Épisode Marjorie S05E23 - Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman Saison 5

TEASER


FADE IN:


EXT. STREET OUTSIDE CLINIC AND STORE - DAY ONE - APRIL 1872 1

MIKE and COLLEEN leave the clinic, and walk toward the store, enjoying each other's company:

COLLEEN
... And I told the lady who runs my boardin' house that you'd gotten women the vote here in Colorado Springs --

MIKE
(pleased)
It wasn't only my doing, Colleen --

COLLEEN
And that you thought women should make up their own minds 'bout things.

Mike smiles, but senses that there's a sting about to come:

MIKE
Was this discussion in reference to something specific?

COLLEEN
Well, the boardin' house has this rule 'bout goin' out after supper...

Mike shakes her head with a smile (she figured something like this was coming) as they head toward the store --

COLLEEN
But the library's open till nine -- she won't even let me go out to study...


INT. STORE - DAY ONE - A FEW MOMENTS LATER 2

Mike and Colleen are gathering purchases; the REVEREND sits with MATTHEW by the stove; LOREN helps DOROTHY at the counter.

MIKE
I imagine she can't bend the rules just for you -- it's possible that some of the other girls aren't as responsible as you are.

(CONTINUED)


2.


CONTINUED: 2

COLLEEN
But that isn't fair...

LOREN
Life ain't always fair, Colleen.

Colleen and Mike exchange a look with Matthew, Loren and Dorothy; they all look at the Reverend, wondering if he can read their silence. He picks up on it, and lightens it up:

REVEREND
Did'ya hear that Logan Thompson and Muriel McFarland are planning to get married in the summer?

The others are only too glad and quick to follow his lead.

In the BG, we hear the WHISTLE OF THE TRAIN ARRIVING.

COLLEEN
Really?

MIKE
That's wonderful --

DOROTHY
They're such nice kids.

Murmurs of agreement from the others.

REVEREND
And very young -- their parents asked me to counsel them.

MIKE
I'm sure they'll appreciate it --

MATTHEW
I could take ya out to the Thompson farm today -- I'm goin' to Manitou, it's on the way.

REVEREND
(covering his reluctance:)
Oh -- you know, this afternoon's not really good for me... thank you anyway.

MIKE
Perhaps I could take you tomorrow if I have a slow day at the clinic...

(CONTINUED)


3.


CONTINUED: (2) 2

REVEREND
(sitting down)
No no Michaela, I wouldn't dream of troublin' you.

MIKE
I'm happy to do it --

REVEREND
(emphatic)
No.
(then)
I'll talk to Logan and Muriel the next time they come into town.

LOREN
They don't get into town too much --

DOROTHY
Haven't been here in weeks.

REVEREND
(final word)
They'll come by the store sooner or later. It can wait.

He gropes for his cup of coffee. The others exchange concerned looks...


EXT. STORE - DAY ONE 3

Mike, Colleen and Matthew come out of the store (Note: The train is at the station in the BG).

COLLEEN
The Reverend still nervous 'bout travelin'?

MATTHEW
He's all right with things he knows, but anythin' more'n that...

MIKE
I wish I knew how to help him.

MARJORIE (O.S.)
Michaela!

Mike turns to the voice -- and sees MARJORIE hurrying toward her (in travelling clothes). Mike is completely surprised:

(CONTINUED)


4.


CONTINUED: 3

MIKE
Marjorie?! What are you doing here?

MARJORIE
Is that the way to greet your sister who's come all the way from Boston?

They both beam as they embrace, very happy to see each other:

MIKE
You look wonderful! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?

MARJORIE
(as she hugs Colleen and Matthew)
I wanted it to be a surprise, it happened quite suddenly -- oh Michaela, something wonderful has happened --

MIKE
(excited)
Really? What's that?

Loren and Dorothy come out of the store, drawn by the commotion:

MARJORIE
I was arrested!

Marjorie pulls a newspaper out of her handbag as Mike, Matthew and Colleen exchange surprised looks -- what can this mean?

MARJORIE
Right here, on the front page of the Boston Herald.

She hands Mike the newspaper. Mike reads the headline aloud, as HANK drifts over from the Gold Nugget:

MIKE
"Six Boston Suffragettes Arrested Attempting To Vote."

MARJORIE
We went to the polls, knowing they'd arrest us. It was so invigorating -- following the examples of Victoria Woodhull and Elizabeth Cady Stanton... and Michaela Quinn.

(CONTINUED)


5.


CONTINUED: (2) 3

COLLEEN
'Cept Ma wasn't arrested.

HANK
Not for that, anyway.

MARJORIE
Mother was so embarrassed, we had a terrible fight. I thought, this is ridiculous, I'm not a child, I don't have to please my mother -- Michaela will understand. And so, here I am!

