharacter," "Less guarded and morelikeagame ," "Although who would enjoy it remaineduncertain." "(sighing)" "Never mind, girl." "It wasn't like this before my father died." "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 Yule's'." "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." "Possibleallies." "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 fewthingswhensheand EllisBassettleftherhome" "When she was 17." "The plainest dress she owned." "A pair of sturdy shoes, formy fatherhad warnedher" "They would do a great deal of walking." "The embroidered shawl hegaveher when theybecameengaged." "And a porcelain cup." "The cup was part ofatea service," "Originally presented toLouisxiv in1683 ," "Which Isabella hadpainstakingly" "Reassembled on her manytripsabroad." "It was the only completesetofitskind." "For most of my mother'schildhood," "Isabella had the service on proud display in the hallway." "My father heard rumor thatshekeptitout aftermy motherleft," "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 newlife." "A changed world in one night." "Every door once closed swingingopen." "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 Yule's." "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 war." "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'smistakewas  assuminghe wantedmoney." "What he really wanted wasmy mother'sheart." "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 luckyenough" "To make the acquaintance of a Mr. Abel Yule," "Who has agreed totakeonthetask ofourcorrespondence." "Our paths crossed onaMarchthrough Charleston,SouthCarolina," "Where I found Mr. Yule endeavoringto free a smallchild" "From his hiding placein adrainpipe." "Mr. Yule would not escorttheboy  totheunioncamp asordered." "He took him instead totheconfederates," "Hoping the child wouldfindhis family." "The soldiers wereso astonished" "They let us all passwithoutharm." "His act of kindness savedus 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'sbargain." "At what price do we secureourdreams?" "(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 died." "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 died 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." "Scarletfever." "He must be a stranger indeed whohasnot heardof thatterribledisease" "That is usually known as scarlet fever." "It begins with a slight indisposition," "Much resembling an ordinary cold" "Until the fever suddenlyincreases." "Then the rash comes, fromwhich thediseasegetsitsname." "Then the patient is afflicted with a cough," "Quickly succeeded by the most distressing asthmatic symptoms," "Under which thepoorcreaturestruggles" "Until released byperfectsuffocation orstoppageofbreath." "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 Yule's." "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 died?" "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 Yule's." "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 upamongthe  NewHampshirehills" "Lived a man, his wife and a pile of sturdy children." "We were poor in money, butrichinland andlove." "The wide acres of wood, cornandpasture fedandclothedtheflock ," "While mutual patience, affectionandcourage" "Made our old farmhouse a veryhappyhome." "For those who dream ofadventure" "It may seem too simple a placeto startour story," "Until we remember thatthebestadventures beginwithsimplethings." "Not gypsies orswordfightsordragons," "But hope, andfamily,and love." "Hey!" "Hey!" "Write." "I will, every day." "I'll wait." "You'd better." "I love you." "Me, too." "{{{ the end }}}"