The Waltons (1971) s07e12 Episode Script

How did you know Ashley was the right man? I looked into his eyes one day and suddenly I was lost.
Just the way it was with me.
You were never able to forget him? He's been locked in my heart all these years.
Some people can love only once, you know.
So, I shut myself up and lived with my memories.
Miss Emily, that's just what I'm going to have to do.
Oh, dear.
There is a fine moment in our lives when we are young and innocent and our hearts first awaken to the mystery and pain of love.
At such a time we can give our love freely without fear of hurt or pain.
The arrival of a new young minister in town caused my father to witness such an awakening in the heart of my sister Elizabeth.
John, I appreciate your coming by.
Glad to, Reverend.
Haven't seen much of you.
I guess you've been busy settling in.
Name's Andy and you know where I can be found any Sunday.
Now, don't try to convert me, Andy.
I've been a heathen too long.
Wouldn't dream of it, John.
What can I do for you? Well, looks like there's some rotten floor boards here.
Reverend Buchanan neglected to mention it when he moved out.
I worry about my parishioners.
I have visions of Corabeth Godsey putting her foot right through the floor.
That would sure ruffle her feathers.
Well, what do you think? I think it's probably rotten underneath.
Let me check the closet.
- Are you all right? - Hey.
The floor caved in right to the ground.
Uh-oh.
- What is it? - Uh-oh.
- Watch out.
- What? - There's an animal there.
- What? - Come on, come on.
Run.
- What it is? Come on, run! Tell me there was a skunk in there.
Boy, he got you real good.
Stay back, stay back, stay back.
Stay back! Stay back! You sure tomato juice is gonna kill the smell? It's the only thing I know that does it.
After a while, I'll give you some soap and water.
I can't let that skunk have free run of the parsonage.
Not much you can do about it.
He'll leave when he gets good and ready.
Till then, you could stay with us for a few days.
Thank you, John.
Good morning, Reverend.
I brought some more tomato juice.
Smells like I'm just in the nick of time.
I'll get some soap and water and some fresh air.
I certainly hope that batch is warmer than this one because I am freezing to death.
No wonder Mama won't let you in the house.
I think I'm getting used to this.
Your nose must've gone numb.
This is no joke, Elizabeth.
Being attacked by a skunk is not very funny.
Well, skunks are wonderful animals, as long as you aren't mean to them.
I wasn't mean to him.
They catch mice and rats.
But I don't have mice or rats.
Well, that's because the skunk was in your house, clearing them all out.
Well, somehow I find it difficult to be appreciative when I'm up to my waist in tomato juice.
A skunk is one of God's own creatures.
As a minister, don't you think you should forgive and forget? Elizabeth Walton, if you don't start showing some respect for your new minister, I'm going to see that you take a tomato juice bath, too! Hello, Corabeth.
Oh, hello, Erin.
What can I do for you today? Well, Mama needs six cans of tomato juice.
Oh, I'm so glad that Olivia has given up the old-fashioned method of home canning.
Store-bought tomato juice is just every bit as pleasurable to the palate as the old-fashioned kind.
Oh, well, it's not for drinking.
It's for the Reverend's pants.
I beg your pardon? A skunk got into the parsonage and sprayed him.
We had to throw away his shirt, but Mama thinks she can save his pants.
Oh.
How disagreeable.
- Oh! Hello, Erin.
- Miss Mamie, Miss Emily.
- Hello.
- Corabeth.
Hello.
Your visit is so fortuitous.
I have just gotten in a new shipment of lace antimacassars.
Well, I'm sure they must be lovely, Corabeth, but today we just want some Mason jars.
For the Recipe, don't you know? We've just finished a superb run through Papa's Recipe machine.
And we were on our way over to your house, Erin, to find you.
Oh, then I'm glad we ran into each other.
Sister and I are writing a book based on excerpts from Papa's journals and our own diaries.
We feared we could never complete such a task if we had to write it all down ourselves.
So we were thinking, with your knowledge of shorthand, perhaps we could dictate it to you.
We would, of course, pay you.
Well, I'd be happy to help you.
We are anxious to write our book quickly because of the war.
We have heard that the soldiers want books to read in their fox groves.
