An American Girl Adventure (2005) - full transcript

(HOOVES POUNDING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

FELICITY: My grandfather
always told me

to embrace the changes
that life brings.

But it wasn't until
last spring,

on my tenth birthday,

that I truly understood

how very difficult
change could be.

Whoa, Bess.

NAN: There you are,
Felicity.

Good morning, Nan.



Mother's been looking
for you.

'Tis a beautiful morning
for a ride, don't you think?

Gentlewomen do not
sit astride a horse.

Oh, Nan. Says who?

Gentlewomen do not
sit astride a horse.

Yes, ma'am.

Felicity, help me with
the apple butter, please.

Today is your
tenth birthday

and you're growing into
quite an independent
young lady.

It's time for you take on
more responsibility.

FELICITY: Cooking
is so much work.

And afterwards it's all gone.

'Tis true,
there's nothing left
that anyone can see,

but it gives me
great pleasure



knowing that I provided
for my family.

I want you to be
a notable housewife

when you grow up.

One who gains pleasure
by doing things for others.

(DOOR THUDS)
GRANDFATHER:
Hello, everyone.

BOTH: Grandfather.

You've arrived.

Oh, my precious
children.

How have you been?

NAN: Quite well, Grandfather.

But Felicity was riding
astride a horse.

Oh, well,
it is her birthday.

I suppose we can
forgive her that.

Can't we, Nan?

Lissie, hurry quickly
to the store.

If I'm to bake
your favorite cake,
we'll need more sugar.

But Grandfather
just arrived.

Grandfather needs
to rest before dinner

and you need to
run to the store,
young lady.

Straight away, Mother.

Father.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

WOMAN: Good day, Felicity.

MAN: Whoa. Steady, steady.

Miss.

FELICITY: Good afternoon,
Marcus.

Afternoon, Miss Felicity.

Good afternoon, Ben.
Is Father here?

Good afternoon,
Miss Felicity.

Your father's
in the counting room.

Could I be of service?

A cone of sugar, please.

(GIRL CHATTERING)

That's the most beautiful
shade of green.

It would make
a splendid ballgown.

(LAUGHING)

Ballgown? What use would
a ballgown be in this place?

They probably don't even
know how to dance.

We have grand dances here.

Felicity Merriman.

ANNABELLE: Merriman?
The shopkeeper's daughter?

Yes.

I beg your pardon,
Miss Merriman,

but I doubt you have
the kind of dances
we're accustomed to.

Lady Templeton's
Christmas Eve ball

is the grandest
in all the colonies.

I'm sure it is.
Come, Bitsy.

In a moment, Annabelle.

I'm Elizabeth Cole.

Pleased to meet you.

You must forgive my sister.

She woke up in
a disagreeable mood.

(CHUCKLING)
Several years ago.

MR. COLE:
Shall we go, my dear?

Father, this is
Felicity Merriman.

I'm pleased to see
our Elizabeth has
made a new friend.

You see, we've just
arrived from England.

I'm ready, Father.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

MR. COLE: Miss Merriman.

Elizabeth?

It was a pleasure
to meet you, Felicity.

And you, Elizabeth.

Ah. Is this
Mistress Merriman?

Father.

To what do I owe
this pleasant surprise?

(GIGGLING) Father.

Mother's baking
a ginger cake
for my birthday.

Oh. Ben, do you know
that our Felicity is
10 years old today?

Congratulations,
Miss Felicity.

May I stay and help
Ben and Marcus?

No, there's really
no need.

Oh, but it's no trouble...
Felicity,

you really must learn
to listen.

(WOMAN CHATTERING)

MR. MERRIMAN:
The answer was no.

Lady Templeton.
What a pleasure.

Mr. Merriman.
And Felicity?

(LADY TEMPLETON GASPS)

I hardly recognize you.

Today is
Felicity's birthday.

Well, that explains it.

Well, I must say,

you're growing into
a fine young lady.

(GIGGLING)
Thank you, ma'am.

Are you practicing
your dancing?

Felicity's really
not much for dancing.

She'd much rather
spend time at the stables.

Oh, speaking of which,
can you have your man

bring round a sack
of oats to my house?

Why, certainly.
My, uh, my apprentice
will be delivering

a bit and bridle
to Jiggy Nye at the tannery.

I'll have him
stop by your home
directly afterwards, madam.

Jiggy Nye doesn't
deserve a horse,

much less a bridle.

I do believe he beat
his last horse to death.

He's a cold-hearted scoundrel,
if you ask me.

But let's not waste
our time on that.

Ben.

(FELICITY GROANS)

May I walk with you?

If you can keep up.

I would dearly love to be
able to wear breeches.

Beg your pardon?

Breeches. Like yours.

Gowns and petticoats
are so bothersome.

Small steps are
supposed to be ladylike,

but they don't
get you anywhere.

What are you
laughing at?

You should try to wear
a petticoat one day.
You'd see.

You are a strange child,
Felicity Merriman.

I'm not so much
younger than you,
Benjamin Davidson.

I'm no child.

Men in petticoats.

Sometimes
it's very tiresome
to be a girl.

There are so many things
you mustn't do.

You mustn't walk
too quickly.

You mustn't talk too loudly.
You mustn't be impatient.

(SIGHS)

You're so lucky
to be a boy.

You can do
whatever you like.

I can't do
whatever I like.

I'm an apprentice,
I have no freedom.

How silly.
Of course you have freedom.

Not to join the militia?

Till my contract is up
with your father,
I must work in his store.

I'd gladly trade places
to work in Father's store
any day.

MAN: Good day to you,
young miss.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

The smell is enough
to make your hair curl.

(HORSE CONTINUES NEIGHING)

(DOG BARKS)

JIGGY NYE:
Hold still, will you?

(HORSE NEIGHING)

I ought to tan your hide
while you're still wearing it.

She's a splendid horse.

BEN: Aye.
Thoroughbred, I'd say.

Look at her color.

Like a bright new
copper penny.

That's what I would name her
if she were mine. Penny.

