AMY:

I would like to thank you all for coming here today to help me organize the Annual Concord Town Dance. We are going to transform the town hall into an enchanted forest, like something right out of A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM. It will be a magical even that will rival even the finest parties in Boston. This year, we shall call it[AMY and LAURIE unveil the portrait]...The Enchanted Ball!

AMY:

But I'll need your help. The ball is only two weeks away and there is much to be done. Mrs. Albright has graciously offered to head-up the refreshments committee. And my sisters, Jo and Meg, have volunteered to help with the decorations.

JO:

[Through gritted teeth, to Meg] We did?

MEG:

I was going to tell you that.

AMY:

So, start thinking about what committee you would like to be a part of, and, in the meantime...please, enjoy the refreshments.

AMY:

[Whispers loudly] Bess wait! Let me straighten that for you. [Proceeds to "situate" Bess's bustle correctly]

BESS:

[Distractedly, while watching everyone else] Thank you, Mother. [Walks away]

LAURIE:

Amy, I think she's a little young to be wearing a bustle.

AMY:

[Watching after Bess] I don't think so. She's been after me for months to let her have one. I think it looks wonderful on her. [Scurries over to sit by Jo and Meg] I think they liked my idea for the ball, won't you?

MEG:

[Nods head] Mmm...

JO:

Amy, this isn't a ball. It's a dance. Why can't we do it the same way we do it every year?

AMY:

Jo, this is my first year organizing the even. I'm trying to give it some class. I want this to be the grandest ball Concord has ever seen.

MEG:

I'm sure it will be. I just wish Edward could be here. [Looks over at Jo] He's away in New York this week.

AMY:

Don't you worry, we'll find someone in town to escort you. [To Laurie] Laurie, perhaps one of your clients would be suitable?

MEG:

Maybe Jo and I should just sit the dance out this year.

AMY:

Meg, it's a ball. And you have to go - the both of you. [Jo and Meg give her hesitant looks] Don't worry, we'll find escorts for both of you.

LAURIE:

I'm sure Nick will ask Jo to go with him.

AMY:

I'm not sure that's such a good idea. I mean, after all the courtship rumors during the lawsuit.

LAURIE:

That's nonsense. It was over a month ago! I'm sure the town is talking about something else by now.

MEG:

Still, how would it look if you went to the dance together?

AMY:

The rumors would start up all over again. And you did tell that lawyer that there was nothing going on between you. You don't want to put the school at risk again?

AMY:

Oh! There's Mr. Bridger. [Jumps up and hurries over to him] Mr. Bridger!

H. B.:

Oh, good afternoon folks. I hope I'm not too late.

AMY:

Oh, I'm just so glad that you could join us. [Turns to Meg] I've asked Mr. Bridger to cover the ball for the CHRONICLE.

H. B.:

How could I refuse? It promises to be the event of the year. Front page headlines.

JO:

[Gives an amused tilt of her head] Much more interesting than that silly little presidential election coming up.

H. B.:

...Mrs. Bhaer. [Jo nods her head slightly] Perhaps I could talk you into giving me your views on the ball?

JO:

Well, Mr. Bridger...considering the highly unflattering article you wrote about me and my school a month ago, I'd rather not see my name in your newspaper again, if it's all the same to you.

H. B.:

[Beat.] Oh, profiderals. [Points at Meg's dessert plate] My favorite.

AMY:

They're just over there on the table.

H. B.:

You'll excuse me? [Walks away.]

MEG:

Jo, I know he wrote that article, but remember, he did try to make amends.

JO:

Augh. I know, I know. I just don't trust the man.

MRS. A.:

Grayson!

G. W.:

I'm so sorry I'm late.

MRS. A.:

That's quite all right. [Takes his hand and leads him] Mr. and Mrs. Laurence, I'd like to introduce you to my nephew, Grayson Whittaker.

LAURIE:

[Reaches forward to shake hands] How do you do, Grayson. This is my wife, Amy - her sisters, Jo and Meg...[Bess appears slowly from behind] and...our daughter...Bess.

BESS:

[Nods slightly] Hello.

G. W.:

[Eyes on Bess] Hello. [Nods towards the rest of the group] How do you do.

MRS. A.:

Grayon's visiting from college. He's in his second year at Columbia. Oh! There's Mrs. Tugman. I want you to meet her. [Leads him off again]

AMY:

What a handsome young man.