I think that's fox holes, Sister.
Wherever they want to read it, I'm sure it will be just fine.
Ben, Jim-Bob, mind your manners.
It's the first time our new preacher has come for supper, I don't want him to think that you can only behave in church.
Sometimes they don't look so well-behaved in church either.
I wouldn't go high and mighty if I were you Jason.
I saw you yawning at the last week's sermon.
I think you should all model yourselves after John Curtis.
He behaves himself perfectly and quietly.
Andy, why don't you sit over here, next to Erin? Daddy's clothes doesn't look too becoming on you, Andy.
Elizabeth, will you say the grace, please? Dear Father, thank you for the food before us and the good company to share it with.
Bless this food so it may give us strength in the day to come.
- Amen.
Amen.
It was a very nice blessing, Elizabeth.
I hope you don't mind if I use it myself sometime.
Ben, will you please start the corn? - Why, of course, Erin.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
Jim-Bob, would you please pass the beans? - Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Mama, can I please have a biscuit? If it's not too much trouble.
Liv, why don't you introduce me to these folks? I don't think I've met them before.
I didn't want you all to act like you're in finishing school.
It's Andy, he's an inspiration to us all.
You look like you could use a little inspiration.
Uh-oh, sounds like the beginning of a sermon.
Now, I don't know what Reverend Buchanan's ways were, but the only sermons you'll be getting from me are in church on Sunday.
That's a relief.
Sounds like a real person, huh? - Jim-Bob! - It's all right.
I like to think of myself as a person before a minister.
- Let's start that ham down here, come on.
- Pass the ham.
Sorry, Daddy.
I don't know why you keep getting all the fish.
A little prayer goes a long way, John.
You give it a try sometime.
I would if I thought it would do any good.
Well, maybe I ought to leave the pond to you and get working on next Sunday's sermon.
Oh, no, no.
You can't run off when you're ahead.
You're providing supper tonight and earning your keep.
I got one.
I got What'd you say about prayer? Well, maybe Elizabeth here will change your luck.
Mama thought I'd find you here.
Mr.
Sarver wants you to call him.
Well, here, you take this.
Catch some fish.
We can't let the preacher think he can beat us in our own pond.
I didn't know you were a fisherman, Elizabeth.
Grandma used to take me down here all the time.
What's this? I have to learn a poem for school.
Well, you don't sound too pleased.
I like the poem, but I'm having trouble remembering parts of it.
Well, why don't you try reciting it to me and I'll follow along in the book? Oh, would you? I asked Jim-Bob but he thinks poetry is sickening.
Well, not me.
There's not too many things I like better than listening to a pretty girl read poetry.
Okay.
It's this one.
First Love by John Clare.
Ready when you are.
"I ne'er was struck before that hour With love so sudden and so sweet, "Her face "Her face it bloomed " "His face it bloomed " Her face.
"Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower "And stole my heart away complete.
"My face turned pale as deadly pale.
"My legs refused to walk away.
" That's very good.
Good.
I think I know the rest, except for the end.
All right.
Um "She seemed " "She seemed to hear my silent voice, Not love's appeals to know.
"I never saw so sweet a face As that I stood before.
" "My heart has left its dwelling-place And can return no more.
" "My heart has left its dwelling-place And can return no more.
" - You're getting a bite! - I know.
- Come on.
Pull it in.
Haul it in.
Here, here.
- I will.
Look.
Look what you got.
Look at this.
Look what you caught here.
There you go.
Look at it.
- Andy? Reverend? Oh, Mama.
It's only me.
Andy went up on the mountain to make some calls.
You sure have this place looking nice.
I see you found a use for the old lamp.
Well, it was kind of dark and gloomy in here.
I didn't want him to strain his eyes.
It looks like he won't starve either.
Well, he's bound to be tired and hungry from his hike up on the mountain, and he'll need something to give him his energy back.
Looks like you've thought of just about everything.
When I was up in the attic looking for the lamp, I came across some material that you were going to use for Erin to make her a new dress.
I remember I didn't have quite enough for the style she wanted.
Anyway, I thought wasn't it about time I had a new dress? I should've thought of it myself.
But it's got to be a grownup dress, no bows or frills.
