Outrageous Fortune

by Kathy B

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THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

 "Outrageous Fortune"

 TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. A SMALL RANCH - DAY

INSIDE

An elderly woman, LIDDY, is in her nightgown, sitting up in bed. NETTIE fluffs her
pillows.

 LIDDY
 This is awfully good of you, Nettie, coming all
 the way out here to help me.

 NETTIE
 Nonsense. What are friends for? Casey can manage
 on her own for a few days.

 LIDDY
 Could you do me a small favor? Could you straighten
 that picture? I just couldn't get well if I have to
 look at that picture all crooked.

Nettie gets on a stool to adjust the picture. The stool rocks ominously...She
reaches up to straighten the picture...

We see the outside of the ranch house and hear a CRASH followed by a GROAN.

 LIDDY(v.o.)
 Oh, that stool wobbles, dear.

EXT. STREET - MORNING

NATHAN passes CASEY in front of the hotel. She's waiting for the stage.

 NATHAN
 Hey, Casey. How's Nettie's back?

 CASEY
 Gonna be staying with Liddy for awhile. She sent
 for my aunt to stay with me.

 NATHAN
 That who you're waitin' for?

 CASEY
 (nodding)
 I ain't seen her since I was little. She's on my
 ma's side. Nettie wants me to mind her while
 she's here.

The stage pulls up and passengers disembark. AUNT ADELAIDE steps out. She’s a
stern-looking, imperious widow, dressed in black. Her expression clearly shows her
impression of the town and its people, none of it good.

 CASEY
 Aunt Adelaide?

 AUNT
 Casey? Casey! Well!...My! Look at you!...

She studies her like a bug under a magnifying glass.

 Do you always dress like that? Well, never mind
 that now. I have a surprise for you.

A handsome young man, obviously comfortably well-off, gets off the stage. He grins
warmly at Casey. Casey stares back.

 CASEY
 Caleb?

 AUNT
 I know you haven't seen each other since you were
 children, but you remember Caleb Barnes?

 CALEB
 Hello, Casey.

 END OF TEASER

 ACT 1

FADE IN:

EXT. STREET - MORNING

Casey, Aunt Adelaide and Caleb Barnes are standing in front of the stagecoach. Aunt
Adelaide and Caleb Barnes have just arrived in town.

 AUNT

 When Caleb heard I was coming all this way to see
 you, he simply insisted on coming along. Isn't that
 nice?

 CASEY
 (echoing)
 Nice.

 CALEB

 I wouldn't hear of your aunt travelling all this
 way out here unescorted.

 AUNT
 (to Caleb)
 Why don't you get settled in at the hotel? You can
 see Casey later when she's at her beautiful best.

 CALEB
 She looks beautiful now.

 AUNT
 (dryly)
 Indeed...Come along Casey. I assume you have a
 carriage nearby...


INT. - NETTIE's - DAY

Aunt Adelaide is settling in for a lengthy stay as she puts away her own clothes in the
closet. She begins searching through Casey's wardrobe, as if on a mission.

 AUNT
 (rummaging through the closet)
 Don't you have any dresses at all?

 CASEY
 (pointing)
 Sure. It's right there.

 AUNT

 "It?" That's all?

 CASEY
 What would I do with a bunch of dresses?

 AUNT
 Where's your everyday dress, your traveling
 clothes, your party dress...? All young ladies
 have dresses.

 CASEY
 I guess I ain't much of a lady, then.

 AUNT
 We'll soon fix that. It's a good thing I'm here.
 I can't imagine what Nettie was thinking, letting
 you run around like that.

She studies the dress before handing it to Casey.

 This will have to do until we get others. Get
 undressed.

Off Casey, who has a look of dread at what may be in store for her.


INT. SALOON - EVENING

EZRA takes a seat beside BUCK, a flyer in his hand.

 EZRA
 Have you seen this?

 BUCK
 (reading)
 Talent contest. Fifty dollar prize.

 EZRA
 The paper and the Ladies League put up the money.
 They believe that introducing culture to this
 burgeoning metropolis will lure and retain the
 proper element.

 BUCK
 (grinning)
 What're you gonna do? Sing? Dance?

 EZRA
 I was thinking of a recitation of Shakespeare. And
 I wasn't thinking of me. I was thinking of you.

 BUCK
 Me? I ain't no actor!

 EZRA
 I am aware of that. That is why I am fully prepared
 to coach you in your prize-winning theatrical debut.

 BUCK
 For a fee.

 EZRA
 Naturally, for a share of the prize money.
 Say, sixty-forty?

Buck glares.
 Oh, all right. Forty-sixty.

 BUCK
 Why me?

 EZRA
 Perhaps you didn't read it carefully.
 "Judged by members of the Ladies'League?"
 All ladies love an actor. And you're in exceptional
 standing with most of the women in this town.

 BUCK
 Except the Bartholomew twins. Ooooh, that was
 unpleasant. You know, you can't tell 'em
 apart lest they're together–

 EZRA
 Be that as it may, do we have a deal?

 BUCK
 An actor, eh? Like John Wilkes Booth...