LAURIE:

[Bess is busy watching after the two] Yes, he does seem like quite a gentleman.

JO:

No doubt very popular with the young ladies.

MRS. A.:

[Across the porch, in the background, speaking with Mrs. Tugman. Bess is still watching them] Yes...

BESS:

Wasn't that just the most wonderful tea part, Aunt Jo?

JO:

It certainly was.

BESS:

Don't you just love the theme? The Enchanted Ball. It sounds so romantic. I can't wait to go.

JO:

[Quite surprised] You're going to the dance this year?

BESS:

Mother finally convinced Father that I'm old enough to go. I am thirteen, after all. She's going to lend me her diamond earrings and buy me a new dress.

JO:

Well, this really is going to be a special evening.

BESS:

Yes, now I just have to decide who's invitation I'm going to except.

JO:

[With a coy smile] Hmm...maybe Dan will ask you. [Starts to walk away]

BESS:

[With a smile] Maybe.

H. B.:

Mrs. Bhaer...could I speak with you a moment?

JO:

Mr. Bridger - sorry. I'm just on my way back home.

H. B.:

It won't take long. [Jo stops] I-I-I just thought that we...could...look, I-I know that we didn't exactly get off on the right foot, and for that, I take full responsibility. I've judged you before I met you and...and I was wrong. But I hope that you can forgive me and look beyond that little misunderstanding. [Jo looks unconvinced] I really feel that-

JO:

[Interjects] Uh, look beyond that little misunderstanding. Is that what you call the article that accused me of putting my students' lives in danger and that nearly cost me my school?

H. B.:

All right, uh, it was a big misunderstanding. The point is-

JO:

Look, Mr. Bridger. I know that you were helpful in eventually getting the lawsuit dropped and you wrote a very nice follow-up article.

H. B.:

[Smiles] You see, I'm not such a bad guy.

JO:

[Ignores him] But the two of us are very different people. [Harrison looks a little terrified] Now, I will be civil with you, and I will be polite, and maybe even one day we can be friends. But I came very close to losing everyone and everything I love, partly because of you. Now, I am finding it very hard to put that behind me, and I hope that you can understand.

H. B.:

Of course. Well, I've said my peace. I won't delay you any farther.

JO:

[Nods head, then turns back and takes the leather strap from him] Here. [Demonstrates the correct way] Just around there.

H. B.:

Oh, it goes there. Yeah.

JO:

Good day, Mr. Bridger.

H. B.:

Mrs. Bhaer. [He watches her walk back towards her horse]

BESS:

What are you doing? [Leans in for a closer look as Nan snips the worm in half]

NAN:

I heard if you cut an earthworm in half, it'll grow another head...or tail. Whatever end this is. But if I cut it in half, both sides'll grow back. Then I'll have two worms!

BESS:

There are much more interesting things to talk about than dissecting worms.

NAN:

Like what?

BESS:

[Looks up at the ceiling, smiling softly] Like...boys.

NAN:

I'd rather talk about worms.

BESS:

[Sigh] Haven't you ever thought about what it might be like to court? To have a suitor, and get love letters and flowers?

NAN:

[Matter of fact, still focused on her worm] Nope.

BESS:

Well, I have. And I just met the most wonderful boy. His name is Grayson Whittaker. Isn't that just a noble name? He's tall and charming and handsome...and he's polite, and he's got dark, wavy hair... And he's visiting from college.

NAN:

[Jaw drops slightly] College? Bess, I though you said he was a boy.

BESS:

He is...he's just an older boy.

NAN:

If he's from college, that means he's a man.

BESS:

Yes. [Looks over at Nan, taking a porcelain figure from the mantle.]...I suppose it does. [Puts the figure back.]

DAN:

Hey, Nick.

DAN:

What're ya doin'?

NICK:

Goin' inta town. Gonna build a stage for the dance. [Shows Dan his toolbox as the round the corner of the barn.]

DAN:

Oh...yeah, yeah the dance. [Touches the brim of his hat] Seems that's all anybody's ever talkin' about.

NICK:

Seems a pretty big deal, I guess.

DAN:

Are ya goin', then?

NICK:

Oh, I dunno. Maybe. [Looks over at Dan, smiling big] You?