I wouldn't want to remind anybody of Shirley Temple.
I certainly wouldn't mistake the two of you.
All right, no bows, no frills.
Can I get started today? I don't see why not.
I think I have a pattern you might approve of and just about everything else you'll need, except the buttons.
Mama, there is one more thing I might need to make the dress just perfect.
What's that? Silk stockings? All right.
Silk stockings.
Reverend, thank you so much.
Oh, you have been a godsend.
Well, that's just part of my job.
What would we have done if you hadn't come across us stuck in the middle of the road? That automobile never ran out of gasoline before.
Oh, when did we fill the gas tank last? Only last spring.
What should I do with the groceries? Right this way.
Miss Mamie, Miss Emily? In here.
Oh, Miss Emily.
The door was open, so I just came right in.
Oh, Erin, do sit down.
I'm delighted to see you.
As you can see, we have everything ready.
We brought all of Papa's journals down from the attic.
And I stopped at Ike's on my way over and bought a brand new note pad.
I've been trying to convince the Reverend March to stay and have some Recipe with us.
Oh, do.
The Recipe is excellent medicine when one has been bitten by porcupines.
Oh, Miss Emily, it was a skunk.
Oh, my.
Well, then you simply must have some of the Recipe.
Well, thank you.
But I really should get back to the parsonage and check and see if the skunk has moved out yet.
I can't stay with the Waltons forever.
Well, it's only been a couple of days.
What's the matter? Are you getting tired of us already? Hardly.
You know, when I got back today, I found a plate of cookies in my room.
It was a very pleasant surprise, even if I don't know who left them.
You must have a secret admirer.
I don't recall whether I've told you, but once upon a time I had Sister.
a secret admirer.
Well, that's what I'm hoping for, too.
Well, I'd better be going.
Erin, I'll see you when we get back to the house? I'll see myself out.
Thank you.
- Thank you again.
- Goodbye.
Oh, what a nice young man.
And a minister, at his age! Well, he just graduated from the seminary.
This is his first congregation.
I'm sure he and Ashley would have been great friends.
Yes, Sister.
Now let's get on with the book.
One hardly knows where to begin.
Well, why don't we start with a title? Yes.
It should be something dignified, but catchy.
I do like Gone with the Wind.
Too bad it's already been taken.
How about Ballad of the Baldwins? Oh, yes.
Ballad of the Baldwins.
All right.
- Andy, are you in there? - Elizabeth? Come on in.
Saw your car parked outside on my way home from school.
Where's the skunk? Gone, it seems.
I've checked all over.
Doesn't smell like he's gone.
And it looks like I'll be spending a few more days at your place.
I thought I'd bring some books over.
- Poetry? - Mmm-hmm.
I thought maybe we could read some together.
Sure.
I better start airing this place out.
Why don't you let me help you? I know about these things.
Oh, well, then maybe you can tell me, where do we start? Well.
How about those curtains? I bet they're pretty bad.
We can take those down then we can decide what else we have to clean.
Yes, ma'am.
Must be hard living so far away from your family.
Do you have any brothers and sisters? No, I wasn't as lucky as you.
I'm an only child.
Must have been strange growing up all by yourself.
I don't know.
It's no stranger than growing up with a houseful of brothers and sisters.
Little quieter maybe, and lonelier.
You must have had neighbors and bunches of girlfriends? Well, hardly bunches, a few.
But none special enough to last.
How come? Well, none of them had that lasting sort of sparkle, the kind that starts deep inside.
How did you decide you wanted to be a minister? Well, it's what I always wanted to be.
When I was little, I thought I wanted to be a detective, just like a girl spy.
You've changed your mind? Well, now I'm thinking of becoming a missionary.
A missionary? You think I'd be good at it? I think that whatever you go after in life, whatever you want to be, you're going to be terrific.
I hope you're right.
Mama, do you think I have a sparkle? I mean the inner kind.
I'd say so.
The way you whipped up this dress, it looks like you could be a professional seamstress.
That can only be a hobby.
I'm thinking of devoting my life to missionary work.
Andy said I'd be real good at it.
Hey, Elizabeth, are you getting religion? No, I think she's just getting interested in religious men, or a religious man.
