East of Eden (2026) s01e02 Episode Script
Cathy
1
Next time, I'll remember that.
Wait.
It's a miracle she's still breathing,
but I think she'll pull through.
She needs constant care.
I'll be checking for infection.
-But you have to keep an eye on her pain.
-Morphine?
Careful how you give it.
They named it for the god of sleep.
It slows your breathing, your heart.
The man who developed it
almost killed his whole family
testing out only a small dose.
How's the patient?
-Someone tried to kill this girl.
-We'll find whoever did this.
What do you think you're doing?
I have to ask some questions.
How's the poor thing supposed to answer?
She can barely open her mouth.
Maybe she could spell out
what she has to say.
Her skull is cracked. I'd be
surprised if she could remember anything.
Well, I have to try.
Miss…
I'm Sheriff Giles.
I know you can't talk.
-But will you write some things for me?
-Mm.
That's the girl.
What's your name?
What do you remember?
Any faces or names?
You don't know who…
who you are or where you came from?
-You must remember something.
-That's enough.
-Wait till she's healed some.
-If we wait, we'll never find the culprit.
What else can be done?
She can stay here for now.
What? With us? Alone?
With the condition she's in,
I wouldn't dare move her.
I'll take care of her.
My wife can come by, change the dressings.
There's nothing else
for the girl's injuries but rest and time.
I'll need you to fill out a report.
Have a little. Keep up your strength.
That's the way.
You'll be better before you know it.
"Dear, dear."
"How queer everything is today."
"And yesterday,
things went on just as usual."
"I wonder if I've been changed
in the night."
"Let me think."
"Was I the same
when I got up this morning?"
"I almost think I can remember
feeling a little different."
"But if I'm not the same…
…the next question is…
…'Who in the world am I?'"
I love in solitude
To shed
The penitential tear
And all his promises to plead
Where none but God can hear
I love to think of mercies past
And future good implore
We hear Cathy's set
to attend the high school in Amesbury.
Quite the indulgence for a girl.
Yes, but Cathy wants to be a teacher.
Well, she won't be a teacher for long,
not with a face like that.
What a wife she'll make someday.
Ah…
Will you tell Father I've gone home
to start the pies for the charity picnic?
Oh, no. I was going to make them.
Your hands have been troubling you so.
Let me help.
How sweet.
-Such an angel.
-Mm.
Yes.
Uh, Miss Ames.
You dropped this.
Oh, thank you.
I'm forever losing my handkerchief.
And…
Here.
To secure it.
-No, it's too fine. I couldn't possibly.
-Allow me?
Your mother says you found another bauble.
Yes, on the road.
I thought it was a coin
glinting in the dust.
I'll place a notice in the paper
to return it to its owner.
Of course, Father.
I hope this time
you will receive a response.
A girl learns quickly.
There is no avoiding the attention
of the opposite sex.
Boys and men
will be drawn even to the average female
as surely as a river flows downstream.
But a girl need not be
helpless to their advances.
With some practice, she can learn to turn
their attention to her own purposes.
Divert the river correctly,
and one can generate power.
Miss Ames.
You live out toward Merrimac, I believe?
Would you allow me to walk you home?
It's hard to hide something like that.
Kindly bring me my medicine.
Mm.
This stuff…
It makes you sleep?
Takes away the pain.
Hm.
Your nursemaid
has written down every dose.
-It's very thoughtful of him.
-Hm.
Adam takes good care of me.
Yeah, he's hardly left your bedside.
You enjoy my brother's company?
Hm.
-I feel like we've met before.
-I've never seen you in my life.
Yeah, well, how can you be sure though?
If you've lost your memory.
My medicine, please.
Don't drink too much.
Soup is good.
I learned from watching my stepmother.
She was forever shooing me
out of the kitchen.
It's unmanly, I suppose.
I don't think so.
It's funny. You've hardly left this room,
and still you brighten the whole house.
What's wrong?
You're so kind to me.
And I'll only bring you trouble.
What do you mean? What trouble?
I didn't ever lose my memory.
What?
If someone you loved dearly,
like your father, say, were in trouble,
wouldn't you do everything you could
to save them from destruction?
Then you know who hurt you.
-Was it your father?
-I'm sorry. I can't say any more.
You won't tell, will you?
Please. Not even Charles.
You're the only one I can trust.
You have my word.
Can you tell me your name?
Perhaps, then, you can choose
another name that we may call you by.
"The girl"…
…will not suffice forever.
You may call me Cathy.
I… I don't understand, Cathy.
You told me my letters make you happy.
They do.
Only, you send them so often.
I can't help it.
You… you're all I can think of,
and my opportunities
to talk to you are so few.
-We walk home every day together.
-An hour. An hour is nothing.
