by John O'Neill
TOM MAHER
Are you two going to be alright here tonight? Is he staying?
BETSY MAHER
We'll be alright, Tom. Don't we have another man to look after us? Mind you, I doubt if he would wake up now if Gabriel blew his trumpet. Would you give me a hand with him though. He looks very uncomfortable there on the bare boards. You lift him up while I open the settle. At least he'll have a mattress to lie on.
Tom looks at their mother who nods agreement. Tom lifts Ned up bodily and stands back while Betsy opens the settle to form a bed upon the floor. They lower Ned into it. He stirs restlessly but does not waken. Betsy covers him with a blanket and pushes her reluctant brother out the door. She sits again by the fire and waits. Her mother sighs, gathers her things, puts her hand on Betsy's shoulder, says goodnight and goes up to her room and her bed. Betsy puts turf on the fire, covers it with the ashes, lowers the kettle above it and generally fiddles about while making a decision. Then she stands by the settle, watches and listens to Ned sleeping, strips down to her shift. She steps in to the bed and lies beside Ned, gently pulls the blanket over her and lies watching him breathe into her face. She finally falls asleep.
FADE OUT
INT. - BETSY'S COTTAGE - DAY
(dawn) Betsy is awake, She looks at Ned, still sleeping, smiles ruefully and gets up quietly. She dresses and tends the fire, makes tea and takes a cup to her mother in the room. She is sitting at the table when Ned wakes and orients himself to his strange surroundings. He climbs out of the settle, walks gingerly to the table.
BETSY MAHER
So, you're finally awake then. Don't you ever be ashamed of yourself, lying around while the woman does all the work?
Ned says nothing. He seems troubled. Betsy pours a cup of tea for him and places the bread on the table. She sits down again and looks at him in amusement.
NED HICKEY
I dreamt last night. At least I think it was a dream. I thought you were lying beside me in the settle.
BETSY MAHER
(mock sternly) Shame on you, Ned Hickey. You have spent too long among the heathen and their wild women. I never heard of such a thing. Don't you even think about it until we're married.
Ned is confused. She leans across and kisses him, suddenly serious again.
NED HICKEY
I'm sorry, Betsy. But it seemed so real. When can we get married, do you think? Will you come over with me to see the priest ... today?
BETSY MAHER
I'm not walking the streets of Ballon with a cripple on my arm. (pause) But I'll have a word with Tom. Maybe he'll yoke up the horse and drive us over in style. Father Quinn will see to it.
Tom comes in, sits at the table with them. He is still protective of Betsy.
TOM MAHER
Are you two still thinking of getting married, then?
BETSY MAHER
No, Tom. We've stopped thinking about it. You're coming over with us today to see the priest and give your blessing and we'll be wed as soon as it can be done. Sure Father Quinn is used to rushed weddings and for all sorts of reasons.
Tom studies them both, considers objecting, gives up on the idea and accepts the inevitable. He saves face by demanding a concession.
TOM MAHER
(to Ned) I'll be dropping you off at your brother's then.
Betsy starts to object but Ned leaps in quickly.
NED HICKEY
Aye, Tom. That will be kind of you. I have a few things to sort out there anyway.
TOM MAHER
Right, then. I'll get out the horse and we'll be off.
Tom goes out. Betsy rounds on Ned.
BETSY MAHER
Do I not have a say in this? I know what Tom is at, trying to protect my reputation, no less. As if I cared. And you let him separate us again.
NED HICKEY
Tom is a good man, Betsy. He loves you too and he is the head of the family. So, let's go along with him this time if only to make peace for I know he distrusts me yet.
BETSY MAHER
My God, when will I be my own woman?
NED HICKEY
When I become my own man, Betsy. I promise ye.
Her mother comes in. Betsy winks at Ned. He puts on his socks and boots gingerly as Betsy sees to her mother's breakfast. Ned goes down on one knee beside the mother. She puts her hands on his and smiles. Ned and Betsy go out to meet Tom.
FADE OUT
EXT. - HICKEY'S COTTAGE - DAY
Tom Maher drives into Hickey's yard with Ned and Betsy. Andy is at the door.
ANDY HICKEY
Failte roibh go leir. 'Tis a fine day for it, whatever it is.
Ned climbs down from the cart, turns to help Betsy but Tom beats him to it. Betsy shakes her head. Tom goes across the yard to water the horse.
NED HICKEY
(looks pointedly at Tom across the yard) Andy, Betsy, there are things I will tell you and nobody else about my time in America. You will never talk about them to anyone, not even Tom. My life will depend on it. (to Andy) Andy, this is Betsy Maher. The same Betsy we knew at Proctors but different. She has agreed to be my wife and we are to be married on Wednesday - a week today. Father Quinn has agreed to cut out all the rigmarole. Says we have waited long enough.
ANDY HICKEY
Sure I'll wish you every happiness but who did the match for you, Ned? Does she bring her dowry?
NED HICKEY
It never crossed our minds, Andy and shame on you for raising the matter.
BETSY MAHER
A woman should bring something, Ned, and I thought my little cottage as a place for us to live wouldn't be slighted.
ANDY HICKEY
Like you say, Betsy. I'll go talk to Tom about it, just to make things formal.
Andy walks over to Tom. They converse a while and shake hands. They walk back to Ned and Betsy.
BETSY MAHER
Well, have you two sold me off then?
ANDY HICKEY
Tom tells me there's no point in shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. Am I invited to the wedding then?
BETSY MAHER
Of course you are, Andy. I'm sure Ned would have no one else.
ANDY HICKEY
There's something else in case you have given thought to small matters like earning a living. Sir Philip heard in the village that you were home, Ned, and came up here looking for you. He wants you to go over to Ballintemple. Said something about settling an old debt.
TOM MAHER
We'd best be on our way, Betsy. You'll have a lot to do to get ready. We'll see you on Wednesday then, boys.
Tom goes to help Betsy up on the cart. She holds her hand out to Ned, kisses him full on the mouth, smiles sweetly at Tom and Andy and leaps up nimbly with assistance from neither. Tom climbs up beside her and they trundle out of the yard.
ANDY HICKEY
By God, Ned. You have a live one there and no mistake.
Ned doesn't argue. They go in to the cottage together.
FADE OUT
EXT. - COURTYARD, BALLINTEMPLE ESTATE - DAY
Ned is waiting in the courtyard of Ballintemple House. Sir Philip comes quickly to meet him. He looks more mature.
SIR PHILIP BUTLER
Ned, I was delighted to hear you were home safe from the wars. You're looking well man. I hope the spell in the army suited you.
NED HICKEY
Sir Philip, let me just say I'm glad to be home.
SIR PHILIP BUTLER
I'm sure you are, Ned. My brother Peirce writes me occasionally from the Carolinas. He has done well there with plantations and ships but I must say there is no place for me like Carlow.
NED HICKEY
(pause) Am I still an embarrassment to you, Sir Philip?
SIR PHILIP BUTLER
An embarrassment, Ned? Surely not. Whatever makes you ask that?