[Scene: Dan and Laurie are visiting in the Laurence's parlor.]

Laurie: It's good to see you again.

Dan: Likewise, Mr. Laurie.

Laurie:  I'm sorry we weren't able to meet you at the train with everyone else.  We were stuck bobbing in the ocean for three extra days until the wind finally picked up.

Dan: Awe that's all right.  I know ya would've come if ya could have.  Mrs. Jo and Nick were there with Nat, Nan, and Bess—and Rob.  Asia, too.

Laurie: Jo's been anticipating your arrival for months…
 
[Scene: Dan has just ridden up to Plumfield.  Nan and Bess are in the kitchen watching dishes, trying to get a better look.]

Nan:  I think he's up to something.

Bess:  Oh?

Nan:  Hello-o-o?

Bess: What?

Nan:  He's whistlin'.

Bess: So?

Nan: Aren't I entitled to act like a little kid every now and then?  After all, it is my holiday vacation.  It's only fair.
 
 
 

[Scene: Nan and Nat are up in the loft at Plumfield.]

Nat: So Dan's choppin' wood—I don't see anything abnormal about that.

Nan: You're a writer, Nat.  Have you no imagination?

Nat:  (shrug) Maybe not.

[Scene: It's dark outside and Dan has just "swept Bess off her feet" near the corral at Plumfield.]

Dan:  I'm shakin' in my boots… However, I might consider that, with a price, of course.

Bess:  A price?

Dan:  Like maybe, say…a kiss?

Bess:  Dan Madison!

[Scene:  Having finished dinner, everyone at Plumfield is sitting around in the parlor.]

Asia: You are too good lookin' for yer own good.

Nick:  Ya think so?

Dan: Not sure what I’s thinkin’ when I moved out West.  Asia's food tops all—includin' Gracie's.

Bess: Gracie?

[Scene: Same scene, still in the parlor, little later]

Nan:  Where do you suppose they're goin’?

Nat:  Probably for a walk.  It's a beautiful night, and talkin' about the lovely new pig Mrs. Hampton has recently acquired isn't the most interesting topic of conversation.

[Scene: Amy's looking out the window at Plumfield, taking a peek at Dan and Bess, who are down by the paddock.]

Amy: He's holding her hand!
 
 
 

[Scene:  Amy, Jo, Meg, Bess, and Nan are in the parlor at the Laurence's house, pins, needles, scissors, material, and such strewn all over.]

Bess: Is father feeling any better today?

Amy: Yes, dear.  Quite better.

[Scene:  It's late—Laurie is alone in the Laurence's parlor.]

Laurie:  Never.  I never should have done it! …Never should have made her stay.  …None of this would be happening!

Unknown:  I never thought you could be so selfish.

[Scene:  Dan is loading a crate in to the wagon in front of Gerson's General Store.  Bess rides up.]

Dan:  What?

Bess:  I'm s-so sorry.

Dan:  Bess!

Bess:  I-I have to go.

Dan:  Don't leave, Bess…please don't leave.

[Scene:  Amy, Jo, and Nan are peeking out the window at Plumfield.]

Jo:  She's my niece!

Amy:  She's my daughter!

Nan:  An' she's my best friend!

[Scene: Bess is on her way upstairs, after sneaking a midnight snack from the Laurence kitchen.]

Bess:  It just can't be!
 
 
 

[Scene: Bess is kneeling beside Dan up in the loft at Plumfield.]

Bess:  …please believe me.

Dan:  What about me?

[Scene:  Bess and Laurie are up in Nan and Bess's old room at Plumfield.  Bess is crying into Laurie's shoulder.]

Laurie:  Your sweet, innocent kisses—I will never forget how you used to show me with those and wrap your small arms around my neck.

Bess: I-I couldn't do that t-to you.
 
 
 

[Scene:  Same scene, little later.  Laurie and Bess are sitting on a bed, talking.  Tears are streaming down Bess's cheeks.]

Bess:  I love you so much, Father.

Laurie:  I love you too, and I always will.  No matter what.

[Scene:  Evening at Plumfield – Dan and Bess are racing to the corral.]

Dan: I guess that's just all the better for me.

Bess: Oh, really.

Dan: (grinning) A pretty li'l girl like you needs a strong, handsome boy like me to save her every now and then.
 
 
 

[Scene:  Dan and Bess are outside, talking by the paddock at Plumfield.]

Dan: I-I…I've been prayin' and thinkin' since I moved out west...

Bess: …a-and?

[Scene:  Laurie and Amy are speaking in the Laurence parlor—unbeknownst that Bess is listening.]

Laurie:  How can you say that!?

Amy:  Look at yourself! …  How could you?

Laurie:   (beat) I…I don't know.  I-I don't know.

Bess:  T-this can't be happening.  I-I won't believe it.  Please don't make me choose.

[Scene: Bess and Dan are up in the loft at Plumfield.  Bess is getting ready to climb down the ladder.]

Bess: …I-I hope that one day—one day you can forgive me.