You vile monster, you.

She's a wild one.
No, not wild.

She's independent.

(SHOUTS)

(SNORTING)

I'll beat the fire out of you.
You beast.

What's he doing to her?
Stop.

Don't do that.
Hold it.

Stay back.

(JIGGY NYE GROANING)

Run, Penny. Run.

(GROANING)

(NEIGHING)

You wretched beast.

(PENNY NEIGHS)

Get away with you.

You spooked my horse.

You spooked your horse
yourself.

And what do you want?

I've got the bits
you ordered from
Master Merriman, sir.

Give it here, then.

I'm to wait
for payment, sir.

Oh, you are, are you?

Well, keep your blasted bit.

And get away with you
before I shoot you.

Shoot you for trespassing.

FELICITY: Penny was
tugging at the rope,
trying to get away.

But then the horrible
Jiggy Nye raised his whip...

Felicity. Felicity.

Sit.

Thank you, Rose.

Nye was such
a decent fellow.

'Tis a shame indeed.

As I recall,
no one knew horses as well.

But then his wife passed on,
and he began drinking,
and I...

Perhaps we could choose
a more suitable
mealtime topic.

You're quite right,
my dear.

Felicity, your father and I
have a surprise for you.

A surprise?
May I have one?

It's for her birthday.

Now that you're 10,
we've decided

it's time for you
to begin your education.

Oh, am I to be
apprenticed like Ben?

Oh, shall I be
working in your store?

Goodness, no.

You are to be educated
as a gentlewoman.

I don't want to be
a gentlewoman.

I do.

You'll have your turn
when you're 10.

Felicity, your lessons
will begin in two days.

You will be educated
by a very respectable lady

named Miss Frances Manderly.

She will instruct you
in penmanship, dance,
stitchery,

the proper way
to serve tea...

Tea?

Lessons on how to serve tea?

A lady's manners are judged
by the way she serves tea.

My mother brought
her best teapot with her

when she came to Virginia
from England.

She used to always say,

"The King himself
would be at home
at my tea table."

I don't see why anybody
would want the King
at their tea table.

I beg your pardon?

(MR. MERRIMAN CLEARS THROAT)

Ben, I wonder if you
would be kind enough

to escort Felicity
to her lesson?

Aye, sir.

Why do I need an escort?

A young lady
does not arrive unescorted
at a gathering. Thank you.

And a young lady does not
constantly ask questions.

Why not?

**(BAND PLAYING)

May I try
your signal whistle?

Only a soldier can use it
in case of emergency.

You're no soldier.

I will be someday.

This is
serious business.

A little whistle?

Soon, it won't matter
if you know
how to serve tea.

It will be
too expensive to buy,

thanks to the King
and his ridiculous tax.

You'd best not say
any disrespectful things

about the King
in front of Grandfather.

Disrespectful?

Is it not disrespectful
of the King to tax us

without listening
to our voices?

**(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)

BEN: How I envy them.

To be able to fight
for our independence.

Grandfather says
nothing is worth
going to war over.

The ability
to govern ourselves is.

Here we are
at your lessons.

(WOMEN CHATTERING)

Enjoy your tea.

WOMAN: Come along.

Miss Merriman?

Miss Felicity Merriman,

may I present
Miss Annabelle Cole

and Miss Elizabeth Cole.

Felicity.

Hello, Elizabeth.
Annabelle.

We're taking lessons
with the shopkeeper's
daughter?

My father's store
is the finest
in all of Williamsburg.

Probably in all
the 13 colonies.

The King of England
himself...

Ladies, your parents
have entrusted me

with the important task
of preparing you

to take your places
in society.

Our time together
will be pleasant and civil.

Understood?

ALL: Yes, ma'am.

MISS MANDERLY:
A gentlewoman

must behave perfectly
at the tea table,

both as a hostess
and as a guest.

Now observe,
young ladies.

Miss Cole,
would you care for tea?

Thank you,
Miss Manderly.

Milk or sugar, Miss Cole?

Milk, please.
Thank you, Miss Manderly.

Would you care for tea,
Miss Cole?

Yes, please.
Thank you,
Miss Manderly.

Milk or sugar, Miss Cole?

Milk please.
Thank you, Miss Manderly.

Miss Merriman,
would you care for tea?

Yes. Thank you,
Miss Manderly.

Milk or sugar,
Miss Merriman?

Milk and sugar.

Thank you, Miss Manderly.

Would you care for
a cake or a biscuit,
Miss Merriman?

No, thank you,
Miss Manderly.

Miss Merriman,

you are not drinking
because you are thirsty,

or eating because
you are hungry.

The tea and biscuits
are offered

as a sign of your
hostess' hospitality.

If you refuse them,
you are refusing
her generosity.

Yes. Thank you,
Miss Manderly.

This does bring up
an excellent point.

One may not wish to drink tea
all afternoon.

(GIRLS GIGGLE)

There is a polite way
to show you've had enough.

You merely turn your cup
upside down

on your saucer and
place your spoon across it.

And the correct phrase
to accompany this gesture is,

"Thank you.
I shall take no tea."

ALL: Thank you.
I shall take no tea.

Ladies.

She's even more beautiful
than you said.

But she's so wild.

I've looked into
her eyes, Elizabeth.

There's spirit
under the wildness,

not viciousness.

I could tame her.

(PENNY NICKERING)

Felicity, no.

I won't hurt you,
Penny-girl.

I promise
I won't hurt you.

(PENNY NEIGHING)

(SNORTING)

FELICITY: It's all right,
girl.

Felicity.

FELICITY: It's okay.

(NEIGHING)

FELICITY: It's okay,
I'll be back.

(PENNY NEIGHS)

Come, Elizabeth.

Where are we going?

Hurry.

(PENNY SNORTING)

(DOOR CLICKS)

(CHAINS CLANKING)

(GRUNTS)

(PENNY NICKERS)

Hello, Penny-girl.

(PENNY NICKERS)

I-It's your friend,
Felicity.

(PENNY GRUNTS)

I won't hurt you,
Penny-girl.