Please, James.
I'm almost home. Someone will see.
Once you are no longer my pupil,
we won't have to worry.
Like all natural forces,
a man's affection
is only controllable to a point.
He could lose interest, of course,
but that's not the real danger.
When a man's attention grows into love,
or worse,
there is no predicting what he may do.
I'm sorry to be late.
The superintendent detained me.
I can't go on like this.
It won't be long
before I can speak to your father.
No, you don't understand me.
I'm ending our arrangement.
What?
Have I done something wrong?
I love you, Cathy.
And surely you must…
you must love me.
Come near me again, Mr. Grew,
and I'll have a story to tell
and your letters as proof.
Cathy.
-Mr. Grew?
-I've gotta speak with you.
-It's midnight.
-It can't wait.
It's about your daughter.
Young man, have you lost your mind?
Turning up on my doorstep?
-Set foot on my property again…
-Please. Mr. Ames.
-…and I'll report you.
-Mr. Ames!
No, sir, I need to talk to you. Please!
Please open the door.
Open the door! Please!
I heard that he used a pile
of prayer books to prop up the shotgun.
-I don't believe that.
-It's true.
They found him in front of the altar.
There was blood everywhere.
What happened?
Didn't you hear?
Mr. Grew shot himself.
The sexton found him this morning.
He used a pile of prayer books
to prop up the shotgun.
Bill,
that drunken man who came to the door
last night, could that have been Grew?
Of course not.
Didn't look anything like him.
He had a big beard.
Cathy, had you noticed
anything amiss with Mr. Grew?
Had he seemed
downcast in class?
He had looked pale.
And at school today,
somebody said Mr. Grew had had
some sort of trouble in Boston.
Yes.
I heard that too.
It's sad.
We all liked Mr. Grew.
What happened between you and Mr. Grew?
I'm your father.
God has given me authority over you,
armed by the state.
You're my property.
Do you understand?
If you've defiled yourself,
you've defiled my property.
I will punish you as I see fit.
Now, tell me what happened.
I know you did
something to that young man.
-You think you can play me for a fool?
-No! No! Never!
No daughter of mine will behave this way.
See you remember who you are.
And don't forget what I am.
I won't forget.
At first,
they'll think that everyone perished.
A terrible accident.
But when they comb through the ashes,
they'll only find the parents' bodies.
No trace of the girl.
Then, in the carriage house,
they'll find signs of a struggle.
"Poor little thing," they'll say.
"So young."
"God rest her soul."
"But unto Cain and to his offering
he had not respect."
"And Cain was very wroth,
and his countenance fell."
"And the Lord said unto Cain,
'Why art thou wroth?'"
"'And why is thy countenance fallen?'"
"'If thou doest well,
shalt thou not be accepted?'"
"'And if thou doest not well,
sin lieth at the door.'"
May I retire?
I have a history exam tomorrow
and need my rest.
Of course, my dear.
-Good night, Mother.
-Good night.
Father.
What did I tell you?
Just needed a little authority.
Look, those tiny stitches
with just the one good hand.
Can't have you walking around
with holes in your socks.
Well, if you're well enough
to do the mending…
…surely you won't be in need
of our hospitality much longer.
We don't wanna rush her.
-The doctor said she can relapse.
-She's clearly past that point.
He's right.
I don't want to overstay my welcome.
-Uh, you going to bed already?
-I still tire easily.
Good night.
Must you make her feel so unwelcome?
Use your head.
Two unmarried men
and a girl living with them.
-She almost died.
-And now she's well and must move on.
Well, she's still in a great deal of pain.
Adam, whatever she has done
to make you stop thinking straight--
-She hasn't done anything.
-Something isn't right here.
Okay, a girl like…
like that doesn't just
fall out of the sky.
A girl like that?
-You don't know the first thing about her.
-Oh, what? And you do?
You think you do?
I don't like it, Adam.
I don't want her living in my house.
-Your house?
-Our house.
Our house.
That's how you feel?
Perhaps I should leave.
What are you talking about?
I hear California is a paradise.
Don't be foolish.
Is it foolish to seek happiness?
Do you wanna keep scraping through life?
We're wealthy men now,
yet you won't allow us
to waste half an inch of candlelight.
Since when is prudence a sin?
If you wanna live out
your days in this cold house,
that's your choice, but I will not.
Well, you do as you please. But that girl?
That girl isn't staying here.
Well?
I brought you supper.
Well, I think if I'm hungry,
I can feed myself.
I'm just trying to help.
Oh, I don't need your help.
Do you find me so repellent?
You may have been able
to turn my brother's head, but, uh,
well, he'll come around.
Even if I have to lick him.
Could you lick him?
He's a big man.