Ben Walton, that's not true! Then why can't anyone take a breath around here without hearing "Andy this" or "Andy that"? You shut your mouth.
Elizabeth, will you go upstairs and get me that spool of thread, please? Anything to get away from brothers.
I don't want to hear you two teasing Elizabeth about Andy again ever.
Even if it's true? You heard me.
Jim-Bob! Yes, Mama.
But Elizabeth sure is acting goofy lately.
Hey, Daddy.
What's Jim-Bob mumbling about? It looks like Elizabeth's got a crush on Andy.
- Reverend March? - You're as bad as the boys.
- Who would've figured that? - Doesn't surprise me.
Elizabeth's 13 now, these things start happening.
I'm just glad she's got a crush on a man like Andy.
You think we ought to warn him? I expect he can take care of himself.
Elizabeth getting romantic notions? Looks like she's developed a taste for good-looking men.
- Takes after her mama.
- That's right.
There are times that loving seems to be a very easy and natural thing.
But when it comes to carrying out Christ's instructions to love thy neighbor, many of us find that our hearts and our minds are closed to the words of Well, come in.
Come in, ladies.
I was just going over Sunday's sermon.
Andy, Corabeth is here to see you.
- What can I do for you? - Ah, what can I do for you? As a member of your flock, Reverend, I felt it my duty to offer my help in your battle against, how shall I say, the whimsies of the animal world.
That's mighty thoughtful of you.
Is that wretched beast still occupying the parsonage? He was as of yesterday.
I'm going back today to check again.
Well, perhaps I can be of some assistance.
I have brought you a small book on animal husbandry.
I thought, perhaps, it could help to bring about an eviction.
Well, I'll be sure and take a good look at this before I go back to the parsonage.
And here are some bayberry and pine sachet essences.
Ah! To help freshen any clothes that might need reviving.
They smell wonderful.
- And lastly, for your own self - Men's cologne! Oh, not that you need it, please understand, but just in case you should have another encounter with that offensive animal.
Well, I don't know what to say.
The vicissitudes of the animal world often catch us quite unaware.
Well, I'm very grateful.
Well, I'm pleased if I have brought you some comfort during your exile.
You've been more than generous.
Well, Corabeth, I think we ought to be going.
Leave Andy to get to his sermon.
He's doing God's work.
Oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
- Á bientôt, Reverend.
- Bye, Corabeth.
And thanks again.
Perhaps, Sister, if Ballad of the Baldwins is well received, it might be made into a motion picture.
Wouldn't that be thrilling? Oh, I wonder who would act in it.
Well, Bette Davis would play my part.
Miss Katherine Hepburn would be me, and Ashley Longworth could be portrayed by Mr.
Leslie Howard.
Now, what actor could play my beau, Octavius Fairweather? Dear Mamie, Octavius Fairweather was hardly your beau.
He never did kiss you.
Well, how true.
But I'm sure the thought crossed his mind.
The Fairweathers never were men of action.
Oh.
Well, maybe, we better get to your papa's journals.
We were halfway through October 14th, 1901.
Now where was I? Oh, yes.
"Mamie and Emily were taking their afternoon constitutional "when a most unwelcome letter arrived.
" Do go on, Sister, it sounds mysterious.
"It was addressed to Emily from Mr.
Ashley Longworth.
"We know so little about this young man "that I cannot consider him to be a fitting suitor for my daughter "and, hence, I feel no good can come from any communication with him, "and yet I hesitate to destroy this letter.
"Consequently, I have taken pains to hide it in a place "where Emily will never think to look.
"And, someday, when she has overcome this silly infatuation, "I will give it to her.
" Emily.
Sister! When each waves comes a-rolling in We will duck or swim And we'll float and fool around the water Over and under and then up for air Ma is rich, Pa is rich So now what do we care? I love to be beside your side Beside the sea, beside the seaside By the beautiful sea! - Ta-da! - Perfect.
I've always wanted a cap like this.
Well, now you got one.
- But this is yours.
- Not anymore.
That's your reward for helping me clean the parsonage this week.
Besides, it looks better on you, anyway.
By the sea, by the sea By the beautiful sea! You and me, you and me Oh, how happy we'll be! - Hey, Elizabeth.
- Hello.
