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Web of Dreams (2019)
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Looks like we're early. You sure you want to do this? Don't have to, if you don't want to. He was my father. I know, but it's only been a few years since you've known that. It doesn't matter. All right. What is it? You okay? I am now. It's not like when I was here. Annie, listen. I'll never let anything happen to you like that again. Okay? Ever. I promise. You understand me? Yeah. I know. That's my grandmother, Leigh. I need to know what happened to her. Has no one been able to tell you anything? Nobody knows anything. Maybe she's just one more in a long line of my family's secrets. Whoa. Her mother, Jillian, painted this. You know, I have a feeling I wasn't the only one who suffered here. But I want to know for sure. I'll go let the priest know we've arrived. Rye Whiskey, it's you! Miss Annie. Oh... it's been a long while, hasn't it? And here you are, looking like an all grown-up lady, and fit as a fiddle. My, my. It sure is good to see you, though a shame it's under such sad circumstances. It's good to see you, too. I have something for you. It belonged to your grandmother, Leigh. Are you sure this is for me? Yes, ma'am. It's from your father, Troy. He told me to give it to you, right before he died. It's her diary. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Miss Annie. God bless you. Thank you, Rye. I'm so happy. My birthday is finally here, and my coming-out party is in just a few days. Of course, my mother says that a proper lady should stop counting her birthdays after 28, but I never will. I still don't understand why she thinks birthdays are nothing but pain, because, to me, it's the best day of the year, even better than Christmas. Lord, forgive me. Thank you. There are so many of them! Thank you, Papa. Happy birthday, dear. Yes, happy birthday, doll. Thank you. Leigh... open that one first. It's a diary. Think of it as your own personal captain's log. Captain's log? Yeah, to record the fantastic journey of your life, my child. Yes, Cleave, however, she's not a child anymore. She's a young lady. That's right. Hmm. Maybe it's time to start figuring out what you want to do with your life. Perhaps go into cruise ships, like your old man? Cruise ships are hardly lady-like and, in your case, barely profitable. Well, maybe not enough for some. Indeed not. Mama, are you leaving? Oh, well, I have to go get my hair cut and styled and a manicure for your big night. It's all about you, Leigh. I spared no expense for your coming-out party. Oh, it's beautiful, Mama. A grown-up dress for a grown-up woman. Wait. There's more. What does this do? It will make your skin soft and supple. It's never too soon to fight the ghoulish aging process. Can you tell me that story again? Of when you were young? I still am young. I mean, when you were a girl. When I was a girl... not much older than you are now, which wasn't that long ago, I didn't have what you have. I was forced to work like a dog, with my sisters ordering me around. They would tell me that... Well... They used to tell me that I was ugly, Leigh... Ugly and gangly, and that I would never find a husband. You've always been beautiful, Mama. Thank you for lying, Leigh. I'm not lying. Everything changed when a man came to town... looking to marry. My sisters had their own designs on him. While they fussing and primping their dresses, I had to clean the house. But then do you know who he chose? You, Mama? You and Papa are both so lucky. It wasn't just luck. I had been watching and learning how ladies behaved... how to lure men. How to make him want me to be their ornament. Because, Leigh, women... never get to really have their own lives. They must be accessories to the lives of men. We do? Oh, yes. And now that you're older... I must teach you. If you have nice hair, heels, and expensive clothes, and your natural beauty... you can have any man you want. Someone like Papa? Set your sights higher. And by "higher," I mean richer. True wealth. For your party this weekend, I am taking you somewhere so you can see the kind of life you should strive for, and the kind of man. Isn't she darling? Leigh, this is Tony Tatterton. Welcome to my humble abode. Ah, and this is my baby brother, Troy. I'm not a baby. Hello, Troy. Hello. Now come. We must show you what your mother has been up to in her spare time. Mama... this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Well, Leigh, I'm not quite finished yet. The only thing that would make it better is if Jillian was in it herself. You're too kind. Thank you. Leigh, look. Your mother put me in it. Imagine. This kind of talent at the age of 28. But Mama is... Tony, why don't I get started here, and you can show Leigh the rest of the estate. But Mama, I want to watch you paint. I can only work