INT. RUN-DOWN APARTMENT BLOCK, STAIRWELL - DAY
Ann and Bill are walking up the stairs. They are both pretty horrified by the condition of the place.
As they are approaching the fourth floor Bill stops Ann.
BILL
Ann there’s something I have to tell you. - Rosie and I weren’t engaged. We’re married. We married the day we met.
Ann doesn’t know what to say.
BILL
So if her folks start talking like we’re married ... well, that would be why.
He clears his throat and carries on up to Rosie’s apartment.
Ann just stands there watching him, flabbergasted.
EXT. BOATS ON THE WATER - DAY
Gail Wynand is standing on his yacht. Dominique, in a speedboat, comes to a halt near his yacht and she is helped aboard by Gail.
GAIL WYNAND
I could’ve expected anything on my return except to see you coming here to meet me. If I wanted to delude myself, I’d think you were impatient to see me.
DOMINIQUE
I was.
GAIL WYNAND
I’m very happy, my dear - no matter your reason.
DOMINIQUE
I’m honest enough to warn you, you shouldn’t be.
GAIL WYNAND
I realize that. What was your reason? If you found another request to make of me, I like to be able to grant it.
DOMINIQUE
No. I didn’t come to make a request but to grant you one of yours. You still wish me to marry you?
GAIL WYNAND
More than anything I was ever capable of wishing.
DOMINIQUE
I’ll marry you. - Don’t you want to ask me any questions?
GAIL WYNAND
No.
DOMINIQUE
Thank you. You’re making it easier for me.
GAIL WYNAND
Whatever your reason, I shall accept it. What I want to find in our marriage will remain my own concern. I exact no promises and impose no obligations. Incidentally, since it is of no importance to you, I love you.
INT. MITCHELL’S APARTMENT - DAY
Mrs. Mitchell is very flustered and quickly adding two new place settings.
MRS MITCHELL
Rosie, really! All this time we’ve been asking you to invite the Kirbys over and when you do you don’t tell us.
ROSIE
I’m sorry Mama. It was very late and after a long night when I asked Ann - I thought she’d forget.
ANN
Not all of us Kirbys are bad at honoring commitments Rosie.
Rosie looks from Ann to Bill and there is an awkward pause.
MR MITCHELL
Bill how is work these days? Busy as ever?
BILL
Oh yes sir, very busy.
MR MITCHELL
Pop.
BILL
Yes - Pop.
MR MITCHELL
Any idea when you’ll be moving to Tumbleland Falls?
MRS MITCHELL
We’re more than happy if you stay here though.
MR MITCHELL
Yes. Maybe you prefer it here really? - We love having Rosie near.
ANN
You’re leaving St. Barts?
BILL
Well... that is...
MR MITCHELL
Ann it’s lovely to meet more of the Kirby clan. It’s quite difficult for me to get around as you can see. Do your parents ever visit New York?
ANN
Well they are homebirds but they would be more than happy to take a trip to meet Bill’s wife. And it’s shameful that you haven’t met after all this time. It’s shameful Bill.
BILL
Ann, please...
Rosie starts crying and runs off into the bathroom closing the door behind her.
MRS MITCHELL
Oh ... I -
She goes over to the door and tries to get Rosie to come out. Ann goes over and is begging Rosie to let her in.
Bill is standing awkwardly beside Mr Mitchell, not a clue how to save the situation. Mr Mitchell tugs on his sleeve.
MR MITCHELL
Mother was the exact same when she was expecting Rosie. The slightest thing would set her off.
Bill smiles weakly at him.
Rosie lets only Ann into the bathroom.
BILL
Mr Mitchell I’m sorry but I’ve a terrible headache...
He turns and leaves.
MRS MITCHELL
Bill?
MR MITCHELL
We’re going to have a grandchild Mother.
Mitchell smiles at him but then looks worriedly towards the bathroom door.
INT. MITCHELL’S APARTMENT, BATHROOM - DAY
The bathroom is clean but one of the walls is badly discoloured with damp. Rosie is crying.
ROSIE
You must think I’m awful...
ANN
You? No - Bill, yes. What is wrong with him? Why can’t men be honest?
ROSIE
We got married so quick. I shudda ended it right away but I fell for him so deep and - I - I
ANN
He loves you too Rosie. He’s just an idiot.
ROSIE
He’s afraid what your father will say.
ANN
What!? Father will be delighted with you. No, he’s afraid what the board of St. Barts will say. And Rosie he’s not giving up his job. It’s his dream to work there. He must be madly in love to even have suggested such a thing.
ROSIE
Really?
ANN
Definitely.
ROSIE
Really?
ANN
Yes.
Rosie sits there thinking a moment, then dries her eyes and straightens herself up.
ROSIE
Maybe it’s time Bill Kirby saw a different side to me. - Hey, do you think Laura would help me shop for some new clothes?
ANN
She’d love to.