You're in a good mood to be ironing.
This is Andy's shirt.
We had to wash all of his clothes three times.
After you're done with his, how about doing some of mine? Not a chance.
You can't blame a guy for trying.
Oh, uh, when you see Andy, would you be sure and tell him I've picked out some hymns for Sunday? Sure, when I do see him.
Well, he'll be here in a couple of minutes.
I just passed him at Ike's.
Hello, Elizabeth.
Hi.
You know, you are gonna make somebody a terrific wife.
I've never seen anybody so industrious.
It's only ironing.
How do you like my new dress? Oh, it's a real knockout.
You're just a heartbreaker, that's all.
But there's one thing missing.
"Ode to a Skunk.
"When first that skunk came to call, he roamed your house and gave his all.
"In truth, the smell was severe.
But luckily, it brought you here.
" "I know you'll soon be on your way.
Yet still I hope we'll meet each day.
"For though we live a few miles apart, you'll stay forever in my heart.
" I was just on my way to find you.
Here I am.
Well, I think we've got something to talk about.
Well, can it wait till after I come back from the Baldwins? Miss Emily is frantic because she can't find Ashley's love letter.
That's what I wanted to talk to you about.
And what do you know about Ashley? I don't mean Ashley.
I mean love letters, poems.
You know.
No, and I don't have time for guessing games.
What about me? You did keep me guessing until this afternoon.
But now I'm sure it was you who was leaving me those flowers and cookies.
Me? Why would I do something like that? Just your way of showing that you like me? Well, I was beginning to, but now I'm not so sure.
- Well, what about the poem? - What poem? The poem I found in the shed.
You even signed it.
It sounds like one of the boys is playing a practical joke.
I'd like to see how my signature was forged.
Well, actually, it was just signed "E.
" - "E"? - For Erin.
It seems to me that you're forgetting there's more than one Walton girl with the first initial "E.
" Elizabeth? John, you got a minute? You wanna do some fishing? No.
No, I need some advice.
I thought preachers were the ones who gave advice.
Yeah, well, not this time.
It's a little awkward for me to say, but I think Elizabeth's got a crush on me.
Well, I wouldn't fret about that.
Girls Elizabeth's age tend to moon about something.
Well, if it were anybody else, I'd just call it puppy love.
Elizabeth's young, but her feelings are strong.
Maybe she's growing up faster than I thought she was.
What do you think I ought to do? Should I talk with her? Yeah, sounds right to me.
Level with her.
But do it kind of gentle, will you? Yeah.
I will.
I'll see you.
Elizabeth! I'm up here.
How about going for a walk with me? Sure.
I'll be right down.
You know, instead of calling up to my window, you could toss pebbles.
That's what they do in the movies.
I bet it'd sound real nice, if they weren't too big.
I think I'm gonna be moving back to the parsonage tonight.
Tonight? But I thought you'd be here for at least a few more days.
I mean, we're gonna finish that book of poetry and you were going to take me fishing.
But I went back there this afternoon and there's no longer any danger that I'll suffocate.
What about the skunk? He could be waiting down that hole just to come up and get you.
Your daddy and I boarded it clear up.
So, you see, there's no longer any danger and I'll be perfectly safe.
You know, these past few days, we've shared some fine times together.
And they won't have to stop.
I can come by after school.
Then we'll have weekends together.
It'll be just as good as it's been, only better.
Elizabeth, listen to me.
These past few days, I kept finding surprises.
Flowers, cookies, even a poem.
It was awful nice of you.
I felt as though a little elf had been visiting me.
An elf? Look, you're a sweet, young, beautiful girl.
And I want us always to stay pals, all right? Just don't say anything else.
Elizabeth.
How could Papa have done such a thing? I've never before been so provoked at him.
Oh, Sister.
Just look at him.
I never noticed before, but he's positively smirking at me.
I cannot stand to look at his face any longer.
Now, Emily, don't do anything rash.
I shall turn Papa to the wall.
Very well, if he upsets you so.
But I'll do it.
The sooner, the better.
And I'll help.
I find this most distressing.
This is the first time Papa's been off the wall, since the day he was hung.
Wait, Erin.
Sister, look! Can it be? It's addressed to you.