DAN:

Oh, I dunno. Oh, I's thinkin' 'bout it. [Shrugs nonchalantly] I dunno. I've never been ta a dance before an' I wouldn't really know how ya go 'bout askin' somebody.

NICK:

[Turns to face Dan, still smiling.] Thinkin' 'bout askin' Bess?

DAN:

[Hesitates, then smiles sheepishly.] Yeah. You've prob'ly been ta lots o' dances in yer whole life, right?

NICK:

[Shrugs] A few.

DAN:

So what's the right way ta do it? I mean, d'ya send her a note, flowers, or what?

NICK:

Best way ta do it is ta go right out an' ask 'er.

DAN:

[Wasn't quite what he was wanting to hear] Uh...uh, what if she says no?

NICK:

If she says no, she says no. But if ya don't ask her, yer always gonna be wonderin'.

NICK:

Look, Dan, [Puts hand on his shoulder] The way I see it is, if ya got feelin's for somebody, ya gotta take that first step. If ya don't, she'll never know how ya feel.

NICK:

Hey Jo.

JO:

[Still gardening, turns her head] Oh, hey.

NICK:

Whatcha doin'?

JO:

[Half turns, holding up a dirt covered earthworm] Nan wanted me to save any worms that I found. Guess she's going fishing later. You heading into town?

NICK:

[Leans down] Yeah, I'm workin' on the stage. Thought I'd get a head start on some measurements.

JO:

I'm sorry that Amy roped you into this.

NICK:

Awe, that's alright. I don't mind. 'Sides, [Lowers his head, pretending to fix his hat] sounds like this dance is gonna be a good time. [He looks at her, a bit coyly, waiting for a response]

JO:

[Breathes 'yeah'] I'm not so sure about that. Especially when Amy gets through with it. You know, [Nick scratches his chin] the town dance used to be so simple - a couple of lanterns and some music; that was it. No 'Enchanted Forest', or stage for the musicians. Just plain old good fun. [Stares at a red flower in her hand]

NICK:

So Amy's goin' overboard, huh?

JO:

As only Amy can. She's turned it into some stuffy social function. In fact, I don't think I'm even going to go this year.

NICK:

[Looks a little surprised - silence - then he stands up and slaps his hands on his knees] Well, I better git goin'.

JO:

[Disappointed] All right, see you later.

NICK:

[In the distance] See ya.

LAURIE: Coming, sweetheart?

BESS:

Oh, um, actually, you go ahead. I'll just wait for you here.

LAURIE:

All right. [Gets out of the carriage and disappears into his office]

BESS:

Oh, hello Grayson. [Starts stepping out of the carriage]

G. W.:

Miss Laurence. Oh please, allow me. [Offers his hand in assistance]

BESS:

Thank you...very much.

G. W.:

Are you going inside?

BESS:

Oh, no. Actually, my father just went in to get...something. [Beat] So, how long will you be staying in town for?

G. W.:

Well, just three weeks. I promised my aunt I would come and visit whenever I had a break at my studies.

BESS:

Ohh...college must be terribly exciting.

G. W.:

Oh, it is. It's a lot of work, but I'm enjoying every minute of it.

BESS:

And you get to study in New York. Next to Paris, New York is one of my favorite cities in the world.

G. W.:

Oh, you've been to Paris. [Intrigued]

BESS:

Yes, and London, and Amsterdam. But of course, New York is my favorite city of all. I'm hoping to attend college there.......next year.

G. W.:

Next year...?

BESS:

Next year, as I just turned sixteen.

BESS:

So, are you enjoying Concord?

G. W.:

Well, it's wonderful. It's so quaint and peaceful. Why, it's no wonder why ol' Thoreau loved it so much.

BESS:

Have you been to Waldon Pond?

G. W.:

Yes, yes, and it's - it's everything I imagined it would be. Well, yesterday, I went for a walk and I-I came across the most charming little stream. It was next to an old bridge.

BESS:

Yes of course. I love that stream. I go there all the time.

G. W.:

Oh, you do?

BESS:

Yes.

G. W.:

I was thinking of going there tomorrow. Would you like to come along?

BESS:

Me? Go with you? [Rolls her eyes impishly] Of course that's what you mean. [Both laugh]

G. W.:

Well, I would love the company. [Long breathe] It would be an honor.

BESS:

[Flattered] Thank you. I-I would love to.