Well, why don't you just
ask my brother what I'm capable of?
You know, um…
when you had that dope in you…
you talked a lot in your sleep.
Everyone has bad dreams.
Hey.
A few days after you showed up here, uh,
a man down the road, he found a suitcase
with some money in it
and jewelry.
Wouldn't happen to know
anything about that, would you?
Mm.
Of course not.
I don't know what I've done
to earn your distrust.
Well, maybe kind just recognizes kind.
I'm sorry to interrupt.
It doesn't matter.
Please.
What? What's… what's wrong?
I think I must leave.
Right away.
I don't know where
it will be safe for me to go,
but I know I cannot stay
where I'm not welcome.
You are welcome here.
What about Charles?
This farm is half mine.
If I say you stay, you stay.
You are very kind.
But I'm afraid Charles will do everything
within his power to be rid of me.
Cathy, will you marry me?
Don't tell me now.
I want you to think about it.
But I believe I can make you happy.
I know you'd make me happy.
And if you would marry me,
I can protect you.
No one could ever hurt you again.
Not my usual customer.
What can I do for ya, honey?
I'd like you to teach me your trade.
If employment is what you're after,
you'd better speak to the madam.
I need to know the profession first.
A pretty whore can be a liability.
The madam might not want the risk.
I'm sure she would,
with your recommendation.
-Are your parents aware you're here?
-I have no family.
I must earn my keep.
You aren't a virgin, are you?
Not really.
No one who is young
is ever going to be old.
We all think age
will be someone else's problem.
But a girl is not a perennial.
Every year, they plant a new crop.
So, when someone so young
and pretty
comes asking for lessons?
Only a fool would give them away for free.
What is it that you want?
I'll take half of what you earn.
10%.
Sweetheart.
Whoring happens to be frowned upon
in Lowell.
Half of what you earn,
and consider that generosity on my part.
Thank you for your generosity.
Drink that.
It'll make the rest easier.
I send my girls in pairs for safety.
And if they get pregnant,
they have a choice.
Leave or get rid of it.
Most choose the latter.
I can see why.
Man like you
must be a pleasure to work for.
Well, I do lose girls very rarely.
But I can't possibly take you on.
Oh.
-You don't find me suitable.
-You're far too pretty.
Mr. Edwards,
I can assure you I'd be no trouble.
All I want is to work.
What did you say your name was?
Catherine Amesbury.
Have you been in this line of work long?
Or…
I did a little work in Lowell.
But it wasn't a happy arrangement.
And I was told you were kind.
Why would a girl like you, uh…
Before my father died,
he let everything go to pieces.
We didn't know
he had borrowed money on the farm.
And I can't let the bank
take it from my mother.
I thought, well…
if I could make enough money
to keep up the interest, then…
I'm sorry.
My dear.
My dear.
Let's talk this over.
Perhaps we can find a way
for you to get what you need.
Well?
It was fine.
Just fine?
I think I preferred
our lovemaking on Tuesday.
But Tuesday, you told me
you were not satisfied.
Oh.
If only you'd tell me how to please you.
But you do please me.
But not enough.
It's only that…
there have been times
before, where…
my whole body has been
filled with such a reaction
you would not believe.
With other men, you mean?
I suppose.
But I told you,
what you were doing was fine.
Oh, I nearly forgot.
I have a grocery bill for you.
It's a little higher this month,
I'm afraid.
Uh… I could have sworn
I had my money clip on me.
I don't know where
my mind's at these days.
You've reduced me to rubble.
Don't be silly.
Twenty years in this business,
and I fall into the oldest trap.
The whoremaster in love with his whore.
But I'm not a whore.
Of course, I'd be happy to work
if you wanted me to.
I don't want you to.
I'd rather die than have you…
Do you know my wife found me
crying on the toilet last week?
I had to blame it
on the stress of the business.
Are you expecting someone?
-No.
-Why were you looking at the clock?
I need to do my shopping
before the store closes.
Are you seeing other men?
How can you ask me that?
You're never home.
The ruby ring I gave you for Christmas,
what became of it?
I told you, I must've misplaced it.
-I won't… I won't stand for it, Catherine.
-I told you…
You can't entertain men on my property.
It's not your property.
You bought the apartment in my name.
-Don't… don't toy with me!
-Ah! Ow.
Thomas, you're hurting me.
All right. All right.
My key didn't work.
Did you change the lock?
I had to. I misplaced mine.
I'll have another made for you.
Are we celebrating something?
Don't you know?
Today marks one year together.
Happy anniversary.
You know I don't drink.
Don't be stupid. Have one glass.
Thomas, I don't want it.
It's not friendly of you
not to have a glass with me.
Do you want me to be angry?
It's not good for me.
It makes me sick. You know that.