It's Ashley's handwriting.
I'd recognize that anywhere.
"Dear Emily, "I know that your father feels I am not a worthy suitor, "and so rather than bring any anguish to you, "I will not come to call again.
"But, Emily, dear sweet Emily, "I could not take my leave without first putting a memento of my affection "in our place.
"I hope it will induce you to think of me occasionally.
"And now I bid you adieu with a heavy but loving heart.
Ashley.
" - I must go there now.
- Where, Sister? To our place, of course, Ashley's and mine.
Where's that? There's a tree in the woods where he kissed me.
Oh, Miss Emily, you can't go now.
It's dark outside.
Oh, Erin's right.
You must wait until morning.
I have waited 40 years.
Then you can be patient a bit longer.
Very well.
Now, Erin and I will accompany you in the morning.
You will come, won't you, Erin? Oh, yes.
I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world.
Would you like me to put your father's picture back up? I think not.
Oh, but, Sister, Papa belongs over the fireplace.
Eventually, yes, but right now I think it's more fitting that he should have a few days of penitence.
Erin, would you please take Papa to the broom closet? I just came to check up on you.
My stomach still feels awful funny.
That's not the real reason why you've been hiding yourself up here all night, is it? It seems to me your stomach didn't start bothering you until after you went walking with Andy.
He told you? How could he? He didn't tell us.
Your daddy and I guessed.
Pretty dumb, isn't it? Feelings are never dumb.
He's getting his things together to go back to the parsonage tonight.
Why don't you come downstairs and say goodbye to him? I can't.
You're gonna have to face him sometime.
The sooner you do, the sooner you'll get over feeling uncomfortable around him.
I just can't.
Say goodbye to him for me.
All right.
I'm going over to the parsonage tomorrow to re-hang some curtains.
I could sure use your help.
Well, you can find somebody else to do it.
I'd like it to be you.
I'll keep you so busy you won't have time to worry about Andy.
Let me think about it.
Sure.
Mama, would you give this back to him for me? Didn't he give that to you for keeps? I don't want it anymore.
Then you're gonna have to give it back to him yourself.
I was hoping Elizabeth would come with you.
So was I.
I think she's awful embarrassed.
I sure never meant to hurt her.
Give her time.
She'll come to understand that.
You know, looking back on it, I can see that my actions might have encouraged her.
I should have known better.
You can't blame yourself for something you didn't know was happening.
Elizabeth was bound to fall in love sooner or later.
She's lucky she fell in love with a man as kind and gentle as you are.
Well, I'd sure feel a whole lot better about it if she'd just talk it through with me.
Yoo-hoo! - Come on in.
- Reverend.
Afternoon, Corabeth.
Reverend.
Oh, Olivia, what a surprise.
I thought I might just stop by and see if I could aid the Reverend in his resettling.
Why, yes, you can.
How about helping Olivia with the curtains? I think I'll go have another talk with a certain young woman.
Well, how mysterious.
Where do you suppose he's off to in such a hurry? I really couldn't say.
Well, perhaps a religious mission of inspiration.
Religious or not, I hope it's inspired.
There are so many trees.
How will you know which one it is? I just will, I hope.
The tree fauna has grown considerably taller in these past few decades.
Well, Sister, I think you mean the flora, the fauna are usually animals, especially when they're baby deer.
Never mind, Sister, here it is.
He carved my initials on this side of the tree, I remember.
Because the afternoon sun was shining in his eyes and he kept squinting.
Sister.
Here, Sister.
- Oh, yes.
- There it is.
Ashley really had a way with wood.
Well, look, the arrow points Oh, my gosh.
What is it? Well, the arrow points to a hollow in the trunk.
Oh, dear, I think I may faint.
No, Sister, now you control that urge.
There's just no place here for you to collapse.
Can you feel anything? Oh, I'm not sure.
- Oh.
Oh, my.
Oh, my.
Oh, my.
Oh, my.
Oh, my.
Oh, it's beautiful.
He wore this ring on his little finger.
He said the stone was the color of my eyes.
And so it is.
Except I see that they're a bit more sparkling at this moment.
Well, put it on.
You know, Sister, I've never said this to you before, but there were moments when I had some doubts about Ashley's true feelings for you.