alone, dear. Let me show you around then. Go on, doll. Is Farthinggale where you grew up? The only home I've ever known. I've only lived in our home, too, even though Papa travels so very often. Well, we both must broaden your horizons. There's the maze. Wow. That looks fun. Don't let it fool you. People have gotten lost in there. Troy, why don't you take Leigh to the studio to show her some Tatterton Toys? Stay till midnight. You're incorrigible! Oh! There you are. Really, I don't know what you think you saw. He was zipping up your dress. Because it came unzipped! Oh, my. You're adorable. Such an imagination. The things you think of! Wouldn't it be magnificent to live like that? That is a real businessman. He inherited everything from his family's toy company. Yeah, so what? Papa founded his own company. And all he does is work and he's a penny away from bankruptcy. You deserve better than that... Which is why tomorrow night is so special. You are going to be introduced to some of the best families from Boston, Newport, New York, and most importantly... their sons. Oh... It's Henry. His father is in pharmaceuticals. Good evening. Pleased to meet you. Jillian... you look stunning! Tony, you're gonna make me blush. Um... Tony, this is my husband, Cleave. Ah. - Tony. - Mm-hmm. I've heard about the mural. I trust you're pleased. Oh, it's magnificent. How about that? Oh! Excuse me. Hello... You're a dream, Leigh. Hello, Tony. Did Troy come? Oh, he's quite easily tired these days. He's better left at home. Come, Tony. Let's go get a drink. May I? I have been waiting all evening for this dance. You have? Mm-hmm. Before you tire yourself out, may I have a moment? You know, one day, I'm gonna have to give you away at the altar, Leigh, so I'd better get used to lines of boys vying for your attention. Still, even though you'll be married, I want you to have a choice, something that is yours and yours alone... Perhaps a college degree, a career, your own goals and agency. I got you something. "Listen to your heart and the waves will take you there." May I? I love it, Papa. I love you, sweetie. What are you doing? You are embarrassing me. You're drunk. I take out bank loans for your furs, and still you act like you are suffering because we only have one servant. Theresa Heinz has four and she is 10 years younger! All you care about is who's who and your face and your hair! My "who's who" and my face and my hair are what have gotten me here today, and they will take me somewhere else. You and your silly little boats can hit an iceberg, for all I care. I want a divorce. Then a divorce it is. Is he gone? Yes. Finally. Where have you been all day? Reclaiming myself. Papa is devastated. How could you do this to him? Do what? He's running the business into the ground. I practically have to abandon ship before it sinks. After all, I know more about business than he does. Funny business, you mean? Like going all the way with Tony Tatterton? It's just us now, Leigh. We have to be strong. We have to create new beginnings. Okay, Mama. Tony has been such a wonderful patron. He wanted to share my mural with all of you. How marvelous, a party to celebrate your mural. I love it. It's so sui generis. Thank you. You're too kind. All the more impressive, given your age. How's that? Well, don't they say artistic development rarely occurs after the age of 30? You know, you remind me of someone I once knew. The resemblance is striking. Who's that? My great-grandmother. So, Leigh... what do you think of your mother's masterpiece? I really had no idea she was this good. She could make a career of it. When you're wealthy, you don't need a career. That's why it's a hobby. Much more lady-like. Look at the detail. Passion and authority in every brushstroke. That's what makes it beautiful, Leigh, even great. I learned that toy-making, and it's corroborated tonight by your stunning presence in that dress. How you've developed these past few weeks. Your style, that is. Like a movie star... while, before, you seemed to be just a child. If only Papa could see this, then maybe he would understand Mama more. And then they could get back together. And then... I guess it must be easy to assume a woman like my mama must be single. So perhaps you could talk to my papa and explain the misunderstanding? You're so sweet. Everyone. This remarkable woman and brilliant artist at my side tonight has brought life, love, and magic into this house... and I never want that to change. That's why Jillian and I have an announcement to make. We're getting married! Oh! Tony! Of course, you are all invited to the ceremony, which will take place here at Farthy, one week before Christmas. What is more... Jillian and her lovely daughter, Leigh, will be moving in here tout de suite. Please, Mama, no. Shh. You expect me to give up everything that I know? Everyone that I