G. W.:

Wonderful.

BESS:

All right, tomorrow then.

G. W.:

Tomorrow. [He starts to walk away]

BESS:

[Softly...to herself.] All right.

AMY:

Jo, what are you doing?

JO:

Oh, I'm working on a centerpiece...like you asked.

AMY:

Well, you're doing a poor job of it.

JO:

Aaamy, it's fine. It doesn't have to be perfect.

AMY:

Jo, everyone has very high expectations of this ball. If everything isn't perfect, what will they think of me?

JO:

Oh, heaven forbid we go one day without worrying about what the town thinks.

NICK:

Ladies. [Takes off his hat] What's that? [Gives a strange look toward Jo's "centerpiece".]

JO:

[Miffed] It's a centerpiece.

NICK:

[Eyes wide] ...Looks good. [Walks off]

JO:

[Purses her lips] I hate this. I hate that I have to worry about what other people think. I should be able to go to this dance with whomever I want.

MEG:

[Standing next to Amy. Looks up from folding material] You're right. But it's not that simple, Jo. You know that.

AMY:

You can't just ignore what people are saying.

JO:

I don't see what the deal is, anyway. It's just a dance. Meg, you're courting Edward, but you're going to the dance with Mr. Bullock. Asia, you're going with Mr. Davies. Does that mean you're courting? No.

MEG:

It's not the same thing. There were rumors about you and Nick.

ASIA:

Oh, well there's always rumors about something or other.

MEG:

Yes, but she does have feelings for him.

JO:

Feelings, yes. But we're not courting. It's a friendship, and if I want Nick to escort me to the dance, it shouldn't be looking upon as anything other than that.

AMY:

What are you saying? That if Nick does ask you to the dance, you're going to say yes?

JO:

[Breathes 'Umm'] I don't know. [Coy smile at Amy] Maybe. [Jo moves to another part of the room, leaving to gaping sisters behind.]

H. B.:

Well, what do ya think? You're centerpiece...exactly as requested.

H. B.:

Well, maybe not exactly as requested

MEG:

[Politely] Maybe you should do something else? [Amy gives her a look of grateful relief]

H. B.:

Excellent idea. I'll just go drown this in the river so it doesn't frighten the villagers and then moves on to something less...artistic. [Walks off, frowning disdainfully at his 'centerpiece'. Amy and Meg chuckle softly once he's out of earshot.]

H. B.:

Mrs. Bhaer. What an unexpected pleasure.

JO:

Mr. Bridger. Did you come to help out with the decorations?

H. B.:

Yes, but it appears floral ranging is not in my calling, so I thought I would try my hand at candlemaking. And simpleton can make candles, right?

H. B.:

[Impishly] Oh, not that I'm implying that you are a [Realizes he's suck] a simpleton.

JO:

[Unconvinced] Here. [Hands the candle to him] Dip it in the wax...and then dip it in the water. Dip it in the wax...and then in the water. [Demonstrates for him] Simple. [Hold the candles out to him]

H. B.:

You know, Mrs. Bhaer. You and I aren't so different after all. In fact, in many ways, I think we're a lot a like.

JO:

[Surprised] Really.

H. B.:

I saw your centerpiece. It was almost as hideous as mine was.

H. B.:

I said, "almost." And from what I've gathered about you so far, I think we share some other common traits. We're independent, strong-willed, opinionated[Jo continues to give him un-amused looks]... stubborn as a mule.

JO:

A mule?

H. B.:

It's a compliment. The point is, I think that, although you may still harbor some...reservations to wards me, that um...I'm hoping, in time, that we can come to the place you spoke of the other day. Beat. Jo says nothing.] Friendship.

JO:

[Hesitates] All right. We're friends.

H. B.:

Wonderful. Not exactly on a sense of sinceretiy, but[Hands to candle back to her]...it's a start. [Moves around behind her.] Well, now that we're friends, and seeing how I'm still fairly new around here, maybe uh...we could go to the town dance together...? [Jo stops stirring, mouth open slightly] A-a-a-a-as friends, I mean.

JO:

You're asking me to go to the dance with you?

H. B.:

Well, uh...uh, yes, I believe that is what...um...I'm asking. Unless, of course, you've already excepted another invitation.

JO:

You called me a mule.

H. B.:

Uh, but in a good way.