Mike, who has been flabbergasted by this change in Marjorie, finally gets a word in, concerned about what Marjorie just said:

MIKE
But you and Mother didn't resolve your disagreement?

MARJORIE
How could we? She's impossible -- oh Michaela, now I understand what it's been like for you all these years.

She embraces her again. Mike is pleased, but a little wary.

LOREN
(shaking his head)
How a genteel lady like Elizabeth ever ended up with the two a you...

MARJORIE
(nothing's going to ruin this day)
Lovely to see you too, Mr. Bray.

She pulls a couple of cigarillos out of her handbag. Everyone is shocked. Marjorie offers Mike one.

MARJORIE
Let's celebrate, Michaela...

Mike isn't sure what to say -- she doesn't want to hurt Marjorie's feelings or break the good will between them, but...

MIKE
Thank you anyway, but...

Marjorie shrugs -- it's no big deal -- and returns one of the cigarillos to her handbag.

(CONTINUED)


6.


CONTINUED: (3) 3

Loren and the townsfolk are scandalized. Colleen and Matthew exchange an amused look.

Hank leans in and offers her a light with a grin. Marjorie exhales, her feelings not hurt at all:

MARJORIE
Aren't you proud of me, Michaela? Now we can really be sisters.

And she embraces her yet again, exhaling smoke.

MIKE
(overwhelmed)
Yes... of course...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER





7.


ACT ONE


FADE IN:


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY TWO 4

Mike and Marjorie come out, ready to go for the day. Mike has Katie.

MARJORIE
-- and anything I can do to help you Michaela -- at the clinic, with the town council, anything at all, you say the word.

SULLY walks up from the barn.

SULLY
Gotta get over to Preston's homestead -- he said he's got more changes.

MIKE
That's the fourth time he's changed the plans this month...

MARJORIE
And they say women are fickle.

They all smile.

SULLY
Horses are ready --

MARJORIE
I hope you got me a fast one.

And she takes off down toward the horses, leaving Mike and Sully alone, watching her, amazed and a bit exhausted. They continue to watch her throughout the following:

SULLY
How long she stayin'?

MIKE
I don't know -- she can stay as long as she wants to, of course...

SULLY
Sure...

(CONTINUED)


8.


CONTINUED: 4

MIKE
She used to be so prim and proper, the perfect Boston young lady -- and then her last visit, she was so changed -- and now... It's just such a surprise --
(trying to talk herself into it)
A pleasant surprise.


INT. STORE - DAY TWO 5

Loren reads from the Bible to the Reverend, as Mike and Marjorie come in to pay for some produce that Mike carries in her basket.

LOREN
"... another steps down before him. Jesus said to him, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk.' And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed and walked."

REVEREND
Now if you could read to me from --

MARJORIE
Reverend... why don't you just read it yourself?

That stops the others dead -- how could she be so insensitive? Loren gives her a really dirty look. She gives him a look right back:

MARJORIE
I'm talking about Braille, of course.

REVEREND
(evading again)
I been meanin' to learn it -- just haven't gotten 'round to it yet...

LOREN
I don't mind readin' to him.
(in fact, he likes it)

REVEREND
I was workin' on ideas for a sermon...

(CONTINUED)


9.


CONTINUED: 5

MARJORIE
There are techniques you can use to write with Braille, too -- remember father's friend Dr. Pratt, Michaela? He went blind a few years ago, and he --

MIKE
Marjorie. We have every reason to hope -- to believe that the Reverend's condition isn't permanent.

GRACE comes in. Loren seizes the opportunity to change the subject:

LOREN
Grace, what can I do for you?

GRACE
More like what the Reverend can do for Logan and Muriel. News is they had a big fight, and they're thinkin' of callin' off the weddin'.

MIKE
Oh no, they're so well suited to each other. I'm sure if you had a talk with them, Reverend...

REVEREND
Of course, if they come into town, I'd be happy to --

MARJORIE
"Rise, take up your bed and walk."

That silences everyone. She's hit the nail on the head, and it makes them very uncomfortable.

Mike, embarrassed and concerned for the Reverend, speaks in a low voice to Marjorie:

MIKE
Marjorie, may I have a word with you outside?

As Mike leads Marjorie out, Loren sputters to life, talking kindly to the Reverend:

LOREN
Lemme get you some more coffee, Reverend...

(CONTINUED)


10.


CONTINUED: (2) 5

GRACE
Made your favorite pie today, Reverend -- you want me to bring you over a piece?


EXT. STORE - DAY TWO - CONTINUOUS 6

Mike leads Marjorie out:

MIKE
We're trying to be optimistic and keep his spirits up...

MARJORIE
That may be, but you're all treating him like a patient, rather than your pastor.

MIKE
But he is a patient...

MARJORIE
How long have you been searching for a cure for him?