love? My school? My friends? I will not move in here and I will not let you ruin my life! Hello? Papa? I'm so glad that you're there. What's wrong, kitten? Everything. They're getting married. You have to stop it. Well, uh... Your mother has her own free will. Maybe you can ask her to take you back and we... And she'll say no. Stay away from her, Cleave. Jillian, wait. Jillian! How dare you embarrass me in front of all those people? Do you want me to send you to boarding school in Switzerland and have the nuns crack your knuckles with rulers? I'd be happy to do it. It certainly would make my life easier. I'd rather move there than here! Stop being an ingrate. This is one of the finest estates in the country. Don't make me move out of our home. You and I can live there. Your father and I have sold the house and we've already signed the divorce papers. It's over, Leigh. Now, remember, this is going to be the finest wedding of the season. There is no expense that's too much for Mr. Tony Tatteron. Now, remember, we want the bride and groom to be... I want to make sure that as I'm walking out, everyone sees... And no orange. You know how I feel about that. I want lots of flowers and... Uh-uh! Careful. That is Baccarat crystal. It is worth a fortune. And be careful with the canvases. I think we should use the guest list from Leigh's coming-out party as a starting point for the wedding. Who would turn down an invite? And no extravagance is too extravagant. Can we invite Papa to the wedding? Honey... it's pointless to live in the past. We must move on. Besides... Look at this place. Isn't it fantastic? Now, I've been thinking. The Baccarat crystal would fit perfectly in that nook in the entrance. While your mother fusses with all this, I'll show you to your suite. Is this my room? It's your suite, Leigh. Down the hall is a separate sitting room and a private study, and, of course, your own private bathroom. Those are mine. From my company. They're marvelous. I take that you like it? Well, I'll leave you to it. I'll send up your governess so you can meet her. My governess? A lady must be attended to. What lovely thick hair you've got. My name is Edith. Oh, you mustn't curtsy for me, dear. My father said that a lady always shows respect to anyone. Well, he sounds like a wonderful man. How do you like your suite, Leigh? It's even bigger than mine. It's wonderful. Perhaps we can go play. Would you like see the maze? Let's go. Every summer, Tony has his gardeners plant new trees and change the maze, so it's unique. He doesn't want anyone getting bored or running out of things to do here. I don't think I'll ever run out of things to do here. The trick to finding the way out if you're lost... Candies, Where does the maze go? I've actually never gone to the end, myself. It's just dead end after dead end, which is why we have the candies. Good idea. I'm going to become a photographer, make you my sole subject. I'll be more famous than Ansel Adams. Let's go again, shall we? Again? I just fixed my makeup. I think it's gonna rain. We should head back. Um, okay, follow me. Let's hurry. Um... this way. Where are the candies? The leaves are covering them! I can't wait to call you "Mrs. Tatterton." Mr. Tatterton, I'm so sorry. I'm worried about Troy and Leigh. Why? I can't find them. We've looked at the beach, the barn, everywhere, and that storm is rolling in. The maze. Someone! Help! My hands are so cold I can't feel them! Okay. Okay. - Here, take this. - No! You need it. Come on, come on. It's okay. You stay here. I'm not going anywhere. Help! Anybody! Come on. Come on. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. - I'm cold! - Come close. Troy! Leigh! Where are you? Help! Wait! Hey! Troy! Leigh! Help! - Troy! - Do you hear that? Sounds like the wind to me, sir. Help! This way! Help! Leigh! Leigh! Tony! We're here! Hey! Hey, I'm here! - You okay? - Cold. Get them back to the house, now! You okay? Yes. Here! Put this on! Let's go! Thank you. We're going to need more blankets and some hot water, thank you. The doctor's on his way? Yes, sir. Is Troy going to be okay? He does have a touch of hypothermia. With his delicate constitution, one never knows, but I think so. He's going to be okay, Leigh, thanks to you. Come on. Let's get you warm. You must be freezing to the bone. You gave Troy your coat. You saved him. You truly are a remarkable woman. Take it off. There's no need to be shy or feel ashamed. We'll soon be family, and there are no secrets among family. Are you in? Yes. Is it warm enough? You're perfect. This skin... and your hair... It's flawless. Beautiful inside and out. You don't have to. I do. We have to get the blood flow to return. Now relax. Please... it's okay. You don't need you to. I don't want you to. Shh... My sweet... sweet daughter. I have the most marvelous idea. I want you... to model for me. Model? For