That's a fine girl.

(PENNY GRUNTS)

I know you don't trust me,
Penny-girl,

but you will.

You will.

(PENNY CHOMPING)

(DOOR OPENING)

(SNORTING)
JIGGY NYE: Who's out there?

(PENNY NEIGHS)

(FELICITY SHUSHING)

Who's out there?

FELICITY: Quiet down, Penny,
he'll hear you.

It's all right, girl.

(NEIGHING)

JIGGY NYE: You scoundrel, you.

You can't run from me.
I'll catch you.

You scoundrel.

(GRUNTING)

(GASPS)

(GRUNTING)

Come here.

Come back here,
you villain.

(MUTTERING)

You little trespasser.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Grandfather, let me help you.

(PANTS)

The strangest thing happened
early this morning, Felicity.

I was sleeping,

and I heard a noise
from outside.

You know what I saw?

Look at this stubborn weed.

Someone running up
the front path.

(GRUNTING)

I've got it.

Someone who looked
an awful lot like you.

Oh, Grandfather.
She needs me so.

I had to go back
and see her.

Who, my dear?

Penny. Jiggy Nye's horse.

You won't tell, will you?

I've raised thoroughbreds
for over 30 years,

and I dare say

you love horses
even more than I do.

But I don't want you
mixed up with Nye.

Understood?
Grandfather,

if you could just see her.

I know, child.

But remember,
she belongs to someone else.

Yes, sir.

Good. Now, let's tend
to those weeds.

GRANDFATHER: It was
an excellent meal, Martha.

And where are you from, lad?

Yorktown, sir.

Ah.

Grandfather has
a beautiful plantation
near Yorktown.

We visit every summer.

Did you hear about
an incident there involving

an English ship carrying tea?

Aye. Last November.

The young hotheads threw
crates of tea into the river

just like those rebels
in Boston.

It was a disgrace.

They simply do not want
the King's taxes, sir.

Not at the cost
of their own liberty.

Nonsense.

All this talk
against the King

is nothing but the ranting
of irresponsible scoundrels.

There are those
who would disagree with you.

I've decided
to stop selling tea.

What?

The King's taxation of
the colonies is unfair.
It's unjust.

Stop this talk.

Gentlemen, please.
The children.

GRANDFATHER:
I'll not have it.

I will not listen
to such talk
in my own family.

It is treason.

Treason. Do you hear?

I've never seen
Grandfather so upset.

They have different beliefs.

Your father and Ben
are Patriots.

They believe
that the colonies

should be independent
of the King.

Grandfather is a Loyalist.
He...

He is loyal to the King.

Like Elizabeth's parents?

Yes, dear.

But they've just arrived
from England, you see.

Now, you must try
to get some sleep.

Mother, what side
should I be on?

That is a question you must
answer for yourself, my child.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Father.

Grandfather.

You're not angry any longer,
Grandfather?

My dear,
words that are spoken
in the heat of anger

are never from the heart.

I do not agree
with your father,

but I love him.
Do you understand?

I wish you didn't have
to leave so soon.

Well, it's not long before
your visit to the plantation.

We'll be together all summer.

I love you, Grandfather.

And I you, child.

Sleep well, Miss Felicity.

(ROOSTER CROWING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

(ROOSTER CONTINUES CROWING)

I'm here again, Penny.

If Grandfather
would see you,

he'd understand
why I had to come.

Penny,

he'd love you
as much as I do.

Penny.
That's my pretty girl.

Still haven't decided
on your sampler, Felicity?

No, ma'am.
Not as of yet.

(BELL DINGS)

Thank you,
young ladies.

Please bring
your dancing slippers
next week.

We shall begin
instruction in the minuet.

Where on earth
would we dance the minuet
in this place?

While I'm certain
you consider

our colonies provincial,
Miss Cole,

the balls here
are quite splendid.

The Templeton
Christmas Eve ball
is a grand occasion

where people dance
the minuet flawlessly.

Do hurry along, Bitsy.

Oh, how I despise that name.

It's hard to imagine
that two sisters could be
so very different.

Bitsy, I'm leaving
with or without you.

I know. We should think
of a name for her.

Bananabelle.

ANNABELLE: Bitsy.

Coming.

Bananabelle.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

Shoulder your firearms.

Rest your firearms.

Oh, Felicity, wouldn't it
be wonderful

to attend the Templeton
Christmas Eve ball?

We'd have to dance.

We're going to learn.

I'm not one for dancing.

We could wear
beautiful gowns.

You make it sound
so grand.

It would be grand.

And we could go together.
Just think of it.

BOY: Felicity. Here.

Hello.

Father says
we're not to speak
to the militia soldiers.

Why not?

Father says they're
disloyal to the King
and the King's armies.

They don't like
the King's tax. That's all.

I think I should
be going.

Goodbye, Felicity.

Goodbye, Elizabeth.

(SOLDIERS CHANTING)

Would you care for a biscuit,
Lady Windsor?

Yes.

Lady Windsor.
Your manners.

(BABY CRYING)
Felicity,

will you put
my mending basket in
my bedchamber, please?

Of course, Mother.

(BABY CONTINUES CRYING)

(NAN CONTINUES CHATTERING)

(WHISPERS) Ben's breeches.

(DOOR OPENING)

(DOOR CLOSING)

(PENNY SNUFFLES)

(ROOSTER CROWING)

Hello, Penny.

(GRUNTS)

(LAUGHING)

(FELICITY LAUGHING) Whoa!

Ben.
Felicity.

What are you...

It's not what you think.

I wasn't thinking anything.

Except I've found
my missing Sunday breeches.

Yes, I was thinking
something.

Why are you wearing
my missing Sunday breeches?

Come with me.

(DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE)

(WHISPERING)
What are we doing here?

Penny.

I've been visiting her
every morning.

Secretly.

And I borrowed
your good breeches

so my petticoats
wouldn't get muddy.

You hardly ever wear them.
And I...

(PENNY NEIGHING)

(WHISPERING)
It's him.