MIKE
Some months now...

MARJORIE
What if he stays blind? Will he be a patient for the rest of his life?

Mike silences; she sees Marjorie's point. Marjorie softens:

MARJORIE
Michaela... perhaps the best way you can be his friend is to stop being his doctor.

Mike absorbs that.

Hank joins them, being flirtatious with Marjorie:

HANK
Hey Marjorie... You said you wanted to see my new hotel.

MARJORIE
I'd be delighted, Hank.
(as they move off)
Tell me, do you still employ prostitutes?

Surprised by her abruptness, Hank chokes on his cigar.

(CONTINUED)


11.


CONTINUED: 6

Loren comes out of the store and joins Mike:

LOREN
Can't you control that sister of yours?

MIKE
She's quite different from the Marjorie I used to know...

LOREN
She's you, is what she is -- you, 'fore you got some sense.

He moves back into the store, leaving Mike to mull that over.


EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY TWO 7

Lunch-time. Mike approaches from the direction of the clinic, sees Marjorie, sitting at a table with Grace and Dorothy; Hank stands beside her; Loren and JAKE sit at a nearby table. Mike heads toward them:

MARJORIE
Voting rights are only the beginning -- Vicky states very clearly that --

GRACE
Vicky?

MARJORIE
Victoria Woodhull.

DOROTHY
(impressed)
You know Victoria Woodhull personally?

MARJORIE
I'm proud to be her disciple. She is the perfect example of a woman who has taken her life into her own hands, and refuses to live by the restrictions that men would enforce upon us.

Grace and Dorothy are both impressed. Marjorie sees Mike:

MARJORIE
Michaela, wouldn't you agree that true equality between the sexes will only be achieved when --

(CONTINUED)


12.


CONTINUED: 7

JAKE
Women ain't equal to men.

DOROTHY
Excuse me?

During the following, several others drift over, among them TERESA and PRESTON.

LOREN
Just look at you, you're different.

HANK
I second that.

MARJORIE
Different should not mean unequal.

MIKE
(ever the peace-maker)
I think what Loren's trying to say is --

MARJORIE
I'm sure Mr. Bray can speak for himself, Michaela.

This next interchange between Loren and Marjorie should go like the wind; they're ideally suited sparring partners, and a part of them (which they don't even acknowledge to themselves) enjoys it more and more as it gets more heated:

LOREN
You bet I can, and if you'd --

MARJORIE
(cutting him off)
And I'm sure you would agree that women should be paid equal wages for equal work?

LOREN
Well, equal how -- there's lotsa different ways of lookin' at that.

MARJORIE
And that women should not have to give up their own property when they marry?

LOREN
Now hold on, how'd they get that property in the first place?

(CONTINUED)


13.


CONTINUED: (2) 7

MARJORIE
And since marriage denies women those rights and so many others, how can marriage be anything other than a tyranny that must be abolished?

LOREN
Abolished?!

MIKE
I think what Marjorie is trying to say is that --

LOREN
(ignoring Mike)
Next you'll be sayin' women oughta be able to get divorced just 'cause they want to!

MARJORIE
Absolutely, and love who they will when they will.

LOREN
That's scandalous!

The others agree. Mike is made very uncomfortable by this; Preston catches her discomfort, and takes pleasure in fanning the flame:

PRESTON
Ah yes, free love -- isn't that what your Victoria Woodhull advocates?

MARJORIE
Indeed she does -- she says complete freedom of sexuality is an inalienable right, the same as freedom of religion.

HANK
(grinning to Marjorie)
I been practicin' free love all my life.

TERESA
This is disgraceful, marriage is a commitment --

MIKE
(caught in the heat of the moment)
That's right --

(CONTINUED)


14.


CONTINUED: (3) 7

She stops herself, not happy to find herself disagreeing with Marjorie and agreeing with Teresa. Preston sees it, and eggs her on:

PRESTON
So you agree with Mrs. Morales, Michaela?

Everyone quiets and looks at Mike -- including Marjorie. Mike proceeds cautiously, while still being true to herself:

MIKE
I think both men and women should behave responsibly, whether they're married or not.

PRESTON
(enjoying himself)
But didn't "Vicky" also call marriage "legalized prostitution"?

More outrage from the men -- and even grudgingly from Dorothy and Grace.

LOREN
What?!

MARJORIE
She was merely pointing out that sexual relationships without love are no better than prostitution...

Teresa shakes her head in disgust and walks off. This is a bit much even for Mike:

MIKE
There are many women who believe in equal rights who don't go quite that far.

Marjorie turns to her, ticked off by Mike's lack of support:

MARJORIE
That doesn't sound like the Michaela Quinn I know.

She rises defiantly and walks off. Mike watches her go, upset...