my new line of bespoke dolls. I need a new prototype. You're perfect. Darling. What do you think? Isn't it brilliant? Indeed. Brilliant of Leigh. I have to go check on Troy. Are you warm now? Do you like sitting there, naked, with a man, my man, just like your mama? That little stunt out there... you don't think I see it? I'm confused. We were p-playing and... Tony is mine. He's marrying me. Of course, he's marrying you, Mother. Are you okay? I need to take a pill and sleep. It's been a long day. Mm. This one's a bit plain, isn't it? None of the off-the-racks will do, so see if we can get some material samples from the designers. Mm. Oh, good morning, Leigh. Oh, my. We really must do something with your hair before the wedding. Are you hungry? She would like a grapefruit. Where are Troy and Tony? At the doctor's office. Last night, he asked Tony to bring Troy "first thing" for another evaluation. Oh, my God. He's fine. He's a sickling. I wanted to apologize about last night. When I saw Tony tending you in the tub, it put me into a state. Of confusion. Emotional confusion. And I don't want anything to be strange. But wasn't it? Him bathing me felt... improper. I didn't like it. Well, he's going to be your father soon, so you need to get over your silly teen hang-ups. Now... why don't you help me plan our honeymoon? That'll cheer us up. What do you say? Hmm? Oh. Thank you. Oh, God. Your grandmother's going to be here later today. Grandma Jana? What's the occasion? The same as it always is. The opportunity to meddle. Grandma Jana! Oh! Hey there, sugar. I've come to check on you. They treating you well? Okay, I guess. Where are they, your mother and this boy she's gonna marry? Tony Tatterton. Welcome. Oh, goodness. You really are only a boy. My daughter could be your mo... Mother! Darling. Let's get you settled in. Indeed. Jillian, show Mrs. Jankins to her room. Where did you get that accent? "Mother, darling." It's called "class." And how long did you plan on staying? As long as it takes to make sure that you are on the up and up. Oh, Mother! I don't care what you think! And it's none of your business anyway. I'll be right back, Troy, okay? Do you think it was easy to find a respectable man like Cleave to marry you when you already had a-a bun in the oven? You don't know that. Oh, come on! Jillian, you know as well as I do, she looks nothing like Cleave. I don't know who you're trying to fool. She's not his. Where are you going? To get to know your Mr. Tatterton. Mama, wait. You have no right! But is it true? Am I not your daughter? Leigh. You are my daughter and I am your father, and that's all that matters. Are you okay, sweetheart? Yes. Yes, I'm okay, Papa. Listen, I will always be here for you. Always. And I don't care what your mother says. We can visit sometime. Would you like that? Very much. Good. We'll sneak around, like she did. You are a such a little grown-up, aren't you? I think that is an excellent idea. I love you. Bye-bye, kitten. Bye. You know, Leigh... I came here to rescue you from your mother, but I'm very pleased to see how strong you are. Mr. Tatterton, Tony and I, were just chatting, and he was telling me how well you're getting along here. Actually, I think you're going to be okay. You do? I do. And maybe... Maybe... this is where you need to be right now. You'll get the education you need and you will become a fine young woman. Listen. If things get too bad, I don't want you doing anything foolish, so you call me and I'll bring you right back to Texas, to live with me. Oh... Don't cry. Come on now. You're gonna be perfectly fine here. And this fella... Tony... He seems like a real gentleman. He can guide you. Protect you from your mother. I trust him. He has those Dean Martin eyes. This is your doing, isn't it? What is it, Mama? It's a prenup, is what it is. It's our ruin. I could just ring your neck! Mama, I didn't do anything. If Tony and I were to divorce, we wouldn't get a dime! But why would you get a divorce? Because look at you! I swear, I didn't do anything. And look at me! The clock keeps ticking, Leigh! But Tony loves you. You're the most beautiful woman in the whole world. It was Mother... poisoning the well. Who knows what she said. Did he say anything? She's always been jealous. Jealous of what? Of my ability to attract men. Of my youth. Because I'm young... And yet not. Mama, you're not making any sense. My sweet daughter. I'm so sorry. This stress has just been overwhelming, but, after the wedding, everything will go back to normal, I promise you. But... I need you to promise me something in return. That you won't take Tony away from me. Why would I ever? I know that you want a grand life of your own some day... and some day you will have it. Your own life, and your own strapping young man. I want a man like Papa. Except, since the divorce, when has he last