JO:

Excuse me, Mr. Bridger.

H. B.:

A mule..........that's..........very charming.

NAN:

Bess, what are ya doin'?

BESS:

What does it look like?

NAN:

It looks like you're puttin' on make-up.

BESS:

Just a little.

NAN:

Where'd you get all this stuff?

BESS:

Aunt Jo.

NAN:

Mrs. Jo gave you her make-up?

BESS:

Not exactly. I kind of...borrowed it. [Starts fastening an earring]

NAN:

You're gonna be in big trouble if she catches you.

BESS:

I'm not planning on telling her, are you?

NAN:

[Shakes her head and rolls her eyes] No. [Walks over to sit on the bed] Just wash it off before she comes home.

BESS:

I'm not washing it off, Nan. I'm going out.

NAN:

You're leavin' the house lookin' like that?

BESS:

[Turns around to look at Nan] If you must know, I'm going to see Grayson.

NAN:

[Dumbfounded] The college man?

BESS:

Yes, we're going for a walk down by the stream. Just the two of us.

NAN:

Bess, you're only thirteen. That guy is older than Franz.

BESS:

I know that. I'm hoping he's going to ask me to the dance. [Dust a little bit of rouge on her cheeks] Actually, I'm going to make sure of it.

DAN:

Would ya like ta go ta the dance? C-could I escort ya- [Sigh] Could I accompany ya...? [Turns the corner, hears Nan and Bess talking, as their door is wide open.]

NAN:

Well, don'tcha want to go with Dan? I'm sure he's gonna ask ya.

BESS:

Why would I want to go with someone like Dan, when I could go with someone like Grayson? [Sigh] Listen, Nan. Grayson is a gentlemen. He offers his hand to ladies when they're stepping out of their carriages. But Dan is...well, Dan.

BESS:

Anyway, I wouldn't expect you to understand. You're just a child.

NAN:

Bess, I'm the same age as you.

BESS:

Look, I've got to go. Please don't tell anyone where I'm going?

NAN:

Bess...

BESS:

Please? I would do it for you, you know that.

NAN:

[Reluctantly] Oh, alright.

BESS:

[Puts her hat on, and picks up her gloves] I'll see you later. [Stands up and walks from the room]

NICK:

Easy with that axe, Dan. Ya ask Bess to the dance?

DAN:

No. [Rests from chopping wood]

NICK:

How come? [Starts gathering an armload of wood]

DAN:

I changed my mind. I'm not goin'. It's no big deal, right?

NICK:

[Pauses...gets a long look] ...Right.

DAN:

How 'bout you? You goin'?

NICK:

Awe, I don't know. Prob'ly not.

DAN:

Yer not gonna ask Mrs. Jo?

NICK:

[Turns around to face Dan] I don't think that's such a good idea, Dan. I mean, after the lawsuit an' all...prob'ly best if me an' Mrs. Jo ain't seen together at the dance. I'm pretty sure she's feelin' the same way. [Shrugs his shoulder, indicating "no big deal".]

NICK:

Hey.

JO:

Oh, hi Nick. Oh! I wanted to tell you the stage looks wonderful. You did a really great job.

NICK:

Awe, it ain't quite finished yet.

JO:

Well, even still. I'm not much of a builder, but ah, you did a great job.

NICK:

[Stands up, dusting off his hands] Thank you.

JO:

...This dance it really coming together, isn't it? The decorations and the stage...I'm sort of thinking that it might be fun after all... [Subltely dropping hints]

ASIA:

This just came for you.

JO:

Oh. [Looks at Nick, then opens the box. Pulls out a "gold" mule.] Oh... a mule?

ASIA:

Who's it from?

JO:

"In ancient Egypt, mules were held in high esteem, so much so that statues were built to pay tribute to them...[Smiles]...Harrison Bridger."

NICK:

[Incredulously] The newspaper guy?

JO:

Yeah, he wants to be friends.

NICK:

[Still bewildered] Well, I got work ta do. A mule...[Rolls eyes and shakes head as he leaves the room.]

JO:

[Laughs softly as Asia leaves the room.] A mule.

G. W.:

Yes, the paintings are beautiful. But I prefer the...antiquities of the loom. Seeing them is like...traveling back in time.

BESS:

I know what you mean. I absolutely love the ancient artifacts in Egypt. They're beautiful. They're my favorite.

