LAURA:
I thought when I grew up Id wander, wherever the horizon took
me. But when Almanzo I called him Manly - asked me to ride in
his buggy...
(ALMANZO
helps her into buggy and then climbs up beside her.)
ALMANZO:
Would you like to hold the reins?
LAURA:
Oh, I shouldnt! The horses look so young and wild.
ALMANZO:
All of them are that way at first. Theyre not wild exactly.
They just havent decided to behave yet.
LAURA:
But they wouldnt be as much fun if they behaved.
ALMANZO:
You think so? Here give them a try.
(LAURA sits
and takes reins. The "horses" immediately kick up and LAURA
and ALMANZO are thrown back.)
Hold on now,
keep the reins tight. Dont let him get the start on you.
LAURA:
Look how the people stare, Manly. (Waving.)
Oh, hi, Nellie! Yes, its me, Laura Ingalls! Arent these
some fine horses? Theyre from Egypt! (To
ALMANZO.) Why is
it such a sight to see a woman drive a horses anyway?
ALMANZO:
They just dont expect it, I guess.
LAURA:
(Waving.) Maybe they should get used to it.
(ALMANZO
takes the reins and stops the horses.)
ALMANZO: Laura.
LAURA: Hmm?
ALMANZO:
Would you like an engagement ring?
LAURA:
What kind of engagement ring?
(ALMANZO
opens a box.)
Pearls!
ALMANZO:
I asked your Pa yesterday. He said it would be all right. If you
should decide to say yes.
LAURA:
He did, did he? Ill take the ring ... on one condition.
ALMANZO: Oh?
LAURA:
I dont want the preacher to ask if Ill obey you. I see
how hard Ma and Pa work together and it seems like theyre
partners. And they should agree on things together. Pa never asks Ma
to obey him.
ALMANZO:
Thats fine with me. I never had a single thought youd
ever obey me.
LAURA:
And two...
ALMANZO:
Two? You said you had one condition.
LAURA:
Oh, Manly, I know you want to be a farmer, but I have a different
kind of life in mind. A farmer is a slave to the animals, the weather...
ALMANZO: (Crestfallen.)
Laura, Im a farmer. Thats all I know how to be.
LAURA:
Ill make a deal with you.
ALMANZO:
A deal?
LAURA:
Three years. Ill farm with you for three years and if were
successful well stay and earn our claim. And if were not
well find another way to live. Agreed?
(She puts
her hand out for a shake. ALMANZO is take aback by the business deal
but finally decides to shake on it.)
ALMANZO: Agreed.
LAURA:
You may kiss me now.
(He is so
shy he barely pecks her cheek. Satisfied with the deal, she takes the
reins and shakes them.)
All right then! Giddy-up!
Note:
This is a sample from the actual script. To review the entire
play, order the PERUSAL SCRIPT (online instant download).