visited? Has he reached out? Does he write? But he said he would. But did he? And how many letters have you written him? I don't know how many we've sent out for you. A lot. John Horowitz, please. John, it's Jillian. I need you to write my ex-husband a legal letter. He's not Leigh's father... and I can prove it. I don't want him filling her head with nonsensical ideas and butting into my affairs. He needs to stay away... or else. Are you okay? Troy? Are you okay? I'm okay. Tony said I am. Hi! Let's get you to bed. Before Santa comes? Come on. This one's from me. It's beautiful. Thank you! Merry Christmas, Leigh. Troy! Troy! No, no. Help! Please, someone help! Troy? Help! What's wrong with him? It's pneumonia. Very serious. We're gonna try to make him comfortable, but no more disruptions today. I want to stay with him. We need you to get in touch with your parents. I tried. They're on their honeymoon. Try again. It's urgent. He may not make it. My sweet... sweet daughter. We came as soon as we heard. Thank you again and again, Leigh, for staying by his side. Did you talk to the doctor? He's not responding to medication. His fever's so high that, well, his organs could fail. Ah... Doctor, I need a word. Listen, I'm exhausted from the flight. Why don't you come home with me and help me unpack? I have a gift for you. Someone has to look after Troy. A gift, Leigh. And Tony's here now. Come. Now. Fine. Stay. What do I care? I don't know what's happened, but your mother has suddenly turned a cold shoulder to me. Strange. All this constant fretting in the mirror. What do you make of it? She just... tries to be beautiful. She tries. Some people just are. Why don't we head back to Farthy and we can discuss our new doll? But, Troy... He's going to be just fine here. He's getting the very best of care. It's... beautiful. I've painted it in my spare time. From memory, in fact. But, as unforgettable as your beauty is... I'll have to sketch you in person for the doll. We might have to get a little more... in-depth. Understood? Well, now that you see my vision for you... Go change into this. It's cold. I'll turn up the heat. Posture is everything... for creating shape. Chest out. Can you hold like this? I think so. No! No, no, no, no, no. Listen, Leigh... I need you nude. Nude? Like fully naked? Yes, that's what that means. But... So, please. Otherwise there'll be no doll. No. No, no, no, no. There is no other way. Here. Look. These... are the masters. The best in history. Now, what do you see? I... I don't know. Beauty, Leigh! Beauty! Our betters, years ago, they weren't ashamed of the human body. They celebrated it! Now, I want... I need to celebrate yours in the same way. Can we talk to Mama? I am your father, Leigh. You don't need her permission. It's not permission I want. It's what? I should just talk to her. Mama? Yes. I have a question. Yes. What is it? Tony, wants me to pose for him. In the nude. Of course. Of course. I've worked too hard, Leigh. We must make him happy. What? How? By doing what he says. But I don't want to go back, Mama. The doll will bring us revenue. And it is art. You... will become art. Isn't that nice? And if he's happy, my marriage is intact. Mama, please, don't make me go back. You'll understand when you're older. Just trust me. I'm going back to my beauty treatment. Yes. Finally. There you go. Leigh, my love? I have a surprise for you. Is it Troy? Is he coming home? I miss him. No, I'm afraid not. They're still working on him. But I have something to show you. The finished prototype. What? What is it? It's just... it's not me at all. But it is you. But the detail... it's the body of a grown woman. Well, it's your mother's. A clever amalgam of the two of you. I told you about artistic license. But... but... - But what? - It's humiliating. It's profane. Profane? "Profane?" I will not be told about my craft by a child. You know what I would like? To make you into an everlasting sculpture! Tony, please, I'm sorry! It's fine, Leigh. It's supposed to be a reflection of you, though if you disagree so strongly... Then I'll just make another doll. I promise. I'm not a bad person, Leigh. Okay? This is just... part of the craft. Oh. I'm sorry. Hello, sweet Troy. Leigh, it's you. Hey, sport. How're you feeling? Better. That's great. That's great. I have something for you. Open it up. I changed the body to make it more doll-like in its innocence. It's beautiful. I know that you doubted me... and I forgive you. What are you gonna name her? I'll name her... I'll name her Angel. I love it. An Angel for an angel. I'll tell the marketing department right away. Now, I have one more surprise. You didn't think I'd forgot about your birthday, did you? Leigh! Troy! Oh! I'm so happy that you're here. I told the doctors, if they didn't let me go, I'd hold my breath until I turned blue. Then you'll stay? As long as the