G. W.:

Mine too.

BESS:

Really? [Looks over - surprised to see a picnic all laid out.] Oh, you've prepared a picnic!

G. W.:

Yes, I...I took the liberty. I hope you don't mind.

BESS:

No, of course not. [Starts to sit down]

G. W.:

[Offers his hand] Please.

BESS:

Thank you.

BESS:

[Smile slipping slightly] Oh...you brought wine.

G. W.:

Yes, Chardonnay. I hope that's all right.

BESS:

Yes, it's my favorite. [Softly] That's enough...thank you.

G. W.:

[Pours himself some, then looks over at Bess.] Well then, a toast. To a beautiful day...[Beat.] and a beautiful lady with whom to share it.

G. W.:

[Concerned] Is it too dry?

BESS:

[Confused] Dry? Oh no, it's...[Takes another sip.]...very good.

G. W.:

I can't tell you how much I've been enjoying your company. I'm really glad you came today, Bess.

BESS:

[Elated - softly] Me too.

G. W.:

I've been thinking about the dance[Beat.]...and frankly, I could think of no greater honor than to walk in their with you on my arm. So, may I have the pleasure of your company again?

BESS:

[Delighted] Yes, of course. I mean, [rolls her eyes and laughs hesitantly] yes, I'd love to.

JO:

Nan, what you doing setting the table tonight? It's Bess's turn.

NAN:

Oh...well, she had some more chores to finish up, so I said I'd help her out.

JO:

Well, I hope she finishes soon. Supper's almost ready. [Exits room after leaving tray on the table]

NAN:

[Under her breath] She better.

G. W.:

Who gave thee, oh beauty, the keys of this breast/ to credulous lovers of blessed and unblessed. I drank at thy fountain, false waters of thirst/ thou intimate stranger, thou latest and first.

BESS:

Grayson, that was beautiful.

G. W.:

[Closes book] No, you are beautiful.

G. W.:

No. [Puts his hand on her arm] You are the most beautiful woman I've ever met. [Trails his hand along her cheek, then lifts her chin and leans forward].

BESS:

Grayson... [Growing uncertain]

G. W.:

No, there's no need to say anything. [Touches her cheek, then leans forward and places a light kiss on her lips. Bess pulls her head away.]

BESS:

I should be getting home. [Looks down, touching a gloved hand to her lip.]

G. W.:

[Puts a gentle restraint on her shoulder, then touches her cheek again.] No...just...just stay a little while longer.

BESS:

No, I really can-

G. W.:

No, sure you can. [Draws her towards him, much to her dismay] It's still early.

BESS:

No, Grayson. [Tries to pull away]

G. W.:

[Takes a firmer hold on her.] Just...just...

BESS:

No...[still struggling]

G. W.:

Just relax.

BESS:

Grayson...

G. W.:

You're so beautiful. [Tries to kiss her again.]

BESS:

Uh, no...[Trying once again to push him away] Grayson... [Uneasily]

G. W.:

It's all right.

BESS:

Grayson...please.

G. W.:

[Leans towards her neck, still holding her firmly.] It's all right.

BESS:

No...Grayson. [Plants her hands on his chest, struggling to put more distance between them - to no avail.] Grayson! [Finally gets out of his hold and runs away.]

G. W.:

[Annoyed] Bess, w-wait. Look, come back!

TOMMY:

I wish I could go to the dance. I hear they're serving cake.

ROB:

I want to go to. [Jo smiles at him]

EMIL:

Um...sounds boring to me.

NAT:

I think it would be fun. Miss Jo, you're goin', right?

JO:

[Nods her head] I'd like to.

NAT:

[Smiles] Are you goin' with Nick?

JO:

Well...I don't know, Nat.

JO:

Bess...you're late. Where've you been?

BESS:

Oh, I went for a walk. I must have lost track of time [Her words sound almost forced]

JO:

Well, you better dig in before it's all gone.

BESS:

[On the verge of tears] Um...actually, I'm not very hungry. May I please go up to my room?

JO:

Of course.

BESS:

[Nods slightly] Thank you [Leaves the room]

TOMMY:

Bess sure is lucky. She gets to go to the dance.

DAN:

Yeah, but I feel sorry for the poor guy that's gotta put with her all night. [Fidgets nervously when Jo gives him a peculiar look.]