I told you to
stay away from here.

(PENNY NEIGHS)

I'll teach you.

Defy me, you worthless,
hopeless nag, you.

I'm telling you.

I'll teach you.

(PENNY NEIGHING)

(GRUNTS)

You run. You better run.

(GROANING)

You worthless nag.

I'd give you to anyone
who can ride you.

Anyone can have you.

(GROANS)

(SIGHING)

I hope you never come back.

Stay away, for all I care.

Did you just hear
what he said?

Let's go. Let's go
before he sees us.

I can ride Penny.
I've tamed her.

You've what?

He said
anyone can have her
who can ride her.

You can't always have
everything you want,
Felicity.

We need to go, now.

Ben, if I leave her here,
Jiggy Nye will kill her.

She's not yours to claim.

(PANTING)

I'm duty-bound to tell
your father about this.

Ben, no. Please.
You mustn't tell. Please.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(GIRLS CHATTERING)

There you are, Bitsy.

You know Father
doesn't want us
to patronize this shop.

Is that true?

Yes.

Why wouldn't your father
want you to shop here?

Isn't it obvious?
We're Loyalists.

We'll not patronize a shop
which sells no tea.

Are you a Loyalist,
Elizabeth?

Of course she is.

I was asking Elizabeth.

Are you?

Well, my family is.

But what about you?

Is that what
you believe in?

Yes. Just like
you're a Patriot

because your family
are Patriots.

We have both Loyalists
and Patriots in my family.

I haven't decided
which I'll be yet.

I just hope we can
still be friends.

We'll be friends always.
No matter what.

Bitsy.
Coming.

Bananabelle.

(BOTH GIGGLING)

Are you all finished,
Felicity?

FELICITY: Yes, ma'am.

Well, we'll be
on our way then.

By the way, Ben,

have you still not found
your good breeches?

My good breeches?

MRS. MERRIMAN: Yes.

They've been missing
nearly a month now.

It's not like you to
be that careless, Ben.

I know where they are.

Well?

I have lent them
to a friend.

Indeed? May I ask why?

This friend

needs them more than I,
ma'am.

MRS. MERRIMAN:
How very charitable of you.

Perhaps we can
find you a new pair.

Felicity, come along.

Thank you, Ben.

Yes, well...

I have a surprise
for you.

MRS. MERRIMAN: Felicity.

Tomorrow morning.

Hmm.

Mother, Father, come quickly.

Whoa, Penny.

Felicity Merriman.

Where did you
get that animal?

It's Penny.
Isn't she beautiful?

That's Jiggy Nye's horse.

What on earth
are you doing with it?

He said anyone
who could ride her
could have her.

I'm riding her, so...

He said this to you?

Not exactly to me.
But I heard him
plain as day.

I don't understand.
You said that this, uh,

was a wild horse.
How did you tame it?

I went every morning
and waited for her
to trust me.

I was patient, Mother.

You went every morning?

I'm sorry, Mother,

but I know if I had asked,
you wouldn't have let me go.

Felicity,
you have to take this horse
back to the tannery at once.

And you have to
apologize to Jiggy Nye.

Father, he beats her.

And he starves her.

Nevertheless,
she belongs to him.

You can't just take
other people's property
whenever you feel like it.

Then let's buy her.

Oh, please, Father,
let her stay, let her stay.
Let's buy her.

Felicity...
JIGGY NYE: You.

(PENNY NEIGHS)

(PENNY SNUFFLING)
Thief.

Get down off my horse.

You said
you'd give her to anyone
who could ride her.

I never did, you lying girl.

Yes, you did.
I heard you.

(PENNY NEIGHING)

Mr. Nye,

no one is trying
to steal your horse.

My daughter misunderstood.

She was wrong
to take your animal,

but it was a child's
honest mistake.

Mistake?
Taking a horse is a crime.

The only crime
committed here, sir,

is your mistreatment
of this poor beast.

(PENNY NEIGHING)

I'm willing to buy her
from you.

I'm not interested
in doing business
with you, Merriman.

Now tell your brat
to get off my horse
before I rip her down myself.

You hold your peace, sir.

FELICITY: Penny,
you're not going anywhere.

It's okay.

Penny doesn't belong
to you, sweetheart.
No! Father!

You have to give it back
to Mr. Nye.
No. Father.

No. Let her stay. please.
Sweetheart.

No!

Felicity. Calm. Calm.

You can take your horse
FELICITY: No!

(PENNY SNUFFLES)
FELICITY: Penny!

And get off my property.

And don't you come
sneaking around, girl.

If I see you near
this horse again,
I swear, I'll kill it.

I'll tan its hide before
I let you touch her again.

Penny.

(PENNY NEIGHS)

(SOBS)

MR. MERRIMAN: Have you
cried all your tears,
my dear sweet girl?

(SOBS)

Mmm-hmm.

(SNIFFLES)

(CRYING)

(MOANS)

It was all a waste.
Wasn't it, Father?

To do a good thing
echoes in the world,
and will come back to you.

Penny will never
come back to me, Father.

She'll be forced to live
in that horrible place

until she dies
or is beaten to death.

It's so unfair.

Aye.

She'd be better off
loose again.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

Running free in the woods.

You did everything you could
to help her, child.

Not everything.

(PENNY NICKERS)

Hello.

(WHISPERING) Come on now.

Come on, my independent Penny.

Let's fly.

(PENNY NEIGHS)

Here we go, girl.
Come on, girl.

You can do it. Faster.

Over the fence, Penny.
Over the fence.

(GRUNTS)

(CRYING) Go on. Why are you
still standing there?

Go.

Go, you're free.

Go.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, my beautiful Penny.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

If I'm to escort you,
we must make haste.

The soldiers are
marching on the green.
I wanna watch a while.

I wish I could watch
with you.

I wish I could be
out there with them.

Someday you might be.

It's started. The fight
for independence.

The Patriots are gathering
at Yorktown now.

Soon all the men
will be leaving for war.

Let's pray it doesn't
come to war.