EXT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - DAY TWO 8

HORACE hands a letter to Mike:

(CONTINUED)


15.


CONTINUED: 8

HORACE
And this one from Boston.

MIKE
Thank you, Horace.

Mike walks down the steps, opening the letter. She reads a couple of lines as she walks, then stops, disturbed by what she's read.

She reads a little more, which makes her more disturbed, then continues walking, more purposefully.


EXT. GOLD NUGGET - DAY TWO - MOMENTS LATER 9

Mike, carrying the letter, turns the corner, and spots Marjorie across the street, talking outside of the Gold Nugget with a half-dozen of the prostitutes.

Mike heads over to her, apprehensively:

MIKE
Marjorie, may I speak with you for a moment?

She takes Marjorie aside; the prostitutes go back into the Gold Nugget, talking excitedly among themselves.

MIKE
I just received a letter from Mother...

Marjorie knows what that means: she gets defensive:

MARJORIE
I suppose she relished the opportunity to sling some mud at me...

MIKE
She's very concerned about you --

MARJORIE
(cutting to the chase)
So what did she call it? An "affair with a married man"?

MIKE
Yes... but I'd like to hear your side of it.

MARJORIE
It's not my side, Michaela, it's the truth.
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


16.


CONTINUED: 9

MARJORIE (CONT'D)
The gentleman and I have a friendship, he helped me with a speech -- it's a platonic friendship, that's all.

MIKE
(not sure what to believe)
Mother seems to think otherwise.

MARJORIE
(softening, she really wants to know:)
What do you think, Michaela? Do you believe that I'd take away another woman's husband? After what happened with Edward?

Mike sees that Marjorie is telling the truth, and that she needs her support:

MIKE
Of course not.

Marjorie smiles -- they seem on the verge of reconnecting, when they're interrupted by Hank, who strides out of the Gold Nugget, pissed off, the prostitutes close behind him:

HANK
Marjorie, what kinda slop you been puttin' in my girls' heads?

MARJORIE
They're exercising free choice, I thought you supported that --

Jake comes out of the barber shop, and some other townsfolk gather around too, drawn by the gathering storm:

HANK
They're my employees --

MARJORIE
And you treat them disgracefully.

HANK
I didn't take this stuff from your sister, and I ain't gonna take it from you. Mind your own business.

(CONTINUED)


17.


CONTINUED: (2) 9

MARJORIE
But these women are my business --
(to the crowd)
All women are each other's business... isn't that right, Michaela?

Everyone turns to look at Mike to see where she'll stand on this.

MIKE
(to Hank)
I believe that all women should have the right to determine their own lives...
(then, to Marjorie)
All women.

Meaning, Marjorie, as well. Marjorie smiles at her, slips her arm through Mike's triumphantly -- they're the Quinn sisters, and together they're unstoppable -- and we

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE





18.


ACT TWO


FADE IN:


+OMITTED (10) 9A


EXT. TOWN - DAY THREE 11

Mike and Marjorie ride into town at full gallop, still laughing, and screech to a halt in front of the store. Marjorie's skirt is hitched up around her bloomers.

Jake is among those whose attention is drawn by their noisy arrival. During the following, he heads over to the store, out of which come Loren, the Reverend and BRIAN, also attracted by the commotion.

MIKE
I haven't had so much fun since we raced down the hill outside Grandma's house --

MARJORIE
And you spilled blackberries all over your white dress.

They laugh as they dismount -- and the townsfolk are shocked by Marjorie's clothes.

LOREN
(scandalized)
Just look at her.
(then, to Brian)
You better go inside...

MARJORIE
Oh don't be a fuddy-duddy, Mr. Bray...

Mike can't help but laugh -- she tries to suppress it.

LOREN
Fuddy-duddy!

Marjorie lights up a cigarillo, further incensing Loren.

MIKE
Bloomers are ideally suited for riding, Loren.

JAKE
Becomin'...

MARJORIE
Thank you.

(CONTINUED)


19.


CONTINUED: 11

JAKE
Becomin' a man.

LOREN
Fine example you're settin' for the boy.

MARJORIE
Brian is old enough to think matters through for himself -- why do you insist on regulating people?

LOREN
Some people need regulatin'.

He turns and storms back towards the store. The mangiest dog in the world is in his path on the porch, and Loren takes out his anger on the dog, shooing him out of the way:

LOREN
Go on -- get!

BRIAN
Want to finish up that letter, Reverend?

REVEREND
Yes -- Brian's helping me write a letter to Logan and Muriel...

MARJORIE
Do you really think a letter is the best way to handle their problem?

REVEREND
I don't know what else to do...

MARJORIE
Why not ride out to see them?

REVEREND
(surprised)
Ride? I can't ride...

MARJORIE
Why not? You're in good physical shape, and I imagine you used to ride?