 EZRA
 I think you mean Edwin Booth.



EXT. STREET - DAY

Casey and her aunt leave the dressmaker's nearby. Both are carrying boxes. Vin and
Nathan are standing outside the hotel. They both straighten as the sight of Casey in a
dress gets their attention.

 VIN
 Will you look at that!

 NATHAN
 Casey lookin' like a girl for a change. Wonder
 what JD'll think of that?

 VIN
 (nodding)
 Won't take long to find out.

JD has spotted Casey from across the street and approaches her in his usual, cheery
manner.
 JD
 (teasing)
 Casey, hi! What's with the dress? Run outta
 clothes?

 CASEY
 Aunt Adelaide, this is JD–er, John Dunne.
 This my aunt, Adelaide Caldwell–.

 AUNT
 How do you do, Mr. Dunne.

She looks at him and glances at the boxes in her hands. JD quickly takes them from her.

 CASEY
 JD helps keep the peace in town.

At that moment, THREE ROWDY COWBOYS ride through, hell for leather, whoopin' and
hollerin', and kickin' up dust.

 AUNT
 (dryly)
 Indeed...

She brightens immediately as she spots Caleb Barnes approaching.

 Good afternoon, Caleb! Why don't you join Casey
 and me for dinner tonight for a nice, home-cooked
 meal?

 CALEB
 I'd be delighted. That dress really becomes
 you, Casey.

 AUNT
 Wonderful! We'll see you tonight then. Good day,
 Mr. Dunne.

Caleb takes the boxes from JD with a triumphant smirk only JD sees. JD watches them
walk away. Vin and Nathan move to stand beside him.

 VIN
 C'mon, JD. It ain't so bad. He'll be gone afore
 you know it.

 JD
 Yeah?

 NATHAN
 Sure. You've tasted Casey's cookin'.

They leave JD standing there, alone, as he watches Casey disappear down the street.



INT. NETTIE's - AFTERNOON

Casey sets the table as Aunt Adelaide tries to put on a shine on the silverware.

 CASEY
 Aunt Adelaide, why is Caleb here?

 AUNT
 I told you. He offered to come. In fact, he
 insisted. I welcomed the company, being as I
 am now, a widow travelling alone. And he was
 very anxious to see you again.

 CASEY
 How long is he staying?

 AUNT
 Sit down for a moment, dear. I think we should talk.

Casey joins Aunt Adelaide at the table.

 AUNT (cont'd)
 Your Aunt Nettie is getting on in years. Now
 with this accident, you must start to consider
 her health.

 CASEY
 She'll be fine.

 AUNT
 But for how long? It's time you started thinking
 about your future. Wouldn't it be a wonderful
 surprise for her to come home and find you're
 provided for?

 CASEY
 I suppose...

 AUNT
 She's done a great deal for you, you know, taking
 you in after your mother passed away. Goodness
 knows, if we'd you were living in the wilds like
 this, we'd have taken you in ourselves. Now with
 your uncle gone, it's too late.

 CASEY
 >Well, me and JD–

 AUNT
 That Mr. Dunne? what kind of work did he say he
 does? No, my dear. Now, what about someone like
 Caleb Barnes?

 CASEY
 I barely know him!

 AUNT
 You can get to know him at dinner tonight and for
 as long as he's here. I barely knew your Uncle
 Frank when I married him.

 CASEY
 You mean you want me to...marry Caleb Barnes?

 AUNT
 Casey, dear, I'm just asking you to consider your
 prospects, not marry Caleb. He hasn't asked
 you...yet.



EXT. HILLS - EVENING

Casey and Caleb are taking a walk after dinner.

 CALEB
 Dinner was wonderful. Thank you.

 CASEY
 Aunt Adelaide did most of the cooking.

 CALEB
 Well, I’m sure your cooking is even better.
 Did I surprise you, coming here?

 CASEY
 >Yeah, you did.

 CALEB
 After you left and came to stay out here for good,
 things were just never the same.

 CASEY
 I only saw you whenever I was staying with Aunt
 Adelaide and Uncle Frank. That was years ago.

He stops and turns to her, getting very close. He touches her hair, tracing her cheek
with his hand.

 CALEB
 (softly)
 It was a lifetime. I've missed you so much, Casey.
 I always knew I'd see you again. I always felt
 we belonged together. You used to say that, don't
 you remember? I want us to be together always.

 (suddenly embarrassed)
 You probably think I sound foolish–

 CASEY
 Oh, no! No one's ever said things like that to
 me before.

He takes her hands in his.
 CALEB
 Then I'll say more. It's as if I'm dreaming you
 now. I'm so afraid I'll wake up...

 CASEY
 (teasing)
 Want me to pinch you to make sure?

 CALEB
 (suddenly)
 Remember that big old apple tree we used to climb?

 CASEY
 I remember climbing higher than you so I could
 chuck apples at you.

 CALEB
 We carved our initials in it. It's gone now, you
 know. Lightening.

He glances around for a moment.

 C'mon.

He leads her by the hand to a large, sturdy tree and takes out a pocketknife.