cough doesn't come back. Edith? Can we go get some food? Yes, eat. You need to gain some weight. Hi, I'm James. Pleased to finally meet you, Leigh. And happy birthday. Thank you. So tell me more about yourself. I don't know what to tell you. Have you ever... kissed a boy? Is that a yes? Just my father. Get off her, you dirty little rat! Tony, please, what are...? I'm making sure you don't defile yourself! Get outta here! This is my property. You will obey my rules, and you are never to see that boy again. Let go of me! You are not my father. We had to take Troy back to the hospital. He started coughing again. Oh, my God. Is he okay? These doctors are very good. I trust them. I wanted to apologize. I know I overreacted. But it's because I care about you so much... And when I see you with a boy like that, I get so incensed. I feel like someone's gonna take you away from me. Here. Let me tuck you in. Goodnight. Sweet dreams. No! No, no... Leigh? What's wrong? Why don't I make you some breakfast? I can bring it up to your room. Your mother's eaten and Tony's... Where is he? Well, he left this morning on an extended business trip. For how long? We're not sure, really. He didn't say. I'll be back with your breakfast. I need your help. Mama, please. What is it? The worst thing happened. Tony came to my room last night and he... He raped me. You dreamt it. He only has eyes for me, and who could blame him? Even though I won't touch him. Mama, please listen to me. Raped? You don't even know what that means. Such an imagination. But it happened! You dreamt it! Now, you will not speak of such things. Do you understand me? - Now leave! - But Mama... Why will you not mind me, child? Because I'm not a child anymore. He's been gone almost seven weeks and I can still feel his weight. His ugly smell. I can't sleep. I can't eat. I can barely breathe. I have no peace. I feel as though I am awaiting my execution, listening for the inevitable snap of the rope. There's no escape. I'm alone, living in this terrible secret. I wish I knew what to do. But I'm lost. Lost and alone and so afraid. I'm so very, very afraid. "Back to Farthinggale end of week." "T.T." I wish you were awake. Tony comes back from his trip soon... And so I have to make a decision. Just like my Papa said. Oh... sweetheart, are you okay? I've been sick for weeks. It's my stomach. Stress, I think. Have you been having your period, honey? How long have you been keeping this from me? No. No, this isn't going to happen. Do you understand me? I will not be a grandmother. I will not let you do this to me. I didn't do anything! I told you, it was him. He raped me. No. It was you. You seduced him! We're going to a special doctor tomorrow, to do what I should've done when I was pregnant with you. Now come! I'm not doing anything that you tell me to do ever again! How dare you speak to me like that? How dare you? I don't know which I wish more for you... That you and Tony live together forever, or that he leaves you old and penniless. I'm my own woman now, Mother! Not yours or Tony's. Mine! Leigh. Hi. I really need to speak with my father. Can you tell me where he is? He's not here, sweetie. Then where is he? He's at a wedding in the Caribbean. What? Whose wedding? His wedding, sweetheart. He tried to reach you to tell you himself, but... I... I don't understand. I'm so sorry. Your mother has made it very hard. He could go to jail for trying to see you, for violating the court order. I would never want that. I'd never want for him to go to jail. Wait! Leigh? Where are you going? The only place I can. Leigh! Come on in. Grandma? Hi. Who are you? I'm Loreen, the realtor for the bank. I'm prepping this house for sale. Who are you? Is this Jana Jankins' house? Yes. My name is Leigh. Jana's my grandmother. Oh, she... was your grandmother, sweetie. She passed away a few nights ago. Can't sleep here, miss. Go home. I don't have one. Well, then find one. What's wrong with you? Don't you have a family? Easy, mister! She's fine. She's with me. Both of yous... Get lost. You really don't have anywhere to go? That concerns me. I'm fine. Thank you. How are you fine? You're all alone... in a train station. - I can handle myself. - You can? I've handled a lot more. I can do whatever I put my mind to. Fair enough. So can I. But... sometimes I find myself down on my luck. Doesn't mean you have to go against what you want for yourself to take a little help from someone who wants nothing in return. Especially if you need it. And you, miss... need it. And maybe one day you'll be able to help me out. What are you thinking? Just that... I could use something to eat. How 'bout this? Let me take you out to eat, and you can get whatever you want. Huh. I've never been to a mansion. And I've never been to the circus. Do you actually live there? Well, there is no "there." We camp and travel. Spring