JO:

Dan...Dan, did something happen between you and Bess?

DAN:

[Stops pumping, frowning slightly.] What d'ya mean?

JO:

Well, the two of you didn't seem quite like yourselves at supper. Does this have anything to do with the dance?

DAN:

[Sighs. Narrows his eyes as he turns around] Guess ya could say that.

JO:

Did you ask her to go with you?

DAN:

[Beat] No.

DAN:

[Breathes a long sigh, then looks at the ground.] I was gonna, but then I 'eard her tellin' Nan that she was goin' with some guy named Grayson.

JO:

[Astounded] Grayson? [Dan nods.] Grayson Whittaker?

AMY:

WHAT?

LAURIE:

Jo, you must be mistaken. Bess hardly knows Grayson Whittaker.

JO:

Well, apparently she knows him enough to go to the dance with him.

AMY:

[Crosses her arms] I can't believe this.

LAURIE:

I knew letting her go to the dance was a mistake. She's only thirteen years old.

AMY:

Laurie - please.

JO:

What are you going to do about it?

LAURIE:

[Firmly - almost snaps.] We're going to put a stop to it.

JO:

Nick! Have you seen Meg?

NICK:

Yeah, she's over by the town hall with Asia.

JO:

Oh...done for the day? [Notices toolbox in his hand]

NICK:

Ah, done for good. Finished the stage 'bout a half hour ago.

JO:

Good. Listen, um...I-I wanted to talk to you. I-I've been thinking about this dance, and I'm afraid I have given you the wrong impression about whether or not I want to go. You see, I do want to go, and I was hoping that I could go with you. But, then I started thinking about all the rumors, and...and the lawsuit- and-

NICK:

It's alright, Jo. I know what yer gonna say.

JO:

[Startled] You do?

NICK:

An' I want ya ta know I agree with ya a hundred percent.

JO:

Nick, I am so glad to hear you say that, because I was beginning to think-

NICK:

[Shakes head] It's not worth it.

JO:

[Surprised] What?

NICK:

I mean, why risk lookin' the school 'gain? We already tol' everyone there ain't nothin' goin' on 'tween us so we should prob'ly jus' stick ta that.

JO:

[Slowly] Right...I think you're right. If this is what you want

NICK:

I mean, it's for the best, right? [Jo's silent] Fer the school an' all.

JO:

.Right. [Gives him an uncertain smile] I'm just going to head in...and...help decorate. [Points to wards the town hall and then heads over that way.]

NICK:

[Calling back to her] I'll see ya at home!

ASIA:

Well, did he ask you?

JO:

No.

MEG:

Oh Jo. Maybe he just doesn't want to go to the dance.

JO:

No...Meg, he just doesn't want to go with me.

ASIA:

'Scuse me. [Leaves]

JO:

Well, anyway, it's going to be a wonderful dance...eh, ball. [They share a laugh]

MEG:

Maybe you can't go to the ball with Nick, but that doesn't mean that you can't go and have a good time.

JO:

Well, I can't go without an escort, Meg.

MEG:

We'll find you one. There must be someone you can go with!

H. B.:

Sorry.

JO:

Ehh

NICK:

That's not what I meant. The only reason I was thinkin' we shouldn't go ta the dance together is 'cause I though that was what she wanted.

ASIA:

Well, she does.

NICK:

Does what?

ASIA:

Want to go to the dance.

NICK:

Well, so do I!

ASIA:

Well then ask her!

NICK:

What about all the rumors?

ASIA:

Folks gonna talk just as much if you two don't go. 'Sides, it's only a dance for cryin' out loud! What does it matter?

AMY:

How could you ever think about going to the dance with him?

LAURIE:

When did he ask you?

BESS:

When we went for a walk down by the stream. [A tear rolls down her cheek]

AMY:

What?!

LAURIE:

You went with him by yourself?

AMY:

Bess, you know how improper that is!

LAURIE:

What were you thinking?

BESS:

[More tears start to roll down her cheeks, unbeknowst to her parents] I don't know.

AMY:

I though you knew better than that.

LAURIE:

But clearly she doesn't. Bess, you kept asking us to stop treating you like a child - and then you go and do something like this.

AMY:

Until you've proven to us that we can trust you, you're not leaving this house.

LAURIE:

And you can forget about going to the dance.