 CASEY
 Oh, Caleb, don't. That's for children.

He studies her a moment then pulls her to him.

 CALEB
 And this is for grown people.

He puts arms around her and gives her a long, lingering kiss. She stiffens at
first, resisting, then slowly melts against him.



INT. STORE - MORNING

The CLERK is behind the counter. Caleb walks in.

 CALEB
 I'm interested in that music box you have in
 the window.

The clerk retrieves it from the window and makes the sale.

 CLERK
 Yes, sir. An expensive model, but it's made by
 skilled craftsmen way over in Europe. Do you
 collect fine music boxes?

 CALEB
 It's a gift. For Miss Wells. Can you wrap it?

 CLERK
 (smiling)
 Certainly. "Miss Wells?" That'd be
 Casey Wells? Ah, she's a sweet girl but a bit
 of a hellion, eh? Almost like a boy at times.

In a flash of rage, Caleb reaches over the counter, grabbing the clerk with both hands.

 CALEB
 Miss Wells is soon to be my fiancee. And as such,
 she's a lady. I expect you to show her
 some respect.

 CLERK
 Yes, sir! I didn't mean anything by it! Like I said,
 Casey-er-Miss Wells is a sweet g–lady!

Barely satisfied by this, Caleb releases the clerk. His whole body is stiff with rage
as he picks up his package and leaves. The clerk watches him go, adjusting his collar
and glad to still be alive.

OUTSIDE

Caleb bumps into JD, of all people.

 JD
 Excuse me.

 CALEB
 Ah, Mr. Dobbs, isn't it? I'm glad I bumped into you.
 I wanted to ask you a question.

 JD
 Dunne. JD Dunne. What do you want?

 CALEB
 (showing him the music box)
 What do you think of this?

JD looks at it, knowing it's something he couldn't afford on a dollar a day. As much
as he doesn't like Caleb, he tries to be cordial.

 JD
 Looks expensive.

 CALEB
 It is.
 JD
 (shrugs)
 It's nice, I guess.

 CALEB
 Glad you like it. I hope Casey does. I think she
 will, don't you?

JD looks almost as if he's been slapped.

 (with a triumphant smile)
 Good day.

Caleb walks away. JD watches him go, then heads for the jail.



EXT. JAIL - DAY

BUCK and CHRIS are out front. JD walks up, looking very unhappy and perhaps a bit
lost.

 BUCK
 Now, Chris, have you ever seen a fella look so
 low? You look like your best girl ran off and took
 your best horse with her.

 JD
 Sorta.

 CHRIS
 (amused)
 What?

 JD
 I mean that Caleb Barnes. Casey's been seein' him
 since he got here. Now he's bought her this real
 expensive present.

 BUCK
 What do you aim to do about it?

 JD
 What can I do? Even her aunt likes him. And she
 sure doesn't like me.

 CHRIS
 (warningly)
 Buck...

 BUCK
 Well, stake your claim! Casey's your girl,
 ain't she? You seen her first.

 JD
 Not quite. He's known her since-

 BUCK
 You can't let another man jump your claim. You
 gott fight for what's yours. It ain't right–

 CHRIS
 Buck, will you shut up?

 BUCK
 (to Chris)
 Now just hold on. This is about romance. My domain.

 (to JD)
 You gotta be a man about this. You can't let
 him just sashay on in here and steal your girl.

 JD
 No?

 BUCK
 No sir! It's...it's downright un-American is
 what it is!

 JD
 (his ire rising)
 You know, you're right. And I'm gonna do somethin'
 about it–

JD starts down the street with determined strides. Buck smiles. He's rallied the troops.

 BUCK
 There ya go. Whoops! Gotta go. Rehearsal, y'know.

Chris looks at Buck in surprise as Buck leaves.

 CHRIS
 (echoing)
 Rehearsal?



EXT. STORE - DAY

JD is just coming out of the door. He spots Josiah coming down the boardwalk.

 JD
 Josiah! Am I glad to see you. Would you come in
 here for a minute?

Josiah nods and quickens his step a little.

INSIDE

 JD
 Look, I hate to ask, but can you loan me some
 money? I wanna buy Casey that bracelet there.

 JOSIAH
 For Casey? JD, does this have anything to do
 with Mr. Barnes?

 JD
 Can't a guy buy his girl a present if he wants to?

 JOSIAH
 JD, you can't buy the affections of a girl like
 Casey.

 JD
 I'm not tryin' to!

 JOSIAH
 Then what are you doin'?

 JD
 I told you. I'm just buyin' her a present.

 JOSIAH
 Uh-huh. To show up that Barnes fella. JD, you
 know Casey better than that.

 (giving him a pat on the shoulder)
 She'll make the right choice.

Josiah leaves.

 JD
 (to himself)
 That's what I'm afraid of.



EXT. STREET - DAY

Casey is walking down the street. Just as she passes an alley, we see an arm
suddenly reach out and pull her into the alley, out of sight.

She starts to fight but immediately stops when she sees who it is.

 CASEY
 JD! What are you doin', grabbin' a person like
 that?

 JD
 I wanted to talk to you.