-Drink it.
-I don't want it.
-Drink it.
-I don't want it. Thomas.
Drink it.
See?
It's nice.
Come here.
Come here.
It's really better if you sip it.
That's expensive stuff.
I didn't want it. Remember that.
Maybe you better not have any more.
It's too late now.
It's like poison for some people,
you know?
You must truly hate me
to wish me to poison myself.
Stop. I don't hate you. I love you.
Catherine, stop. Stop.
You know, I can read
every rotten thought you've ever had.
-You disgusting slug.
-Catherine.
You wanted me to drink
because you thought it might make me talk.
Well, I'm talking.
You wonder how a nice girl like me
learned my tricks? I'll tell you.
I learned them in cribs.
I've worked in places
you can't even imagine.
-I got my education.
-You don't know what you're saying.
-You're hysterical.
-Am I?
Catherine.
-Cath--
-I know every nerve in your lousy body.
You can't even imagine the things
that I could do to you.
Do you want me to show you?
Your man…
…has been trailing me for weeks.
You think I didn't know?
Ca… Ca…
You should tell him
to tune up his performance.
A whore's got more subtlety than him.
What reason have I given you
to distrust me?
-No reason.
-No reason?
Nothing at all.
You're right.
I was being hysterical.
Come.
I'm going to give you
a surprise for our anniversary.
You're leaving already?
I've got to get home.
I hardly remember last night. I…
I guess I got a little wild.
I…
I did tell you I shouldn't drink.
Next time, I'll remember that.
Going somewhere?
Where are you going?
To visit my mother.
Your mother?
Just for a few days. She's been unwell.
That's funny.
I was thinking
we could take a little trip.
There's a small town in Connecticut
where I have some business.
Oh?
You said you wanted to work.
So I am putting you to work.
I don't want to go.
You can't make me go.
Maybe you'd rather go see your mother
in Amesbury, wasn't it?
They had a big fire there
a few years back. Do you remember?
They wrote about it in the newspaper.
Awful story.
The parents perished,
but they never found the girl.
-Keep walking.
-What?
No!
No!
You're scum!
No! No!
No, no, no!
No!
-No! Please! Please!
-Shh.
Please!
Please, please, please! Please…
To have and to hold.
To have and to hold.
To have and to hold.
For as long as you both shall live.
For as long as we both shall live.
For as long as we both shall live.
-You are jealous of me!
-She's a whore!
I wouldn't trust her
with a bit piece, that bitch!
You keep your filthy mouth shut
about my wife!
Your wife?!
She's no more wife than an alley cat!
-I won't live in the same house as her.
-Then buy me out of the farm!
-We'll go, and you can stay here and rot!
-Listen to me!
-Rot your life out, Charles!
-You need to get rid of her.
Do you understand?
You need to get rid of her.
You need to get rid of her.
-Charles, do not--
-Listen to me.
You need to get rid of her
and throw her out now,
because she is going to tear you apart.
She's gonna tear you to pieces,
and I don't wanna watch it.
I won't watch it.
You understand?
I think this was a mistake.
I must go.
No, we'll both go. Tomorrow I'll purchase
our tickets to California.
-But I don't wanna go to California.
-We can make a new life.
I don't wanna go to California.
You will be happy.
That'll be Charles off to the inn.
He'll get drunk and feel better.
And we have the house to ourselves.
Adam, I can't be
a wife to you until I am well.
Then I'll wait.
Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?
I'm afraid of Charles. He hates me so.
I can make a bed here on the floor.
That way, you can call me
in the night if you're frightened.
-Adam.
-Anything.
Can we have some tea?
I'm sorry. I should've knocked.
Whatever for?
You're in your nightclothes.
We are married now.
You're right.
Oh. Adam, would you mind
grabbing me a biscuit or two?
With Charles gone,
I think my appetite has returned.
-I'll find us something.
-Thank you.
Here we are.
Picnic.
Mmm.
Thank you.
To my husband.
Mm.
My wife.
Mm.
Is it too strong for you?
I like it strong.
Have you ever had your photograph taken?
Never.
I was thinking we could get our picture
made before we depart for California.
Wedding portrait.
The tea doesn't taste strange to you?
Let me taste yours.
-Adam.
-Hm?
You took the wrong cup. This was mine.
It's got my medicine in it.
Oh.
Well…
I guess it can't hurt me.
I hope I don't have to call for you
in the night. You won't wake easily.
-Oh no.
-I think I feel it already.
-Oh no.
-That is strong stuff.
-Poor Adam.
-No.
You're not used to it. Here, sit down.
What do you want?
Move over a little.
Where's your husband?
He drank my sleepy medicine by mistake.
Well, I've already been
with a whore tonight.
So?