Mike and Brian see where Marjorie's going, and get on board:

BRIAN
Sure, you're a real good rider.

(CONTINUED)


20.


CONTINUED: (2) 11

MIKE
I'll ride alongside you, tell you which way to go, warn you about any obstacles.

BRIAN
It can't be much different from ridin' at night.

REVEREND
I don't think so...

MIKE
It's just a matter of becoming accustomed to it.

REVEREND
(after a moment)
To riding... or to bein' blind?

Mike sees what an important transition this is... and that he's ready to make it. She responds gently:

MIKE
Both.

The Reverend thinks this through -- it's a huge step...


EXT. MEADOW - DAY THREE 12

Brian holds the reins of the Reverend's horse, as Mike helps the Reverend find the horn of the saddle with his hand.

MIKE
There you go -- now put your foot in the stirrup...

The Reverend puts his foot in the stirrup and lifts himself up into the saddle. He's tense but excited.

MIKE
Good.
(mounting Flash)
I'll ride alongside you, tell you what's ahead. Ready?

REVEREND
(nervous, but:)
Which way first?

MIKE
Let's start by riding in a circle, so you can get the feeling back...
(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


21.


CONTINUED: 12

MIKE (CONT'D)
Just go straight ahead slowly, there's nothing in the way...

They ride slowly toward the church. Brian walks alongside them, happy to see the Reverend taking this step forward.

MIKE
I'm right beside you... How do you feel?

REVEREND
Good...

MIKE
A little to the right now.

The Reverend manipulates the reins so his horse starts to go in a soft long circle.

MIKE
Good. A little faster.

They start to trot side by side.

BRIAN
That's it!

The Reverend beams, exhilarated.


EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY THREE 13

Marjorie sits, reading the financial page of the Denver Post, making notes. Preston approaches, finds this amusing:

PRESTON
Keeping up on the financial news, are we?

MARJORIE
(with a smile)
Well, I certainly am.

He sits beside her, looks at the notepad.

PRESTON
You don't intend to purchase those stocks?

MARJORIE
I was just getting ready to wire my stockbroker and --

PRESTON
You have a stockbroker?

(CONTINUED)


22.


CONTINUED: 13

MARJORIE
I'm sure you know that Victoria Woodhull has a brokerage house of her own.

PRESTON
(he didn't)
Of course -- but if I may offer you some advice... high-risk investments should be taken in moderation -- those stocks have been doing well lately, but that's no assurance that they'll continue to do so.

MARJORIE
Oh I quite agree -- that's why I'm selling them.

PRESTON
Selling...?

MARJORIE
I've done quite well with them, actually. I haven't made a lot of money yet, but I hope with a diversified portfolio to be able to become thoroughly independent.

Loren comes in, sits at a table nearby, trying unsuccessfully not to watch this interchange, which becomes ever more flirtatious:

PRESTON
Perhaps you could come out to see my most successful investment -- the Springs Chateau Hotel.

MARJORIE
My goodness, this town is full of new hotels -- Hank showed me the Gold Nugget, I found it quite charming...

PRESTON
I think you'll find mine even more so -- and larger.

They smile at each other. In the BG, Loren glowers...

OFF Marjorie getting an idea --



23.


EXT. GOLD NUGGET - DAY THREE 13A

Marjorie is talking with four prostitutes (First Prostitute and Second Prostitute and the two others that remained outside with them in scene 9) on the porch.

FIRST PROSTITUTE
That's great, but how we gonna get Hank to go for it?

Marjorie sees Mike approaching, and calls her over:

marjorie
Michaela, we could use your tactical skills here -- we've been composing strategy on how to improve these women's working conditions...

FIRST PROSTITUTE
Your sister was sayin' we oughta get at least one break a day.

SECOND PROSITUTE
Hank ain't gonna like this...

MIKE
That's true -- Hank can be a pretty tough negotiator...

SECOND PROSTITUTE
Maybe it ain't such a good idea.

MIKE
It's an excellent idea -- but if you want to end up with one break, demand two or three.

SECOND PROSTITUTE
Hank really ain't gonna like that.

MIKE
He won't have a choice if you all stick together.

MARJORIE
And if he doesn't like it, take the break anyway.

The girls look at each other and nod -- they're getting into this:

FIRST PROSTITUTE
Show him he can't push us around.

(CONTINUED)


23A.


CONTINUED: 13A

MIKE
If you really want to make a point, you should take a whole day off.

The girls like this.

MARJORIE
How about tomorrow?

The girls nod. Marjorie, excited, gets an idea:

MARJORIE
I know the perfect place --


EXT. SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - DAY FOUR 15

Preston and ANDREW come out the front door, greeting guests. Andrew sees a commotion around the springs, grins, and calls Preston's attention to it, gesturing toward it.