From the moment we kissed beneath this very tree, I knew Ashley loved me.
And that was 40 years ago.
And in my heart, it is as if it were yesterday.
Thank you, Ashley.
Thank you.
Hello, Elizabeth.
Hi.
I've been thinking our walk ended kind of abruptly last night.
All those things I said, it was just a game, a big joke.
I hope you don't really mean that because I have enjoyed your company.
I couldn't help feeling honored that you would write me a poem which so sweetly said that you cared for me.
Elizabeth, too many people are ashamed to love or to show their love.
I wish there had never been a skunk.
Then we wouldn't have shared so many fine moments together.
And those moments mean something to me.
Really? Why do you think I'm here now? You know, I told you that I was an only child.
I always wanted a sister.
And these past few days, I've begun to think of you in that way.
But I guess you've got enough brothers.
More than enough, especially when they're Ben and Jim-Bob.
But since John-Boy's away, I guess I could use an extra brother from time to time.
I would like that.
How about if you and I go fishing in a few days, huh? No, thank you.
It's too soon.
Later, then.
Come on.
I'll walk you back.
No.
I wanna stay here for a while.
All right.
I'll see you, then.
Elizabeth home yet? No, and I'm hurting for her.
It's hard to know what to do.
When she was little and she'd fall down and bump herself, I could always kiss her and make it better.
This kind of ache just has to wear itself out.
I'm gonna call Matt Sarver and tell him I won't be picking up those contracts tonight.
I don't think you have to cancel your trip.
Charlottesville will be there tomorrow.
Honey, you all right? I finished the buttons on your dress.
You can try it on if you like.
I'm not going to wear that dress ever.
Let me.
Honey, did Andy say something to hurt you? Because if he did, I'll whop him one, even if he is a preacher.
No, he was real nice.
It's not his fault that he can't love me the way I want him to.
Now, those things happen sometimes.
Daddy, I really love him so much, and it hurts.
It's like a hurt as big as the mountain.
Well, that's an awful big hurt.
When does it stop? Not today, not tomorrow.
Sooner or later, it'll stop.
I'm gonna tell you something.
You promise not to tell your mama.
When I was 14, I fell in love with a beautiful woman named Julie Roper.
Her hair was black, the color of deepest night.
Her eyes were the color of violets.
Did she love you? No.
She was my history teacher.
End of the school year, she ran off and married someone else.
I thought my heart would break for sure, but it mended.
Years later, it mended real good when I met your mama.
It sounds so uncomplicated.
It sounds that way because it was so long ago.
Why don't you try on this dress and give your mama and me a fashion show? Oh, Daddy, how can I wear it now? I made it to show Andy how grownup and sophisticated I am.
Now, I don't know anything about being sophisticated, but you are truly grown up.
I don't know if you're aware of it, but something's been happening to you the last few days.
I can't imagine what it could be.
You've discovered you can love someone, honey.
My little girl has turned into a woman right before my eyes.
Daddy.
You're right about that dress being grownup, you know.
Why don't I take you and that dress over to Charlottesville for dinner and some dancing? I think I'd rather not.
Okay.
I'll be downstairs if you change your mind.
I was beginning to think I was stood up.
You'd look pretty funny dancing all by yourself.
I never thought I'd be so happy to see you going out with another woman.
I didn't know you were gonna look so beautiful.
I better put my suit on.
Mama, are you sure you don't want to come along? That's very generous of you, but I wouldn't dream of intruding on a young lady's date with a handsome older man.
Shall we show your mama what a handsome couple we're going to be? Elizabeth, may I have this dance? The passage of time and the support of her family helped Elizabeth overcome the pain of her first bittersweet love.
And eventually, she and the young minister were to become good friends.
Some years later, Elizabeth was to find that one love which would grow and endure with the steady brilliance that lasts a lifetime.
Good night, Elizabeth.
Erin, did Miss Emily ever put her father's portrait - back over the fireplace? Yesterday.
I think we ought to put a portrait of Daddy over our fireplace.
Good idea! And then if Mama ever got mad at him, she could just throw him in the broom closet.
Good night, Erin.
Good night, Elizabeth.
Good night, Daddy.
English - SDH