The world is changing,
Felicity.

You must pay attention.

There's more to life
than tea lessons.

I know that.

Yet you're still
drinking tea.

It would be impolite
to refuse.

Tea is a sign of
your hostess' hospitality.

Tea is a sign of tyranny.

Come on now,
off to your tea lessons.

**(PIANO PLAYING)

MISS MANDERLY:
Proper deportment, please.

One, two, three,
four, five, six.

One, two, three,
four, five, six.

Attention to
your carriage.

One, two, three,
four, five, six.

One, two, three,
four, five, six.

One, two, three,
four, five, six.

MISS MANDERLY: One, step,
two, three, four, five, six.

One, step, two, three, four,
now, reverse.

One, step, two, three,
four, and...

Would you care for tea,
Miss Manderly?

Yes, thank you,
Miss Cole.

Milk and sugar,
Miss Manderly?

Milk. Thank you,
Miss Cole.

Would you care
for tea, Miss Cole?

Yes, please, Miss Cole.

Milk and sugar,
Miss Cole?

Milk, please.
Thank you, Miss Cole.

Would you care for some tea,
Miss Merriman?

Miss Merriman?

Yes?

Would you care
for some tea?

Thank you, Miss Cole.

I shall take no tea.

I suppose
you're a Patriot now?

I suppose I am.

Annabelle says
we shouldn't socialize
with Patriots.

But that's just because
no one wants to socialize
with Annabelle.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Oh, I'm going to miss you
this summer.

And I you.

I wish you could come
to Grandfather's plantation
and visit.

We need to stay
in Williamsburg.

Will you write to me?

Every day.

Miss Felicity.

FELICITY: Marcus.

What is it?

It's about Master Ben.

He's gone missing now
most of the afternoon.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

Felicity,
come away from there.

She's waiting for Ben.

Maybe he's hurt.
Maybe he needs our help.

Or perhaps he went
to meet a friend.

Perhaps, Felicity. Perhaps.

He's not coming back.

He is coming back. He is.

Ben is not a runaway,
is he, Mother?

I can't say, dear.
I really can't.

Marcus, you know Ben.

He wouldn't run off
without a word, would he?

Well, he's never
missed a day of work
since I've known him.

It's out of
our hands now.

MRS. MERRIMAN:
Here you go, Nan.

Come, Felicity.

Oh, Felicity.
Good to see you. Oh.

Must I wear the hat?

It's part of
the new riding habit
Grandfather gave to you.

I think
it's quite elegant.

Come, let me see
what you look like.

Oh, Felicity,
how beautiful.

And look.
A sidesaddle.

(ALL CHUCKLING)

Where are we going,
Grandfather?

Well, I could use
your assistance
on a morning errand.

Are you sure you're up
to all this, Father?

MRS. MERRIMAN:
Perhaps you'd rather rest
in the shade for a bit.

You worry too much,
Martha.

And with a child on the way,

you should take a bit
of your own advice.

(MRS. MERRIMAN LAUGHING)

(HORSE NICKERING)

GRANDFATHER:
These animals appear
to be in fine condition.

I do believe some of them
are handsome enough

to pull my riding chair.

You're a good judge
of horses, child.

(HORSE NEIGHING)
What do you think?

They seem so...

(GASPS)

Oh, that can't be.

Penny. Penny, is that you?

(HORSE NICKERING)

(EXCLAIMS)

(LAUGHING) Penny. It is you.

It is.

Oh, Penny.

Penny.

I prayed so hard we'd see
each other again someday.

(LAUGHING)
Grandfather. You found her.

You would not believe
how many copper-colored mares

there are in Virginia.

But I was fairly certain
this was the one.

What if Jiggy Nye
wants her back?

Oh, I'll settle matters
with Nye.

Oh, Grandfather,

I will never forget this
for the rest of my life.

I don't even know
how to thank you.

You've done
an old man's heart good.

Oh, may I ride her?

To your soul's content,
my child.

(BOTH LAUGHING)

(GRUNTS)

(FELICITY GIGGLING)

(LAUGHING)

GRANDFATHER: Oh, Felicity.

(LAUGHING)

I'm not hungry, my dear.

Thank you.

It's from your father.

Is he coming? Is he?

He'll be joining us
at week's end.

It will be so good
to see him.

Will he stay long,
Mother?

I'm afraid,
with Ben still missing,

he won't be able
to leave the store
but a few days.

I always had doubts
about that lad.

He's included a notice
from the paper, Father.

"Runaway apprentice.

"A lad named
Benjamin Davidson.

Medium build, brown hair,
able-bodied, 15 years old."

GRANDFATHER:
Really? Let me see.

Darling, hand that
to your grandfather.

"I hereby forewarn all persons
not to harbor him.

"Reward." That will get
the bounty hunters' attention.

Perhaps, if he did run away,
he had a good reason.

Felicity,
there's never a good reason
for breaking a contract.

I hate Ben.

MRS. MERRIMAN: Nan.

Well, I do.
He ruined everything.

We don't know
what happened to him.

And I don't think
we should judge him
without knowing.

Isn't that right, Mother?

Aye, Felicity.

We should dwell
on what we do know.

Your father is coming
at week's end,

and it will be wonderful
to have him.

Oh, Father. He says

that the Royal Governor
and his family have been
forced to leave Williamsburg.

Things have turned
for the worse quickly.

I worry where
it will all lead.

You should worry less
and rest more.

If you'll excuse me...

Why is Grandfather
so tired?

I'm afraid he hasn't
quite recovered from
the fever last winter.

We must all try
to help him get stronger.

(DOG BARKING)

BOUNTY HUNTER 1:
A lad was sighted last night

near the Reynolds' plantation
by the creek.

BOUNTY HUNTER 2: We think
it's your runaway, sir.

Are you still offering
that reward?

We have our dogs at the ready.
They can find him.

GRANDFATHER: My son-in-law
will be here shortly.

If you capture the lad,

he'll make good
on the reward.

BOUNTY HUNTER 1:
Do we have permission
to search your land, sir?