ANDREW
Looks like we have some visitors.

Preston looks over, and sees --


+REVEAL 15A

Mike, Marjorie and the four prostitutes, dressed in various bathing costumes, sitting in the hot springs, in the middle of a serious discussion:

FIRST PROSTITUTE
You know, it ain't just takin' the day off that feels good --

MIKE
It's taking things into your own hands.

Mike and Marjorie exchange a proud look.

They are surrounded by a small group of well-heeled hotel guests watching this; some are scandalized, some are amused -- and a couple of the men watch a little too closely, and are taken firmly in hand by their wives, who shepherd them away from the spa area.



23B.


+OMITTED (16) 15B


+PRESTON AND ANDREW 17

move toward the hot springs.



24.


+IN THE SPRINGS 18

MARJORIE
You can take charge of your own destinies...

MIKE
Exactly -- you're intelligent, capable young women, you don't have to do this sort of work...

MARJORIE
Now now Michaela, just because you didn't choose their profession doesn't mean that they don't have a right to it.

MIKE
I'm only pointing out that they have alternatives...

FIRST PROSTITUTE
Like what? I don't got a family or a husband...

MIKE
There are other jobs. You could... be a waitress --

Preston arrives in time to hear that. He's surprised to find them there, and torn: while he's concerned about his guest's reactions, he can't help but enjoy the view.

PRESTON
I'm afraid we haven't any positions available at present...

The prostitutes are nervous: is he going to throw them out? Marjorie quickly addresses him:

MARJORIE
I decided to take you up on your offer to see your hotel.

PRESTON
And you had the intriguing notion of bringing along your friends...

MARJORIE
If you'd like us to leave...

Marjorie rises and signals the prostitutes to rise, revealing their naked legs. This starts to create an even greater commotion among the guests. Preston nips that in the bud:

(CONTINUED)


25.


CONTINUED: 18

PRESTON
Of course not -- stay as long as you like.

The prostitutes sit back down. Preston tips his hat, and gets in a little bit of a last zinger to Mike:

PRESTON
Michaela, may I say you're looking extremely well.

Mike can't help but be embarrassed, just as he knew she would be.


EXT. MEADOW - DAY FOUR 19

Townsfolk have gathered and are pointing at --

The Reverend, who is riding his horse, alongside Matthew on his horse, in the meadow in the same slow circle Mike lead him on...

MATTHEW
That's good Reverend -- now trot.

They both start to trot. The townsfolk encourage him.

Marjorie joins them, is pleased to see the Reverend doing this on his own:

MARJORIE
Excellent, Reverend -- faster! Why not try a canter?

The Reverend guides his horse to a canter as Loren arrives. Seeing what's going on, he gets panicked and pushes through the crowd:

LOREN
Stop! Stop it!

The Reverend, alarmed, pulls up the reins. Loren rushes to the Reverend:

LOREN
Whatd'ya think you're doin'?! Get down from there, you're gonna hurt yourself!

And as he helps the reluctant Reverend down, we

SMASH CUT TO:



26.


INT. STORE - DAY FOUR 20

Loren, furious, drags Marjorie into the store by her arm:

LOREN
You coulda gotten him killed!

MARJORIE
He's an experienced horseman --

LOREN
He's blind!

MARJORIE
You're the one who's blind -- to your own selfishness!

LOREN
Selfishness -- !

MARJORIE
If the Reverend becomes independent again, you're going to have to face your own loneliness.

LOREN
(lashes back:)
You know all 'bout that, don't ya -- not many men comin' after you.

MARJORIE
I could have any man I wanted --

LOREN
(sarcastic)
But you don't want any, yeah right...

MARJORIE
Well I certainly wouldn't want a stubborn, opinionated --

LOREN
I ain't impressed by your big words --

MARJORIE
Oh you "ain't", huh?

LOREN
You think you can just breeze into town with your fancy clothes and your fancy notions -- I heard 'bout you sittin' 'round naked in the hot springs...

(CONTINUED)


27.


CONTINUED: 20

MARJORIE
You're just threatened by powerful women --

LOREN
I like a woman to be a woman, what's wrong with that --

MARJORIE
You wouldn't know what to do with a real woman!

LOREN
Oh yeah?

He grabs her and kisses her on the mouth. She pulls back, looks at him -- they're both entirely shocked by this -- and then she immediately, instinctively pulls him back to kiss him some more, and we

SMASH CUT TO:


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY FIVE 21

Sully is loading his toolbox onto the wagon. Mike hurries out onto the porch, very worried, carrying her medical bag and Katie as she heads toward the wagon:

MIKE
Marjorie's bed hasn't been slept in -- She must not have come home last night.
(loading her stuff onto the wagon)
Where can she be?