to fall. Then, when the circus is off for winter, I go back to my real home. And where's that? It's called Winnerow. The country, in West Virginia, with my family. Maybe one day, when we get married, I'll take you there. Oh, yeah? Married? Yeah. I had this strange vision when I first saw you. I don't think I'll ever get married. Why not? Because I've seen what it's like. And I'm fine on my own. I'm fine on my own, too. But... who said people can't be fine on their own together? Oh! Yeah! All right. What did we win? We can choose. You like cotton candy? I've never had any. Then you're missing out on life! It's the best thing there is. And it's all yours, if I could just get a little kiss. Just a peck. It's your choice. I'm not trying to pressure you. What part of heaven did you drop out of to arrive here, Leigh? All you need to do is stay safe and get a good night's rest. I'll be sleeping in my truck. Okay? Be right outside if you need me. It's cold. There's room on the bed. We don't have to touch. How 'bout I take the floor? But only if you insist on me staying. Wow. That doll looks the spitting image of you. It's a portrait doll. I sat for it. Well, did they at least name her after you? The resemblance is kind of uncanny. Actually, I got to name her. Her name is Angel. That sure is what you are. I think, from now on, that's what I'm gonna call you, too. Angel. I'm gonna go get my stuff. I want you to stay with me, Angel. Where? Back at my home. Just till you decide what you want to do. Okay. Baby boy. You're home! Mama. Pops. Good to see you, boy. Now... who is this? This is Leigh... but I call her Angel. She's down on her luck and needs our help... and a place to stay. Well... we certainly can use some help with the chores in return. I'd be happy to pitch in. Fine. You're just in time. We have some preserves to put up. Come on in. Thank you. Please, don't judge. I wouldn't. Is it yours? I feel like that's unimportant, Ma. Okay. Then I feel the same. When is an apple grouchy? When it's a crabapple. What? You know... I mean, what happened. I'm not a virgin anymore. It makes no difference, Leigh. You're with me now. Angel? Hmm? Would you marry me? What? I don't have a ring or anything, and I'm sorry about that... but what I can do is build us a house and promise to love you and care for you and your baby forever, if you'll do me the honor. Are you serious? Yes! Of course! I, Luke Casteel, take you, my Angel... Leigh VanVoreen, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish and... I'm adding something here, is that okay? Of course. And by love and cherish and hold, and all that, I mean as two equal parts of a whole in the eyes of the Lord, until death do us part... or if she ever just wants to leave me. Leigh, do you promise to love and to cherish Luke till death do you part? I do. You may kiss your bride. Whoo! I love you, Luke. I love you, too, Angel. How's my other angel doing in there? I can feel her kicking. Hard. Gets it from you. Where are you taking me? I'm not gonna tell you. So? What do you think, Leigh? It's nice. What is it? What is it? It's our new home. I mean, technically, it's our homesite. But use your imagination. There's gonna be a big log house, right here. Okay, a small log house, but still big enough for us to start a family. 'Course, I gotta get to work, but I finished clearing it, and my dad and I are gonna start building soon, so that, by winter, we'll be ready to move in. What does baby Casteel think of the place? That it's beautiful. Now... it won't be a mansion. I don't need a mansion, Luke. I know, I know. Really. It wouldn't make you any happier? None. I'm already as happy as I can be. Okay. Then it'll be a nice little place. I can smoke my pipe and you can knit while our children... Oh! Angel? Are you okay? I think... Oh. I think... I think my water just broke. Oh, I'm having this baby! Right now? Oh... Okay, we gotta get you home. Come on. Ahh! I can't! I can't walk. Ooh... ooh. Hang on. Okay. Lie down. Uh... I'll go get the truck and get Mama, okay? She knows how to deliver. I'm gonna be a dad, Angel! Baby, I love you more than anything in the world. I love you, too, Luke. I feel like I've finally found my piece of heaven. Fate is smiling on us. Ooh... Ahh! Okay. Okay, I'll be right back. "Dear Mr. Tatterton... I regret to inform you that Leigh VanVoreen Casteel died in childbirth, giving birth to a daughter named Heaven. I'm sending you her diary given to me by a man who said it gave him too much pain to keep it, Luke Casteel." Hey, Annie? Funeral's about to start. Uh, yeah, I'll be there in a minute. Okay. Were you able to find anything out? That, as a young girl, she had the courage to escape the only world she knew and become her own woman. She sounds remarkable. She was. I see where you get it. Come on. |
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