Search away.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

(DOGS BARKING)

We should
head north first.

BOUNTY HUNTER 2: All right.

BOUNTY HUNTER 1:
He must have come in...

Ben's signal whistle?

(HORSE NICKERING)

(NEIGHS)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

Ben?

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(PENNY NEIGHING)

Ben!

(WHISTLES)

Ben.

Felicity.

You're hurt.

(NEIGHING)

Let me tend to that.

Be careful.

It's true, then?

You ran away?

I didn't plan on running.

(GRUNTS)
Stay still.

How foolish I was
to believe in you.

You had a contract
with my father, Ben.

You gave your word.

I have to do
more for my country
than serve out a contract.

I have to be part of
the battle for our freedom.

Aren't you the one
who told me

that you can't always have
everything you want?

This is different.

Not to me, it isn't.

I know you're
angry with me,
Felicity, but...

(SIGHS)

It's nice to see you.

Don't you try
and make me forget

how mad I am at you,
Benjamin Davidson.

There.

That should hold
until we get you
to Grandfather's.

Come on.
I can't go.

General Washington
is going to lead
an army of Patriots.

I'm going to be one of them.

There are bounty hunters
out there looking for you.

Do you hear?
You need to turn yourself in.

I won't waste
three more years of my life
being an apprentice.

Grandfather says,
"'Tis never a good thing
to run toward something

"if you're running away
from something else."

Look at that.
You can't even bear
your own weight.

Yes, I can. It's fine.

BOUNTY HUNTER:
Dogs picked up a scent.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(DOGS BARKING)

Looky.
He's gone into that.

Did you just hear that?

Ben. Bounty hunters.

I'll go hide in the woods.
You go on now. Go.

No. Ben, can't you see
how dangerous and foolish
this is?

Come with me. Please.

(BOUNTY HUNTERS CHATTERING)

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(DOGS BARKING)

They're getting close.
Let's go.

Please.

All right, then.

I'll stay in the stable
until nightfall.

When will you leave?

After midnight.

I'll not see you again,
Felicity Merriman.

I thank you.

Did you ever think
of talking to my father?

Asking for permission?

You know as well as I
that he would have
held me to my promise.

Shouldn't you hold yourself
to the promises
you make, Ben?

Isn't that what
making promises
is all about?

(HORSE NEIGHING)

GRANDFATHER:
All right. Proceed
to the second paragraph.

MR. MERRIMAN: Of course,
we must be certain

that everything
is attended to properly.

Excuse me, sir, there's
a gentleman here who'd...

Ben.

Ben, you're safe.

What's the meaning of this?

Ben, where have you been?

He's been hiding
in the woods, Father.

Felicity convinced me
to come back.

I apologize, sir.

It was wrong of me
to run away,

break a promise I made
to the both of us.

I meant no disrespect to you.

You've always treated me
well and fairly.

But there's things
that I believe in

with all my heart and soul

and I wanted
to become a soldier,

so that I could
fight for them.

Ridiculous. This lad
should be in prison.

I will not allow you to break
your apprenticeship
agreement with me, Ben.

You are pledged to me
for three more years.

Aye, sir.

But within that time,
you will turn 16.

When that occurs,
if you still wish
to become a soldier,

I will allow it.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, I'm most grateful.

But you and I must
have an understanding,
young Ben,

that you will return
and you will finish out
your service to me

once your soldiering days
are through.
Is that understood?

Yes, sir.
It seems more than fair.

Now, I suggest you put on
some clean clothes

so you can return down here
and join us for supper.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Tell me, child,

how did you convince
that obstinate lad

to come home?

(CHUCKLES)

I didn't, Grandfather.
You did.

I told him,
"'Tis never a good thing
to run toward something..."

If you're running away
from something else.

(LAUGHING)

Oh.

You've learned well, my...

(GASPING)

Grandfather?

(CHOKING)

Mother. Mother.

(GASPING)

FELICITY: My dearest friend
Elizabeth,

it is with heavy heart
that I write these words.

My grandfather has died.

It is as if summer
has ended forever
with his passing.

I did not have the chance
to say a last goodbye,

to kiss his cheeks,

to thank him for all
that he has taught me.

He found my beloved Penny.

It was his last gift to me.

And though it does not
seem possible,

she is more precious to me
than ever before.

I am aching to see you.

Your faithful friend,
Felicity.

PRIEST:
"Thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me.

"Thou preparest
a table before me

"in the presence
of mine enemies."

(HORSES NEIGHING)

We'll never see
Grandfather again.

As long as you remember him
in your heart,

he won't truly be
gone from you.

But he is gone.
He's dead.

And isn't death
the end of everything?

Not everything,
little Lissie.

No change, no loss,

no separation,
not even death can end love.

Love lasts forever.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

Elizabeth. Elizabeth, wait.
Elizabeth.

I went to your house
and no one answered.

Oh, I haven't seen you
in ages.

I've missed you so.

I'm sorry about
your grandfather, Felicity.

Please accept my condolences.

Elizabeth, what's the matter?

Nothing.

You seem so different.

I have no time
for idle chatter.

You'll excuse me.

Have I done something wrong?

Are you angry with me?

It's not you. It's...

My father's been arrested.

Arrested? What on earth for?

For being a Loyalist.

Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry.
I didn't know.

Yes, well,
I need to get home now.

I'll speak to my father
for you.

He knows important people.

Your father knows
important Patriots.

The very same ones
who put him in jail.

What makes you think
they'll help him get out?

What makes you think
your father will?

My father is different
from them, Elizabeth,

and you know that.

He won't stand for injustice.

JAILER: All right.
In there.

(DOOR THUDS)

(COINS CLINK)

(PRISONER MURMURS)

(KEYS RATTLING)

(DOOR OPENING)

Make it fast.
I don't have all night.

MR. COLE: Mr. Merriman.

Felicity.

Thank you.

(DOOR SHUTTING)

I'm very sorry to see you
in this terrible place,
Mr. Cole.

There's really
no reason for it.