SULLY
We'll find her. I'm sure she's fine --

CUT QUICKLY TO:


EXT. STORE - DAY FIVE 22

Loren throws open the doors to the store, startling that same mangy dog who was asleep on the porch. Loren almost trips over the dog, but instead of yelling at it, he smiles down at it:

LOREN
(baby-talk)
Nice doggie-woggie.

The dog looks up at Loren, surprised.

(CONTINUED)


28.


CONTINUED: 22

And he's not the only one -- a teenaged boy, who was about to steal an apple, looks over at Loren, with guilty surprise. He gulps nervously, frozen in place.

Loren sees him:

LOREN
Take it!

Loren picks up another apple as he moves toward the boy, with a merry new spring in his step; he's the happiest man on the earth:

LOREN
Take two --
(ruffling the boy's hair)
Young lad like you needs nourishment.

The boy doesn't know what's come over Loren, but he knows a good thing, and takes off like a shot, an apple in each hand --

Narrowly avoiding Mike and Sully's wagon, as they ride up to the store, and Mike calls down to Loren:

MIKE
Loren, have you seen Marjorie?

LOREN
(with a grin)
Have I seen Marjorie...

He chuckles as he goes over to them. Mike and Sully look at each other, wondering if he's finally gone over the edge:

LOREN
I'm gonna be seein' her the rest of my life...

Marjorie comes out of the store, also looking refreshed, pinning up her hair. Mike and Sully look over at her. She smiles warmly over at Loren, who grins back, and announces to Mike and Sully and the small group of townsfolk passing by:

LOREN
We're gettin' married!

Mike, Sully and Marjorie all shoot their heads back over to him, shocked. Marjorie is also surprised...

SULLY
What?

(CONTINUED)


29.


CONTINUED: (2) 22

MIKE
(looking quickly back at Marjorie)
You're getting married...?

MARJORIE
I'm not getting married.

Loren's face drops...

Mike looks at Sully, then back at Loren, then at Marjorie, trying to deal with this, and we

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO





30.


ACT THREE


FADE IN:


EXT. BARBER SHOP - DAY FIVE 23

Jake has just given Hank and Preston the news du jour. They're stunned:

HANK
Marjorie and Loren?

PRESTON
It's not possible.

Jake smiles: affirmative. He's enjoying this. Hank is pissed off (and can't help but be jealous):

HANK
That little --

JAKE
(cutting him off)
Looks like she was stringin' you along to get to your girls.

HANK
She ain't gonna get away with it.

Preston's still stuck on the news, trying to understand it:

PRESTON
But Loren's -- let's face it, he's...
(searches a long time for the word, but there's no one other than:)
Old.

JAKE
Then maybe there's hope for you yet, Preston.


INT. CLINIC - DAY FIVE 24

Mike comes into the clinic, preoccupied and ill at ease about what has just transpired. Marjorie hangs in the doorway -- she doesn't want to deal with what she senses from Mike: she's happy and chooses to be oblivious:

MARJORIE
What a beautiful day -- I never noticed how blue the sky is here...

(CONTINUED)


31.


CONTINUED: 24

MIKE
Marjorie...

MARJORIE
And the smells in the air... pine and --

MIKE
Would you mind coming in for a moment?

Marjorie does so; Mike closes the door.

MIKE
Could you...?

She points to a chair, asking Marjorie to sit. Marjorie knows what's coming:

MARJORIE
Not you too, Michaela -- please don't talk to me about marrying Loren...

MIKE
But Marjorie, under the circumstances...

MARJORIE
I'm not marrying him.

She turns to leave. Mike pleads with her:

MIKE
Marjorie... please.

There's something about the way she says that -- not wanting to rupture their new-found companionship, but concerned -- that gives Marjorie pause. She sits quietly.

Mike paces, working it through for herself, as much as addressing Marjorie:

MIKE
I can't help but wonder if you're afraid of marriage because your first one ended so unhappily.

MARJORIE
(defensive)
This is completely different...

(CONTINUED)


32.


CONTINUED: (2) 24

MIKE
I hope so. But it would certainly be understandable if you were to resist the idea of marriage because of the way that Edward betrayed you.

MARJORIE
How can I marry Loren? I hardly know him.

MIKE
(very uncomfortable)
That didn't stop you from...
(she can't say it)

MARJORIE
Being attracted to him?

MIKE
Shouldn't you get to know each other before you...
(still can't say it)
Clearly you have feelings for Loren that I didn't realize, but --

Marjorie really wants Mike to understand:

MARJORIE
Nobody was more surprised than I was, Michaela... [Look at you and Sully -- you certainly nver expected to become involved with a man like him, did you?

mike
That's true, but...
(trying not to be critical)
Our relationship -- well, it took some time to develop. But you and Loren...

marjorie
It just happened! He made me so furious -- And then the next thing I knew... Nobody's made me feel so intensely since -- well, ever.]