Wait…
Poor bastard.
Next time, I'll remember that.
Wait.
It's a miracle she's still breathing,
but I think she'll pull through.
She needs constant care.
I'll be checking for infection.
-But you have to keep an eye on her pain.
-Morphine?
Careful how you give it.
They named it for the god of sleep.
It slows your breathing, your heart.
The man who developed it
almost killed his whole family
testing out only a small dose.
How's the patient?
-Someone tried to kill this girl.
-We'll find whoever did this.
What do you think you're doing?
I have to ask some questions.
How's the poor thing supposed to answer?
She can barely open her mouth.
Maybe she could spell out
what she has to say.
Her skull is cracked. I'd be
surprised if she could remember anything.
Well, I have to try.
Miss…
I'm Sheriff Giles.
I know you can't talk.
-But will you write some things for me?
-Mm.
That's the girl.
What's your name?
What do you remember?
Any faces or names?
You don't know who…
who you are or where you came from?
-You must remember something.
-That's enough.
-Wait till she's healed some.
-If we wait, we'll never find the culprit.
What else can be done?
She can stay here for now.
What? With us? Alone?
With the condition she's in,
I wouldn't dare move her.
I'll take care of her.
My wife can come by, change the dressings.
There's nothing else
for the girl's injuries but rest and time.
I'll need you to fill out a report.
Have a little. Keep up your strength.
That's the way.
You'll be better before you know it.
"Dear, dear."
"How queer everything is today."
"And yesterday,
things went on just as usual."
"I wonder if I've been changed
in the night."
"Let me think."
"Was I the same
when I got up this morning?"
"I almost think I can remember
feeling a little different."
"But if I'm not the same…
…the next question is…
…'Who in the world am I?'"
I love in solitude
To shed
The penitential tear
And all his promises to plead
Where none but God can hear
I love to think of mercies past
And future good implore
We hear Cathy's set
to attend the high school in Amesbury.
Quite the indulgence for a girl.
Yes, but Cathy wants to be a teacher.
Well, she won't be a teacher for long,
not with a face like that.
What a wife she'll make someday.
Ah…
Will you tell Father I've gone home
to start the pies for the charity picnic?
Oh, no. I was going to make them.
Your hands have been troubling you so.
Let me help.
How sweet.
-Such an angel.
-Mm.
Yes.
Uh, Miss Ames.
You dropped this.
Oh, thank you.
I'm forever losing my handkerchief.
And…
Here.
To secure it.
-No, it's too fine. I couldn't possibly.
-Allow me?
Your mother says you found another bauble.
Yes, on the road.
I thought it was a coin
glinting in the dust.
I'll place a notice in the paper
to return it to its owner.
Of course, Father.
I hope this time
you will receive a response.
A girl learns quickly.
There is no avoiding the attention
of the opposite sex.
Boys and men
will be drawn even to the average female
as surely as a river flows downstream.
But a girl need not be
helpless to their advances.
With some practice, she can learn to turn
their attention to her own purposes.
Divert the river correctly,
and one can generate power.
Miss Ames.
You live out toward Merrimac, I believe?
Would you allow me to walk you home?
It's hard to hide something like that.
Kindly bring me my medicine.
Mm.
This stuff…
It makes you sleep?
Takes away the pain.
Hm.
Your nursemaid
has written down every dose.
-It's very thoughtful of him.
-Hm.
Adam takes good care of me.
Yeah, he's hardly left your bedside.
You enjoy my brother's company?
Hm.
-I feel like we've met before.
-I've never seen you in my life.
Yeah, well, how can you be sure though?
If you've lost your memory.
My medicine, please.
Don't drink too much.
Soup is good.
I learned from watching my stepmother.
She was forever shooing me
out of the kitchen.
It's unmanly, I suppose.
I don't think so.
It's funny. You've hardly left this room,
and still you brighten the whole house.
What's wrong?
You're so kind to me.
And I'll only bring you trouble.
What do you mean? What trouble?
I didn't ever lose my memory.
What?
If someone you loved dearly,
like your father, say, were in trouble,
wouldn't you do everything you could
to save them from destruction?
Then you know who hurt you.
-Was it your father?
-I'm sorry. I can't say any more.
You won't tell, will you?
Please. Not even Charles.
You're the only one I can trust.
You have my word.
Can you tell me your name?
Perhaps, then, you can choose
another name that we may call you by.
"The girl"…
…will not suffice forever.
You may call me Cathy.
I… I don't understand, Cathy.
You told me my letters make you happy.
They do.
Only, you send them so often.
I can't help it.
You… you're all I can think of,
and my opportunities
to talk to you are so few.
-We walk home every day together.
-An hour. An hour is nothing.
Please, James.