 CASEY
 Well, why didn't you just say so?

 JD
 I didn't want anyone to see us.

 CASEY
 You mean my aunt.

 JD
 She doesn't like me, Casey, and you know it. She
 likes Caleb Barnes...How do you feel about him?

Casey studies him. We can see she knows this is a rare opportunity to make
JD jealous.

 CASEY
 Actually, I think he's kinda sweet.

 JD
 You do?

 CASEY
 Mm-hmm. Kinda handsome, too. And he pays a lot
 of attention to me. Not always hangin' around
 with Buck...

 JD
 Now, Casey, that ain't fair.

 CASEY
 He's charming, too, and polite.

 JD
 (getting angry)
 Really! Is he now! Well, maybe he's a better man
 for you than I am!

This is not the reaction she'd hoped to get.

 CASEY
 JD!

 JD
 Maybe you oughta hang on to this one! Another one
 like him make not come along!

 CASEY
 (getting angry herself)
 Are you sayin' he's my only chance? That I couldn't
 get another good man if I wanted?

 JD
 I'm sayin' I think you oughta marry this one!

 CASEY
 Maybe I will!

She turns back toward the street.

STREET - Aunt's POV.

We see Casey storm out of the alley and continue down the street. JD
emerges moments later, angry and looking even more miserable than before,
if that's possible.

 END ACT 1

 ACT 2

FADE IN:

INT. CHURCH - DAY

Buck is greeted by Ezra as he enters the sanctuary.

 EZRA
 Mr. Wilmington. At last. I have carefully selected
 your recitation for you. Right here.

 BUCK
 (reading)
 'But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
 It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.
 Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
 who is already sick and pale with grief–'

 You call this romance?

 EZRA
 I assure you it is one of the most romantic and
 famous speeches in the history of theatre.

 BUCK
 'Kill the moon? Sick and pale with grief?'
 This'll make 'em stampede for the door.

 EZRA
 Mr. Wilmington...Buck...Romeo here is comparing
 the love of his life, Juliet, to the heavens.

 BUCK
 Just tell me this. He doesn't get the girl, does he.

 EZRA
 He does. Then he dies.

 BUCK
 (snorting derisively)
 Figgers. With words like that. She kill 'im?

 EZRA
 (fighting for control)
 No! She kills herself.

 BUCK
 Figgers.

 EZRA
 Would you please just study the speech for now?
 We'll work on it again later. And I can see we
 have a lot of work ahead of us.



INT. JAIL - DAY

Chris is cleaning his Colt as Aunt Adelaide enters.

 AUNT
 Are you Mr. Larabee? I'm Adelaide Caldwell,
 Casey Wells's aunt.

 CHRIS
 Ma'am.

 AUNT
 I understand that Mr. Dunne works for you.

 CHRIS
 No, ma'am. He doesn't. He works for the town.

 AUNT
 I'll come straight to the point. I've heard you
 have some influence on him. I'm asking you to
 discourage him from trying to court Casey.

 CHRIS
 Seems to me that should be up to Casey.

 AUNT
 Casey is too young and impressionable to know
 what's best for her. I found her here practically
 living like a savage.

She finally notices he's cleaning a gun.

 AUNT (cont'd)
 If it isn't too personal, Mr. Larabee, do you
 have a family?

 CHRIS
 Yes, ma'am, it is. And no, I don't... They're dead.

 AUNT
 I'm sorry...Then you understand my position on
 this matter. A man who makes his living by a gun
 is better off unmarried.

 CHRIS
 We may agree on that, but it seems to me this is
 between Casey and JD.

 AUNT
 Casey is seeing Mr. Barnes now, a proper young
 man for her, and I expect to formally announce
 their engagement very soon. So you can see that
 Mr. Dunne's persistence is at least...inappropriate.

 CHRIS
 I'll tell him.

 AUNT
 Do I have your word you'll discourage him then?

 CHRIS
 You have my word I'll tell him.



EXT. THE HILLS - AFTERNOON

Casey and Caleb have taken a buggy to a remote spot in the hills for a picnic
together. Caleb helps her out of the carriage.

 CALEB
 I have a little surprise for you.

He presents her with the music box, unwrapping it for her.

 Like it?

 CASEY
 (looking slightly puzzled)
 A music box?

 CALEB
 What's wrong?

 CASEY
 Nothing. It's beautiful, but...what would I do with it?

There is a pause. Suddenly, Caleb turns and hurls the music box against some rocks,
smashing it to pieces. Casey stands there in stunned silence.

 CALEB
 (calmly)
 Nothing now.

His temper is gone as abruptly as it came. He sees her reaction and takes a step
closer to smooth things over.

 CALEB
 (softly)
 Casey... I love you so much. I only want the
 best for you, don't you know that? If you don't
 like something the least little bit, then as far
 as I'm concerned, it's not worthy of you. And
 it'll always be that way, my love.

He takes her hands in his to kiss them. Afraid to meet his eyes, Casey stares
past him at the broken music box on the ground.