MIKE
[Those are feelings to be treasured -- but] you can't just... do what you did and then move along.

MARJORIE
I have no intention of moving along. *I want to spend time *more with him -- but I'll never marry anyone again.

MIKE
(even more shocked, despite herself)
You'd live together, without being married?

(CONTINUED)


33.


CONTINUED: (3) 24

MARJORIE
Marriage is just a piece of paper, Michaela.

Mike looks at her, and tries to break through by asking gently:

MIKE
Do you really believe that?

Mike's concern lands on Marjorie. Marjorie softens for a moment, vulnerable for the first time. But it's all too threatening -- she hardens again:

MARJORIE
Yes, I do.

And she goes out the door --


EXT. CLINIC - DAY FIVE - CONTINUOUS 25

Mike follows Marjorie out. Sully is coming over from the store, carrying a box of supplies for the clinic.

MIKE
Marjorie, please --

But Marjorie continues off. Sully joins Mike:

MIKE
She said marriage was just a piece of paper...

SULLY
Maybe for her it is.

MIKE
But what about for Loren?

Sully doesn't have an answer for that...


INT. STORE - DAY FIVE 26

Dorothy comes in, sees some shoppers gossiping about Loren, looking over at him.

She follows their glances, sees Loren, who looks confused, disappointed, and very uptight. He sees her, is embarrassed, and turns away quickly, bumping into a counter with his shin.

He drops the bolt of cloth he's been carrying. Dorothy goes over to him quickly, takes his arm. He tries to pull away, but she holds on, and leads him to a chair in a more private area.

They exchange a look, and she sits beside him.

(CONTINUED)


34.


CONTINUED: 26

DOROTHY
You all right?

She doesn't only mean his shin. He nods, looks away.

DOROTHY
Loren...

LOREN
(blurts out)
I'm sorry, Dorothy -- I just lost my head.

Dorothy decides to take the plunge; she wants to know:

DOROTHY
Or maybe you found your heart?

Loren gets up and goes to the counter. Dorothy follows him, and speaks low to him across the counter so that others won't hear:

DOROTHY
Do you love her?

LOREN
Don't matter, she don't love me.

Which Dorothy sees means, yes, he loves her. She takes a moment to absorb that, and all that it means. Then:

DOROTHY
Didya ask her?

LOREN
Whole town heard her.

DOROTHY
But didya ask her?

LOREN
I assumed...

DOROTHY
Don't.

He looks up at her for the first time.

DOROTHY
Don't assume.

They share a look that tells us something about the assumptions they made about each other. Dorothy takes his hand.

(CONTINUED)


35.


CONTINUED: (2) 26

DOROTHY
You're a good man, Loren. Any woman'd be lucky to have you.

She squeezes his hand, and leaves. Loren takes that in...


EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY FIVE 27

Marjorie finishes her meal. Teresa sits at a nearby table. Marjorie nods to her.

MARJORIE
Good day, Mrs. Morales.

Teresa looks away -- she doesn't want to have anything to do with her.

Hank strides into the cafe, pursued by the prostitutes, who are angry:

FIRST PROSTITUTE
But you can't not pay us for the whole week, we only took one day off --

Mike approaches from the direction of the clinic, heading towards Marjorie, in time to witness this:

HANK
We got an agreement -- a week's pay for a week's work.

SECOND PROSTITUTE
But that ain't fair --


+MIKE, 27A

arriving at Marjorie's table, feels responsible for this:

MIKE
We have to do something about this.

MARJORIE
We started them on the path, they have to take the reins of their own lives.

She continues with her lunch, exasperating Mike.



36.


+HANK AND THE PROSTITUTES 27B

HANK
We had a deal -- you're the ones who welched on it.

FIRST PROSTITUTE
We took one day off, you can take that off our pay.

Mike, impatient with Marjorie, steps up to Hank:

MIKE
That seems like a fair compromise, Hank --

HANK
Deal's a deal.

SECOND PROSTITUTE
Come on Hank, we gotta eat --

HANK
Then maybe you oughta get back to work.

The prostitutes look at each other, realize they're busted. They look at Mike and Marjorie, and start back towards the Gold Nugget. Hank turns to Mike and Marjorie; dead serious:

HANK
Stay away from my girls.

He goes to another table. Mike goes back to Marjorie:

MIKE
You can't just light a fire under people and then leave them --

MARJORIE
You can't run other people's lives.

It's clear to each of them that they're not just talking about the prostitutes. Stalemate. After a moment, Marjorie rises, and heads over to Teresa:

MARJORIE
Mrs. Morales, I've been wanting to talk to you.

Teresa gets up and walks away. Marjorie doesn't give up; she follows her:

(CONTINUED) &l