I'm almost home. Someone will see.
Once you are no longer my pupil,
we won't have to worry.
Like all natural forces,
a man's affection
is only controllable to a point.
He could lose interest, of course,
but that's not the real danger.
When a man's attention grows into love,
or worse,
there is no predicting what he may do.
I'm sorry to be late.
The superintendent detained me.
I can't go on like this.
It won't be long
before I can speak to your father.
No, you don't understand me.
I'm ending our arrangement.
What?
Have I done something wrong?
I love you, Cathy.
And surely you must…
you must love me.
Come near me again, Mr. Grew,
and I'll have a story to tell
and your letters as proof.
Cathy.
-Mr. Grew?
-I've gotta speak with you.
-It's midnight.
-It can't wait.
It's about your daughter.
Young man, have you lost your mind?
Turning up on my doorstep?
-Set foot on my property again…
-Please. Mr. Ames.
-…and I'll report you.
-Mr. Ames!
No, sir, I need to talk to you. Please!
Please open the door.
Open the door! Please!
I heard that he used a pile
of prayer books to prop up the shotgun.
-I don't believe that.
-It's true.
They found him in front of the altar.
There was blood everywhere.
What happened?
Didn't you hear?
Mr. Grew shot himself.
The sexton found him this morning.
He used a pile of prayer books
to prop up the shotgun.
Bill,
that drunken man who came to the door
last night, could that have been Grew?
Of course not.
Didn't look anything like him.
He had a big beard.
Cathy, had you noticed
anything amiss with Mr. Grew?
Had he seemed
downcast in class?
He had looked pale.
And at school today,
somebody said Mr. Grew had had
some sort of trouble in Boston.
Yes.
I heard that too.
It's sad.
We all liked Mr. Grew.
What happened between you and Mr. Grew?
I'm your father.
God has given me authority over you,
armed by the state.
You're my property.
Do you understand?
If you've defiled yourself,
you've defiled my property.
I will punish you as I see fit.
Now, tell me what happened.
I know you did
something to that young man.
-You think you can play me for a fool?
-No! No! Never!
No daughter of mine will behave this way.
See you remember who you are.
And don't forget what I am.
I won't forget.
At first,
they'll think that everyone perished.
A terrible accident.
But when they comb through the ashes,
they'll only find the parents' bodies.
No trace of the girl.
Then, in the carriage house,
they'll find signs of a struggle.
"Poor little thing," they'll say.
"So young."
"God rest her soul."
"But unto Cain and to his offering
he had not respect."
"And Cain was very wroth,
and his countenance fell."
"And the Lord said unto Cain,
'Why art thou wroth?'"
"'And why is thy countenance fallen?'"
"'If thou doest well,
shalt thou not be accepted?'"
"'And if thou doest not well,
sin lieth at the door.'"
May I retire?
I have a history exam tomorrow
and need my rest.
Of course, my dear.
-Good night, Mother.
-Good night.
Father.
What did I tell you?
Just needed a little authority.
Look, those tiny stitches
with just the one good hand.
Can't have you walking around
with holes in your socks.
Well, if you're well enough
to do the mending…
…surely you won't be in need
of our hospitality much longer.
We don't wanna rush her.
-The doctor said she can relapse.
-She's clearly past that point.
He's right.
I don't want to overstay my welcome.
-Uh, you going to bed already?
-I still tire easily.
Good night.
Must you make her feel so unwelcome?
Use your head.
Two unmarried men
and a girl living with them.
-She almost died.
-And now she's well and must move on.
Well, she's still in a great deal of pain.
Adam, whatever she has done
to make you stop thinking straight--
-She hasn't done anything.
-Something isn't right here.
Okay, a girl like…
like that doesn't just
fall out of the sky.
A girl like that?
-You don't know the first thing about her.
-Oh, what? And you do?
You think you do?
I don't like it, Adam.
I don't want her living in my house.
-Your house?
-Our house.
Our house.
That's how you feel?
Perhaps I should leave.
What are you talking about?
I hear California is a paradise.
Don't be foolish.
Is it foolish to seek happiness?
Do you wanna keep scraping through life?
We're wealthy men now,
yet you won't allow us
to waste half an inch of candlelight.
Since when is prudence a sin?
If you wanna live out
your days in this cold house,
that's your choice, but I will not.
Well, you do as you please. But that girl?
That girl isn't staying here.
Well?
I brought you supper.
Well, I think if I'm hungry,
I can feed myself.
I'm just trying to help.
Oh, I don't need your help.
Do you find me so repellent?
You may have been able
to turn my brother's head, but, uh,
well, he'll come around.
Even if I have to lick him.
Could you lick him?
He's a big man.
Well, why don't you just
ask my brother what I'm capable of?