INT. SALOON - EVENING

EZRA is dealing cards to JD, NATHAN, BUCK, and VIN as CHRIS walks past them to
the bar. Moments later he returns with a bottle of whiskey, sits next to JD, pours
a drink and pushes it in front of JD.

 CHRIS
 Here. You may want that.

 BUCK
 Must be real bad news.

 CHRIS
 (to JD)
 Just saw Casey's aunt. Told me I should keep
 you away from Casey.

 JD
 What'd you tell her?

 CHRIS
 There's more. She told me Casey's marryin'
 Caleb Barnes.

This gets the attention of everyone.

 VIN
 You sure about that? Maybe you heard wrong.

 NATHAN
 What does Casey want?

 EZRA
 Does it matter? We've all seen Aunt Adelaide.
 Trust me, gentlemen, that matronly widow will
 have her way.

JD bypasses the glass, takes the bottle and tosses back a big swig.



EXT. NETTIE'S - DAWN

We see JD approaching the house, trying to keep from making any noise...
too late. The door opens and Casey steps out onto the porch.

 CASEY
 JD! What're you doin' here? If my aunt sees you
 here-

 JD
 I don't care! I had to come here. Is it true?
 You're gonna marry that Barnes fella?

Casey hesitates. It's enough.

 JD (cont'd)
 It's true, isn't it! Casey, you can't. It's not
 right. It's un-American, is what it is!

 CASEY
 What? What are you talking about?

 JD
 Never mind. We have an understanding, you and me.
 Don't we?

 CASEY
 Do we?

 JD
 Well, of course we do!

 CASEY
 But, well, my aunt...Caleb...they're making all
 these plans. And Caleb loves me... It's for the
 best... For Nettie.

 JD
 Nettie? Look, I don't know the best way to put
 it into words, but Casey, I...I don't wanna lose
 you.

 CASEY
 You don't?

 JD
 (impulsively)
 Marry me instead...I mean...Marry me. Right now.
 Today.

 CASEY
 Marry–?

 JD
 (swallowing hard)
 Yeah...Casey, would you marry me?

 CASEY
 Oh, JD-!

She puts her arms around him and they kiss. It's a long, lingering kiss as if
they could stay that way all night, perhaps forever.



EXT. HOTEL - DAY

Vin is outside the hotel leaning against a post as JD and Casey approach.

 JD
 Vin, have you seen Josiah? We went over to the
 church and he wasn't there.

 VIN
 He left out at first light. He's gonna try to
 borrow a costume from a fella he knows in Vista
 City for Buck to use in the talent contest.

 JD
 Great. That's just great. Do you know when he's
 comin' back?

 VIN
 A day or two, maybe. Somethin' important?

 CASEY
 JD?

 JD
 (to Casey)
 We'll just have to wait till he gets back. A couple
 of days all right with you?

 CASEY
 But Caleb–

 JD
 Well, without a preacher here, he can't marry you
 any sooner than I can. And Judge Travis ain't due
 through here for weeks.

 VIN
 Married?

 JD
 Don't say nothin' to anyone yet, please, Vin?
 Casey, promise me, as soon as Josiah gets back–

 CASEY
 All right.

 JD
 C'mon. We'd better get you home before your aunt
 notices you've gone.



EXT. NETTIE'S - DAY

Through the curtains inside Nettie's, we see JD and Casey walking towards the
house, hand in hand. They share one last kiss before JD leaves. Casey walks slowly
toward the house. We see a curtain drop into place and Aunt Adelaide turning away
from the window. She does not look pleased.

 END ACT 2

 ACT 3

FADE IN:

EXT. SALOON - DAY

Buck, Vin, Ezra, and Nathan are outside the saloon. JD walks up to them with a huge grin on
his face.

 JD
 Guys, next round's on me!

 BUCK
 Now why's that?

 JD
 Well, Buck, I'm finally gonna do something you
 never have.

 BUCK
 Now, kid, that ain't possible.

 JD
 Wanna bet?

 VIN
 Easy, Buckley.

 EZRA
 Mr. Tanner is right. First rule of gambling,
 Mr. Wilmington: Never make a bet until you've seen
 your cards first.

 (with a long look at Vin)
 You know something, Mr. Tanner.

 VIN
 (to JD)
 Tell 'em.

 JD
 I'm gettin' married.

 BUCK
 Gettin'–You?..Casey? Oh, this definitely calls
 for a round. This one's on me, kid.

The guys go into the saloon. Chris enters a few moments later.

 BUCK
 Chris! JD's marryin' Casey!

Chris doesn't react.

 CHRIS
 (to JD)
 You plannin' on hangin' up your guns, too?

 JD
 (with a laugh)
 Of course not!

He moves closer to Chris, still within earshot of the other guys.

 JD (cont'd)
 I'd...I'd like it if you'd be my best man. I-that is-
 we'd be honored.

 CHRIS
 No, thanks.

Chris turns to leave.

 JD
 But–

 CHRIS
 Forget it, JD!

Chris strides out of the saloon. Buck follows Chris, and JD follows Buck.

JD, afraid he may have insulted Buck by choosing Chris, tries to smooth things
over with him.