I must say, Merriman,
I'm surprised
to see you here.

We may have differing beliefs
regarding the colonies
and the King, sir,

but I assure you
neither one of us
can tolerate injustice.

You're right
about that, sir.

Now that the Governor
is gone,

(MAN COUGHING)
the Committee of Safety
is in charge.

The chairman
is Edmund Pendelton.

Now, he's been
a mentor of mine
for several years now.

With your permission, sir,
I would like to speak to him
on your behalf.

I'm beholden to you,
Mr. Merriman.

(MAN COUGHING)

Father?

Yes.

The man in the cell
with Mr. Cole,

he was Jiggy Nye.

So that's what
became of him.

I can't say
I'm surprised.

Well, he looked
so helpless and old,

like no one in the whole world
cares for him.

Isn't that sad?

You feel pity
for Jiggy Nye?

I would think that
you would hate that man.

I was there when he screamed
unspeakable things at you

and threatened to kill
your beloved Penny.

But if I am filled with hate
because of him,

then I am no better
than he is, am I?

Besides,
Grandfather always said,

"Words spoken in
the heat of anger
are never from the heart."

Maybe his anger
comes from somewhere else.

Perhaps his heart is good.

You're growing up,
my dear Lissie.

(CHUCKLES)

And you are growing up
just fine.

(SIGHS)

(NICKERING)

Mother.

Yes, dear?

Take a good look at Penny.

She seems to be
getting quite stout.

(CHUCKLING)

Stout indeed. Feel.

Here's your package,
Lady Templeton.

Oh, thank you.

Certainly.

I'm going to have a foal.

I beg your pardon, child.

My Penny. My Penny
is going to have a foal.

Well, congratulations,
Felicity. When did you...

MR. COLE: Mr. Merriman?

Mr. Cole.

I thank you, sir.

You are most welcome, sir.

You know, I'm very sorry
that you were imprisoned
in that place for so long.

It's an injustice...

How can I ever
thank you?

(MR. COLE AND MR. MERRIMAN
CHATTERING)

By always
being my friend.

Always.

BOY: Look, everyone, look.
The soldiers.

**(DRUM BEATING)

(MAN COUGHING)

(COUGHS)

What do you want, girl?

I wish to give these
to Mr. Jiggy Nye.

Leave them here.

Excuse me, sir.
I wish to give them
to him.

(KEYS RATTLING)

Follow me.

You've got a visitor.

Mr. Nye?

I have some food

and something
to keep you warm.

(DOOR SHUTS)

(KEY RATTLING)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

I'll go.

Miss Felicity Merriman?

Yes?

Thank you.

(DOOR SHUTS)

Who was that?

A footman.
He brought this for me.

Oh, my goodness.
Do you think it's...
What?

An invitation to
Lady Templeton's ball?

What does it say?

You're right, Nan.

I've been invited
to Lord and Lady Templeton's
Christmas Eve ball.

Oh, Lissie,
you lucky girl.

I've always dreamed of
going there my whole life.

May I hold it?

What beautiful paper. Mother.

Mother. Come quickly.

Something wonderful
has happened.

What on earth?

Miss Felicity
has been invited

to Lord and Lady Templeton's
Christmas Eve ball.

Oh.

(CHUCKLES) My daughter

at the Templeton ball.

Oh, Lissie.

How wonderful.

Nan.

**(BOTH SCATTING)

But I haven't
a suitable gown.

Oh, I'll get some trim

and spruce up
your brown silk gown.

Everyone will be wearing
fancy new gowns.

I noticed a bolt
of blue cloth

in Father's store
the other day...

Lissie, it's nearly my time,

and we have Christmas
to prepare for.

I'm sorry,
I can't manage a new gown
for you just now.

But I will arrange for

some extra dance lessons
with Miss Manderly.

How does that sound?

Thank you, Mother.

I have your...

I have your package
from the store.

You got the trim,
Mother?

Mmm-hmm.

(GASPS)

Oh, Mother.

Does this mean
a new ballgown?

Aye.

(MRS. MERRIMAN CHUCKLING)
You're going to make it
for me?

(LAUGHING)

Thank you.

Run up and get
my good scissors

and--and my silk thread.

(MOANS)

I do wish that you would
start this tomorrow.

If I start tomorrow,

I'll never be done
in time for Christmas Eve.

I'm fine.

CAROLERS:
* O come, all ye faithful *

* Joyful and triumphant *

* O come ye *

* O come ye to Bethlehem *

Happy Christmas.

* Come and behold Him *

* Born the King of Angels *

* O come let us adore Him **

BEN: Felicity.

Felicity.

Felicity, they need
you at home. It's...

It's your mother.

Oh, we have
a new sister.

How's Mother?

She's, uh...

She's not well,
Felicity.

You will have to help
with the children now.

Of course, Father.

(BABY CRYING)

(BABY CRYING)

Lissie, will Mother leave us
like Grandfather did?

Of course not, Nan.

Don't ever say such things.

She'll be fine.

FELICITY: Dear Lord.

I know there are
so many people in the world

for you to look after.

(CRYING) And we're just
one little family.

But, you see,
Mother is our world

and we all need her.

I need her

so very, very much.

(SOBBING)

I can't imagine
being without her.

So, please

let her stay here with us.

With me.

(SNIFFLES)

I can't let her go.

I just can't.

Here, now.
What's this?

I can't.

(SOBBING)

I know, child.

I know.

Oh, there's my girl.

(SOBBING)

It doesn't feel
like Christmas Eve.

Does it, Rose?

No, child, it doesn't.

MR. MERRIMAN: Felicity?

Felicity.

Come to your mother's
bedchamber.

(PANTS)

Oh, Mother.

Felicity.

Oh,

Felicity.

(CHUCKLING)

Your father says
you took very good care
of me and the children.

It was nothing.

'Twas more than
nothing, dear.

You managed our home
like a notable housewife.

I could not have
done better myself.

I'm so very proud
of you, Felicity.

Oh, thank you, Mother.