You know, um…
when you had that dope in you…
you talked a lot in your sleep.
Everyone has bad dreams.
Hey.
A few days after you showed up here, uh,
a man down the road, he found a suitcase
with some money in it
and jewelry.
Wouldn't happen to know
anything about that, would you?
Mm.
Of course not.
I don't know what I've done
to earn your distrust.
Well, maybe kind just recognizes kind.
I'm sorry to interrupt.
It doesn't matter.
Please.
What? What's… what's wrong?
I think I must leave.
Right away.
I don't know where
it will be safe for me to go,
but I know I cannot stay
where I'm not welcome.
You are welcome here.
What about Charles?
This farm is half mine.
If I say you stay, you stay.
You are very kind.
But I'm afraid Charles will do everything
within his power to be rid of me.
Cathy, will you marry me?
Don't tell me now.
I want you to think about it.
But I believe I can make you happy.
I know you'd make me happy.
And if you would marry me,
I can protect you.
No one could ever hurt you again.
Not my usual customer.
What can I do for ya, honey?
I'd like you to teach me your trade.
If employment is what you're after,
you'd better speak to the madam.
I need to know the profession first.
A pretty whore can be a liability.
The madam might not want the risk.
I'm sure she would,
with your recommendation.
-Are your parents aware you're here?
-I have no family.
I must earn my keep.
You aren't a virgin, are you?
Not really.
No one who is young
is ever going to be old.
We all think age
will be someone else's problem.
But a girl is not a perennial.
Every year, they plant a new crop.
So, when someone so young
and pretty
comes asking for lessons?
Only a fool would give them away for free.
What is it that you want?
I'll take half of what you earn.
10%.
Sweetheart.
Whoring happens to be frowned upon
in Lowell.
Half of what you earn,
and consider that generosity on my part.
Thank you for your generosity.
Drink that.
It'll make the rest easier.
I send my girls in pairs for safety.
And if they get pregnant,
they have a choice.
Leave or get rid of it.
Most choose the latter.
I can see why.
Man like you
must be a pleasure to work for.
Well, I do lose girls very rarely.
But I can't possibly take you on.
Oh.
-You don't find me suitable.
-You're far too pretty.
Mr. Edwards,
I can assure you I'd be no trouble.
All I want is to work.
What did you say your name was?
Catherine Amesbury.
Have you been in this line of work long?
Or…
I did a little work in Lowell.
But it wasn't a happy arrangement.
And I was told you were kind.
Why would a girl like you, uh…
Before my father died,
he let everything go to pieces.
We didn't know
he had borrowed money on the farm.
And I can't let the bank
take it from my mother.
I thought, well…
if I could make enough money
to keep up the interest, then…
I'm sorry.
My dear.
My dear.
Let's talk this over.
Perhaps we can find a way
for you to get what you need.
Well?
It was fine.
Just fine?
I think I preferred
our lovemaking on Tuesday.
But Tuesday, you told me
you were not satisfied.
Oh.
If only you'd tell me how to please you.
But you do please me.
But not enough.
It's only that…
there have been times
before, where…
my whole body has been
filled with such a reaction
you would not believe.
With other men, you mean?
I suppose.
But I told you,
what you were doing was fine.
Oh, I nearly forgot.
I have a grocery bill for you.
It's a little higher this month,
I'm afraid.
Uh… I could have sworn
I had my money clip on me.
I don't know where
my mind's at these days.
You've reduced me to rubble.
Don't be silly.
Twenty years in this business,
and I fall into the oldest trap.
The whoremaster in love with his whore.
But I'm not a whore.
Of course, I'd be happy to work
if you wanted me to.
I don't want you to.
I'd rather die than have you…
Do you know my wife found me
crying on the toilet last week?
I had to blame it
on the stress of the business.
Are you expecting someone?
-No.
-Why were you looking at the clock?
I need to do my shopping
before the store closes.
Are you seeing other men?
How can you ask me that?
You're never home.
The ruby ring I gave you for Christmas,
what became of it?
I told you, I must've misplaced it.
-I won't… I won't stand for it, Catherine.
-I told you…
You can't entertain men on my property.
It's not your property.
You bought the apartment in my name.
-Don't… don't toy with me!
-Ah! Ow.
Thomas, you're hurting me.
All right. All right.
My key didn't work.
Did you change the lock?
I had to. I misplaced mine.
I'll have another made for you.
Are we celebrating something?
Don't you know?
Today marks one year together.
Happy anniversary.
You know I don't drink.
Don't be stupid. Have one glass.
Thomas, I don't want it.
It's not friendly of you
not to have a glass with me.
Do you want me to be angry?
It's not good for me.
It makes me sick. You know that.
-Drink it.