 JD
 Buck, you understand. I didn't mean that you–

 BUCK
 (warmly)
 It's all right, kid, I know how you feel. If it was
 me, he'd have been my first choice, too. If you want,
 I'll be your best man until Chris changes his mind.

 JD
 Thanks, Buck.

Buck leaves to catch up to Chris.

OUTSIDE

 BUCK
 Chris! Wait up! What's wrong with you back there?
 Casey's a nice girl.

 CHRIS
 It's because she's a nice girl.

 BUCK
 I don't follow.

 CHRIS
 This line of work - it makes widows, not wives.

 BUCK
 Maybe you oughta put a little more faith in the
 boy.

 CHRIS
 What if she gets hurt or killed because of him?
 Because of what he does?

 BUCK
 Now you're talkin' about you and Sarah.

 CHRIS
 I'm talkin' about buryin' someone you love. Neither
 of them should have to go through that.

 BUCK
 That ain't up to you. He just wants you to be happy
 for them. It matters to him.

 CHRIS
 Well, I can't.

Buck watches as Chris walks away, then turns and continues in the opposite
direction.



INT. CHRUCH - DAY

Ezra is walking around impatiently. He appears to be alone.

 EZRA
 Come along, Mr. Wilmington!

 BUCK (O.S.)
 No! I'm not wearin' this. Josiah can just take it
 back to whoever he got it from.

 EZRA
 Let us at least take a look at it.

Buck emerges from Josiah's room dressed in a long-sleeve shirt covered by a tunic
that reaches past his hips. He's wearing a scabbard for a dagger and...slightly
baggy tights. Overall, it's not a pretty picture.

 BUCK
 Aw, Ezra...how can I romance the ladies when
 I'm dressed like one of 'em?

 EZRA
 Never mind that. Let's just hear the lines.

 BUCK
 "Hark! What's that light in yonder window
 there? Why, it is Juliet, looking like the
 sun-"

Ezra is nearly aploplectic. For a moment, his mouth moves but no words come out.

 EZRA
 Wh-what was that? You re-wrote the lines of one
 of the greatest English writers of all time?

Enough is enough. Buck is out of patience.

 BUCK
 (almost shouting)
 Don't talk to me about English. I know
 English. I speak English! That
 ain't English! How're all these ladies supposed
 to understand what I’m sayin'?

 EZRA
 All right, all right! We'll compromise. Do the
 lines as written and I'll do something about
 the...accoutrements.

 BUCK
 And the tights.



EXT. HOTEL - EVENING

Chris is sitting outside. Vin joins him, characteristically leaning against a post.

 VIN
 Buck says he'll be JD's best man...lest you
 change yer mind.

 CHRIS
 Not likely.

 VIN
 He looks up to you. In some ways, he's like you.
 Stubborn. I seem to recall you tellin' me-or maybe
 it was Buck-how Hank was opposed to you marryin'
 Sarah.

 CHRIS
 Yeah...he was. But we were young and in love
 and you couldn't tell us nothin'.

 VIN
 Any regrets?

 CHRIS
 No. I'd do it all over again. We knew right, even
 if Hank didn't.

Chris knows what Vin is getting at. Vin gets up to leave.

 CHRIS (cont'd)
 Vin?...I'll think about it.

Vin nods and leaves.



INT. SALOON - DAY

JD, Ezra, Vin, and Nathan are at a table in the saloon when Buck pops his head in.

 BUCK
 JD! You know Josiah's back? You ready?

 JD
 I'll find Casey and meet you at the church.

 (looking at the others)
 You comin'?

They all get up to follow. Buck grins at them as they begin to file past him,
out the door.
 BUCK
 Might as well come along. Maybe you all can
 be bridesmaids.

 EZRA
 I won't settle for anything less than maid of
 honor.



EXT. NETTIE'S - DAY

We see Casey leaving the barn, leading a horse, a small travelling bag attached. Aunt
Adelaide sees her from inside and starts out the door, but stops when she sees...

Casey mount up, ride a short distance from the barn, and join JD, already on horseback.
He leans over and they kiss before riding off.

Aunt Adelaide disappears inside the house, and returns immediately, putting on her
shawl as she heads for the carriage.



EXT. STREET - DAY

Aunt Adelaide stops her carriage at the hotel, frantically looking for Caleb. He comes
out the door just as she's rushing in, breathing hard. Caleb takes her by the shoulders.

 CALEB
 What's wrong? Are you all right? Where's Casey?
 Is Casey all right?

 AUNT
 Caleb, I'm afraid Casey may be on her way to do
 something foolish!

 CALEB
 (shaking her, his panic rising)
 What's happened? For God's sake, tell me!

 AUNT
 I think she's running off to marry that JD fellow!
 All our plans–

Caleb releases her shoulders abruptly and she sinks into a chair. As he bolts out of the
hotel, he pulls out a gun and checks it.

 END ACT 3

 ACT 4

FADE IN:

INT. CHURCH - DAY

Buck, Vin, Nathan, and Ezra are already there, as JD and Casey join them. Both are
trying unsuccessfully to hide their nervousness.