Oh,

and now, Miss Merriman,

you must get ready
for the Christmas Eve ball.

The ball?

Yes.

Oh, I can't go.

You are going.

That's an order
from your Mother.

But my gown isn't finished.

What shall I wear?

Your old brown one.

Run along
to your bedchamber.

And I'm sure you'll find
something to put on.

(CHUCKLING)

Elizabeth and her mother
finished it.

They brought it by
this morning.

Oh, Felicity.
You look like a queen.

You look beautiful,
Felicity.

I hope your escort
will do you justice.

Are you not
escorting me, Father?

(SIGHING) I'm sorry.

I've been called to
an emergency meeting
of the Patriot Army.

Do be careful, Edward.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
MR. MERRIMAN: I will.

Miss Felicity, your escort.

Ben.

You're to escort me to a ball
thrown by a Loyalist?

I watched
what you did for others
the past few weeks, Felicity,

without any thought
for yourself.

It's my honor to do
something for you.

And your family.

(HORSE NEIGHING)

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

MAN: Miss Felicity Merriman,

escorted by
Mr. Benjamin Davidson.

Miss Winifred Small
and Mr. Philip Mills.

Mr. and Mrs. James Tyler.

I should warn you,
I don't know much
about dancing.

Just follow me.

There's Lord
and Lady Templeton.

Felicity.

Thank you for your
generous invitation,
Lady Templeton.

With great pleasure,
Miss Merriman.

Please excuse us.

There's Miss Manderly.

ELIZABETH: Felicity.

And Elizabeth.
Hello.

Hello.

(GASPS)

Young ladies,
you look lovely.

FELICITY: Thank you,
Miss Manderly.

I have Elizabeth
and her mother
to thank for that.

I understand your
mother's feeling better.

Much better. Thank you.

Excuse me,
young ladies.

FELICITY: Of course,
Miss Manderly.

ELIZABETH: Felicity, look.

Bananabelle found
her dancing partner.

I'm surprised
she's interested
in Father's apprentice.

Oh, dear. Is that
your father's apprentice?

He looks so
different tonight.

I'm afraid I confused him
with the son of
a very wealthy Loyalist.

And that's who
I told Bananabelle
he was.

(FELICITY AND ELIZABETH
LAUGHING)

**(MUSIC PLAYING)

MAN: Miss Felicity Merriman
and Miss Elizabeth Cole

will now dance a minuet.

(STAFF THUDS)

MAN: The Virginia reel.

WOMAN: Goodbye.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

BEN: She said, "You mean,

"you're not the son
of a wealthy Loyalist?"

How did you reply?

Said, "I'm an apprentice
to a shopkeeper.
And a Patriot."

Oh, dear.
Then what happened?

Nothing. She was
too busy walking away.

(SNICKERING)

Oh, Ben,
'tis almost Christmas.

What a grand,
wonderful night it was.

Where are you going?

To check on Penny,
and wish her
a Merry Christmas.

Very well.

(PENNY GRUNTING)

FELICITY: Look at her.
Something's wrong.

Penny. Penny, I'm here.

It's her time. I think
the foal's having trouble.

When's your father back?

Not until tomorrow.

I don't think
she'll hold until then.

We must get help.

Who?

Stay here.

(PENNY NICKERING)

Please be home.

(GASPS)

Mr. Nye.

My grandfather once said
that--that you knew more
about horses than anyone.

We need you, sir. Please.

It's all right, Ben.
I asked Mr. Nye to come.

(PENNY NEIGHING)

You keep her calm.

I don't reckon
she's forgotten what
I done to her. Go on.

(PENNY SNORTING)

It's okay, Penny.

He's a fine one.

Born on Christmas Day.

FELICITY: Look at that.

He'll be independent,
just like his mother.

And just as spirited
as his owner.

BEN: Like a Patriot soldier.

(PENNY NEIGHING)

That's what
we'll call him.

We'll call him Patriot.

And what's this?

Father. Meet Patriot.

Patriot's
a fine-looking animal.

And is this Mr. Nye?

Aye, sir.

We would have lost
both Penny and Patriot

had he not come.

Well, then, I thank you, sir.

We are in your debt.

No need, Merriman.

Your girl has taught me
a thing or two about kindness.

Mr. Nye, if you're
not otherwise engaged,

would you do my family
the honor of joining us
for Christmas supper?

Oh, thank you.

(PEOPLE LAUGHING)

(ALL CHATTERING)

FELICITY: Christmas
had come at last.

And as I watched
our friends and our family

gathered together
in celebration,

I realized that
it didn't matter
if we were Loyalists

or if we were Patriots,

because on that night,
in that room,

we were together as one.

(GLASS CLINKING)

To our friends,
old and new.

To our family.

Those who are kin,
and those who have chosen
to live in our home.

And to those who no longer
sit at our table

but will forevermore
be in our hearts.

And to Christmas,

a time of love,
a time of peace,

a time of hope.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

ALL: Merry Christmas.

(ALL TOASTING)

MR. MERRIMAN: Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, dear.

Nan, William.

CAROLERS:
* Fa la la la la la la la la *

Carolers. Oh, may we?

Yes, of course.

CAROLERS:
* Fa la la la la la la la la *

Come, Elizabeth.
Let's watch.

Oh, Elizabeth.

It's for you.

Thank you.

* Fa la la la la,
la la la la *

Oh, Felicity. Your sampler.
You finished it.

Thank you.

"Faithful friends..."

"Forever be."

* 'Tis the season
to be jolly *

* Fa la la la la,
la la la la *

* See the blazing yule
before us *

FELICITY:
As the carolers sang,

I knew that no matter
where our journeys led us,

we would always
have in our hearts

the comforts of that evening,

the love of our families

and the everlasting nature
of true friendship.

* Fa la la la la,
la la la la *

* Strike the harp
and join the chorus *

* Fa la la la la,
la la la la *

* Follow me
in merry measure *

* Fa la la la
la la la la la *

* While I sing
of Yuletide treasure *

* Fa la la la la
la la la la **