-I don't want it.
-Drink it.
-I don't want it. Thomas.
Drink it.
See?
It's nice.
Come here.
Come here.
It's really better if you sip it.
That's expensive stuff.
I didn't want it. Remember that.
Maybe you better not have any more.
It's too late now.
It's like poison for some people,
you know?
You must truly hate me
to wish me to poison myself.
Stop. I don't hate you. I love you.
Catherine, stop. Stop.
You know, I can read
every rotten thought you've ever had.
-You disgusting slug.
-Catherine.
You wanted me to drink
because you thought it might make me talk.
Well, I'm talking.
You wonder how a nice girl like me
learned my tricks? I'll tell you.
I learned them in cribs.
I've worked in places
you can't even imagine.
-I got my education.
-You don't know what you're saying.
-You're hysterical.
-Am I?
Catherine.
-Cath--
-I know every nerve in your lousy body.
You can't even imagine the things
that I could do to you.
Do you want me to show you?
Your man…
…has been trailing me for weeks.
You think I didn't know?
Ca… Ca…
You should tell him
to tune up his performance.
A whore's got more subtlety than him.
What reason have I given you
to distrust me?
-No reason.
-No reason?
Nothing at all.
You're right.
I was being hysterical.
Come.
I'm going to give you
a surprise for our anniversary.
You're leaving already?
I've got to get home.
I hardly remember last night. I…
I guess I got a little wild.
I…
I did tell you I shouldn't drink.
Next time, I'll remember that.
Going somewhere?
Where are you going?
To visit my mother.
Your mother?
Just for a few days. She's been unwell.
That's funny.
I was thinking
we could take a little trip.
There's a small town in Connecticut
where I have some business.
Oh?
You said you wanted to work.
So I am putting you to work.
I don't want to go.
You can't make me go.
Maybe you'd rather go see your mother
in Amesbury, wasn't it?
They had a big fire there
a few years back. Do you remember?
They wrote about it in the newspaper.
Awful story.
The parents perished,
but they never found the girl.
-Keep walking.
-What?
No!
No!
You're scum!
No! No!
No, no, no!
No!
-No! Please! Please!
-Shh.
Please!
Please, please, please! Please…
To have and to hold.
To have and to hold.
To have and to hold.
For as long as you both shall live.
For as long as we both shall live.
For as long as we both shall live.
-You are jealous of me!
-She's a whore!
I wouldn't trust her
with a bit piece, that bitch!
You keep your filthy mouth shut
about my wife!
Your wife?!
She's no more wife than an alley cat!
-I won't live in the same house as her.
-Then buy me out of the farm!
-We'll go, and you can stay here and rot!
-Listen to me!
-Rot your life out, Charles!
-You need to get rid of her.
Do you understand?
You need to get rid of her.
You need to get rid of her.
-Charles, do not--
-Listen to me.
You need to get rid of her
and throw her out now,
because she is going to tear you apart.
She's gonna tear you to pieces,
and I don't wanna watch it.
I won't watch it.
You understand?
I think this was a mistake.
I must go.
No, we'll both go. Tomorrow I'll purchase
our tickets to California.
-But I don't wanna go to California.
-We can make a new life.
I don't wanna go to California.
You will be happy.
That'll be Charles off to the inn.
He'll get drunk and feel better.
And we have the house to ourselves.
Adam, I can't be
a wife to you until I am well.
Then I'll wait.
Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?
I'm afraid of Charles. He hates me so.
I can make a bed here on the floor.
That way, you can call me
in the night if you're frightened.
-Adam.
-Anything.
Can we have some tea?
I'm sorry. I should've knocked.
Whatever for?
You're in your nightclothes.
We are married now.
You're right.
Oh. Adam, would you mind
grabbing me a biscuit or two?
With Charles gone,
I think my appetite has returned.
-I'll find us something.
-Thank you.
Here we are.
Picnic.
Mmm.
Thank you.
To my husband.
Mm.
My wife.
Mm.
Is it too strong for you?
I like it strong.
Have you ever had your photograph taken?
Never.
I was thinking we could get our picture
made before we depart for California.
Wedding portrait.
The tea doesn't taste strange to you?
Let me taste yours.
-Adam.
-Hm?
You took the wrong cup. This was mine.
It's got my medicine in it.
Oh.
Well…
I guess it can't hurt me.
I hope I don't have to call for you
in the night. You won't wake easily.
-Oh no.
-I think I feel it already.
-Oh no.
-That is strong stuff.
-Poor Adam.
-No.
You're not used to it. Here, sit down.
What do you want?
Move over a little.
Where's your husband?
He drank my sleepy medicine by mistake.
Well, I've already been
with a whore tonight.
So?
Wait…
Poor bastard.