 JOSIAH
 The boys tell me you've decided to get married.
 You sure you're ready to do this? "Married in
 haste, we may repent at leisure."

 JD
 Josiah, we know all that. We're ready.

 CASEY
 Please, Josiah...

 JOSIAH
 All right. But I couldn't let you get married
 without at least trying to counsel you first, but
 if you're sure this is what you want...

 JD
 We're sure.

 JOSIAH
 Boys, you want to step up here?

Ezra stands next to Casey, Vin next to Ezra. Buck stands next to JD. Nathan stands
next to Buck.

 JOSIAH (cont'd)
 Friends, we are gathered here in the sight of God
 to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.
 JD, do you take Casey to have and to hold from this
 day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and
 health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death
 us do part?

 JD
 Yes, I do.

 JOSIAH
 Casey, do you take JD to have and to hold from
 this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness
 and health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till
 death us do part?

There is a pause. Ezra nudges Casey gently.

 EZRA
 (stage whisper)
 You're supposed to say 'yes.'

Vin elbows Ezra. There is a long, heavy silence.

 CASEY
 (suddenly fighting back tears)
 JD, I can't.

 JD
 Casey, what–?

 JOSIAH
 I think we need to leave them alone for awhile.

Everyone but Casey and JD quietly leave so the two can talk.

 JD
 Casey? What's wrong? I thought we'd decided.

 CASEY
 JD, it's not you.

She sits in a pew. JD sits beside her, watching her anxiously.

 CASEY
 I want to JD, I really do, but not like this.
 Nto to get away from Caleb and not to spite my
 aunt. This is forever, JD. And I want it to be
 right. I want it to be the right thing for the
 right reasons.

 (touching his face)
 Can you understand?

 JD
 (squeezing her hand gently)
 Yeah...yeah, I understand. Casey, will you promise
 me one thing?

 (a pause)
 When it is right, and it's for the right reasons,
 we'll try this again, you and me?

 CASEY
 Oh, JD...

They hold each other for a long time, comfortable with a new understanding between
them.

As JD and Casey come out of the church, Caleb appears. He stops in front of Casey and
JD, looking at them in a cold fury. Chris also appears to witness this exchange from
across the street.

 CALEB
 You've done it, haven't you? You've married him!

He suddenly slaps Casey and, as JD attempts to intervene, he punches JD, knocking
him to the ground.

The Seven, including Chris and Josiah, start towards them, but Caleb grabs Casey, his arm around her
upper body. Caleb holds her tightly against him, her back pressed against his chest.
He pulls out a gun and points the barrel against her temple.

The guys have slowly fanned out in a wide semi-circle around Caleb and Casey.

 CALEB
 (to the guys)
 Just stop right there!!

Everyone freezes.

 CASEY
 Caleb, please!

 CALEB
 (in a low, threatening voice)
 Do you have any idea how long I waited for you?
 Years! We belong together, you and me! Isn't that
 what you said? Isn't it?!

 CASEY
 Caleb, we were children!

 CALEB
 I don't care! I never forgot! You said we belonged
 together! You promised!

Josiah takes a step toward them.

 JOSIAH
 Son, if you really love her–

 CALEB
 Get back! Don't you understand? She's mine!
 She always was mine! She promised! And she's
 gonna keep that promise!

Aunt Adelaide arrives just in time to watch helplessly from across the street.

 CALEB (cont'd)
 I'll kill her before I let anyone else have her.
 Everybody just stay where you are. We're gonna
 leave now...

 BUCK
 Can't let you do that.

Caleb fires at Buck. Buck grabs at his thigh and falls.

 CALEB
 Anyone else?

Casey sinks her teeth into Caleb's arm. He angrily shoves her to the ground and turns
the gun on her, his arm outstretched. He pauses only an instant, preparing to shoot the
only woman he's ever loved when...

JD lunges at him and he and Caleb struggle. The gun goes off, winging JD. JD drops to
his knees. Caleb points the gun at him when...

Chris shoots Caleb, mortally wounding him.

 CALEB
 Casey...?

He dies. Casey runs to JD. They hold each other tightly as if they were the only two
people in the world. There is an obvious bond there everyone can see, especially Chris
and Aunt Adelaide.



INT. NATHAN'S - DAY

Buck is on a cot. Nathan is propping up Buck's bandaged leg.

 NATHAN
 That's a nasty wound. You lost a lotta blood.
 You're gonna have to rest up a few days.

 BUCK
 But the contest is tomorrow!

 NATHAN
 Guess you're just gonna have to miss it. You gotta
 give your body time to heal, Buck.

Buck starts to get up, but Nathan grabs his shoulders and pushes him back down.

 BUCK
 But the ladies'll be disappointed! And they've all
 been lookin' forward to it. I can't let 'em down.
 Somebody'll have to go on in my place. How about
 you go?

 NATHAN
 Me! I can't get up in front of a bunch of people.
 Look, I'll try to find you someone, all right?

 BUCK
 (settling back against the pillow)
 Long as it ain't Ezra. I swear, that man has no
 sense of romance. You shoulda seen what he wanted
 me to say...