BESS:

Good! I don't want to go to that stupid dance anyway! [Leaves the room]

NICK:

Hey. [Beat] Look, Jo [takes a seat] seems like we've been talking in circles this last week. Truth is, I do wanna go to this dance with you. I always have. Heck, it seems like it'll be fun. [Looks around the room] So, what d'ya say? Will ya go with me?

NICK:

I mean, better late then never, right? [Gives her one of his smiles]

JO:

I can't, Nick. Harrison just invited me and I excepted.

NICK:

[His smiles slips] .Oh

JO:

You knew she wasn't going to stay a little girl forever.

LAURIE:

Not forever. But a little longer would have been nice.

JO:

Well, she's growing up. Like it or not, she is growing up.

AMY:

What are we supposed to do? Keep her locked up in the house until she turns sixteen?

JO:

As trying as this is for the both of you, imagine how hard it is for Bess. She's not a child anymore, but she's not an adult, either. I remember what it was like being thirteen - don't you?

AMY:

[Nods] And to think Marmee had the four of us to deal with. I don't know how she did it.

JO:

You're still her parents. She is always going to-

LAURIE:

Bess.

BESS:

I'm so sorry.

LAURIE:

We're sorry too, sweetheart. [He embraces her tightly]

AMY:

We didn't mean to get so upset with you like that. Know it's because we love you and we're worried about you.

BESS:

[Shakes her head, tears glistening] But you don't understand. It's not just that.

JO:

Bess, did something happen?

BESS:

I didn't know

LAURIE:

You didn't know what?

AMY:

Bess, what is it?

AMY:

What is it, sweetheart? [Touches Bess's cheek]

BESS:

[Chokes] I told him to stop.

AMY:

Did he touch you?

BESS:

He wouldn't let me go.

LAURIE:

Bess, did he touch you?

BESS:

He tried to, but I ran away. [Sobbing] I was just so scared[Amy pulls Bess close, letting her cry on her shoulder]

AMY:

Oh sweetie.

LAURIE:

There he is. Stay here. [Puts a protective hand on Bess]

BESS:

No, Father. Please, let me handle this. [Laurie hesitates] Please. [Laurie consents and she walks across the street.] Grayson.

G. W.:

[Looks up from his mail, startled] Good afternoon, Miss Laurence. [Bess continues to look at him] Did you want something?

BESS:

An apology.

G. W.:

For what?

BESS:

[Incredulously] For taking advantage of me.

G. W.:

If anyone should be apologizing, Bess, it's you. You lied to me. You told me you were sixteen.

BESS:

Even if I was sixteen, what you did to me wasn't right. No one deserves to be treated like that, Grayson, regardless of their age.

LAURIE:

I'm proud of you. [Puts his hand on her shoulder]

DAN:

Is everythin' alright?

BESS:

[Nods] Yes.

DAN:

Want a ride home?

BESS:

[Smiles] All right.

NICK:

So ya decided ta ask her after all, huh?

DAN:

Yeah...and she said yes!

NICK:

Well, I'm glad it all worked out for ya.

DAN:

Nothin's ever easy with women though, is it?

NICK:

No, it ain't. They tell ya one thin', but they mean somethin' else.

NICK:

And by the time ya figure out what it is, they change their mind. But the thing is, they don't tell ya. You're just supposed ta know. [Sighs. Looks back at Jo, who quickly returns to hoeing.] I tell ya, Dan. I been with plenty o' women, but I don't 'member it ever bein' this confusin'. Sometimes ya gotta wonder if it's even worth it.

DAN:

Well...I think it is. [Beat.] It's like ya said, Nick. I mean, if ya got feelin's for 'em, ya can't just give up on 'em, right?

NICK:

...Hold up yer end.

H. B.:

Ah, hello Mr. Riley. [Squeezes in between the hardly opened door and Nick] How are you this evening? [His gaze travels around the room, as though he's searching for something.]

NICK:

...Fine.

H. B.:

I'm here to pick up Mrs. Bhaer. Is she uh. [His eyes light up]

H. B.:

Well, for the first time in my life, I find myself at a loss for words.

JO:

[Smiles] It's the dress. It's Amy's.

NICK:

[From behind H. B.] You look great.

JO:

Thanks

NICK:

Well, y'all have a good time.

JO:

Thank you