Buck closes his eyes to drift off to sleep.



INT. MEETING HALL - DAY

We see a meeting hall crammed with people, slightly more females than males. Every seat
is filled. Even the standing room is filled. There is a low buzz of voices. A Ladies
League MATRON is on the small stage.

 MATRON
 Now, everyone, for our last contestant. We had
 a last-minute entry when one of our contestants
 became...indisposed yesterday. Introducing...
 Mr. Nathan Jackson.

Nathan quietly steps onto the stage. He produces a small paper from his pocket

 NATHAN
 Mr. Wilmington told me you might like to hear some
 Shakespeare, so I picked out this poem. I didn't
 have time to memorize it, but I hope y'all like it.

 (reading)
 'As an unperfect actor on the stage,
 Who with his fear is put besides his part,
 Or some fierce thing replete with too much rage,
 Whose strength's abundance weakens his own heart;
 So I, for fear of trust, forget to say
 The perfect ceremony of love's rite,
 And in my own love's strength seems to decay,
 O'ercharged with burden of mine own love's might.
 Oh, let my books be then the eloquence
 And dumb presagers of my speaking breast,
 Who plead for love and look for recompense,
 More than that tongue that more hath more expressed.
 Oh, learn to read what silent love hath writ:
 To hear with eyes belongs to love's fine wit.'

The room is dead silent, spellbound by his very moving reading. Suddenly there
is thunderous applause. Nathan smiles.



EXT. HOTEL - DAY

Aunt Adelaide and Casey are standing in front of the hotel just as the stage
arrives. Aunt Adelaide is dressed for travel, her luggage by her side.

 AUNT
 Well, Casey, I'm glad Nettie is coming home,
 though I must say that was fast.

 CASEY
 I got the wire here if you want to see it again.

 AUNT
 No, dear. Are you going to be all right alone for
 a few days?

 CASEY
 Yes ma'am. I've got JD to look out for me. And
 his friends.

 AUNT
 Yes, you do. I'm sure you'll be in good hands.
 At least until you're married...

There is a long pause. We can see Aunt Adelaide has something on her mind.

 Casey, I'm...sorry about Caleb Barnes...I just want
 the best for my niece.

 CASEY
 I know.

Casey suddenly gives her aunt a quick hug, the first time since Aunt
Adelaide's arrival.

 AUNT
 Is that Mr. Dunne a prospect?

 CASEY
 (smiling, with a shrug)
 Could be.

Aunt Adelaide is the last one to board the stage. It's time to go. She looks out the window.

 AUNT
 That will be nice.

 (calling, as the stage pulls away)
 Be sure to invite me to the wedding! Good-by, Casey!

 CASEY
 Good-bye, Aunt Adelaide!

Casey waves, watching the stagecoach until it's out of the sight. The moment it
is, she turns and waves to the TELEGRAPH OFFICE CLERK. He waves back, then
disappears inside.

Casey turns into the nearest alley and rips off her dress. Underneath we see
she's wearing the familiar jeans and shirt. She shoves the torn dress into a
barrel and walks away, smiling.



EXT. SALOON - DAY

Chris, Vin, and Ezra are sitting or standing outside. Buck is sitting, his
leg propped up. JD approaches, a huge grin across his face.

 VIN
 That smile can only mean one thing. Dear Aunt
 Adelaide left town?

 JD
 Sure has! Stagecoach just left.

Josiah and Nathan join them, also grinning.

 EZRA
 Gentlemen. Where's my money?

 VIN
 Your money?

 EZRA
 My share of the prize money, of course. I arranged
 and recruited for that performance slot.

 BUCK
 Now, Ezra, you said that was a coaching fee.

 VIN
 And you didn't give Nathan no coaching.

 JOSIAH
 Nathan did fine on his own.

 NATHAN
 Thank you, Josiah. Buck, ain't you supposed
 to be resting?

 BUCK
 I am. Right here.

Buck grins. Nathan just shakes his head.

 EZRA
 Now look here. I had plans for that money.

 NATHAN
 So do I. Half of it goes toward a new clinic. And
 since Josiah here did the coaching, helping me
 pick out this poem, the other half goes to him.

 JOSIAH
 And that half is going toward the church. How about
 a drink, Brother Jackson?

 NATHAN
 I'd like that, Brother Sanchez. Nice try, Ezra.

Nathan and Josiah go into the saloon, followed by Ezra.

 EZRA
 Could you at least name the clinic after me?

Chris, Buck and JD lag behind.

 CHRIS
 JD...you asked me somethin' awhile back...

 BUCK
 Before ya say anythin'–Kid, I'm surrenderin' my
 title as best man. Heck, we all know I am, so it
 ain't necessary to advertise.

Buck grins and limps into the saloon.

 CHRIS
 If you still want to do this thing with you and Casey,
 I'd be willin'. That is, if you still want me to.

JD wears a grin that takes over his whole face.

 JD
 Thanks, Chris. And someday I'd really like that.
 Not now. But definitely someday.

Chris smiles as the two of them join the others in the saloon

FADE OUT:

 THE END