Disclaimer: This is an original work. Do not steal.

Author's Note: This is the first act of a 3 act screenplay. It is not finished yet;please leave any comments you have.

Song of Songs
ACT I
by Christie Rushenberg

FADE IN:

EXT. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: MID MORNING

The NOTRE DAME BELLS resonate. Clusters of darkly-clad churchgoers descend the steps in quick shuffles. But MADEMOISELLE LISETTE ST. CLAIR, a svelte young woman with dimpled cheeks, lingers down each step, smiling into the golden sunshine. Pulling back her WHITE SCARF, she shakes her head free of it. A forgotten STONE ANGEL looks down upon her as she strolls down the blustery street.

TITLE OVER:
Paris, 1881

Lisette threads through the streets, occasionally brushing away autumn leaves that fly against her coat. Paris teems with life. Polished carriages roll down the street. A governess pushes a perambulator as two sisters tug at her skirts and prattle questions. A weathered old man rakes leaves. Lisette passes a trinket shoppe, WHATNOTS AND WHIGMALEERIES. An ornately crafted SAINT CECILIA STATUE gleams in the display window.

As Lisette continues on her way, her smile fades as she comes to a GATED-OFF ROAD. She fingers the iron bars as if they were old friends. Lisette nostalgically stares past them into a HIGHLY AFFLUENT NEIGHBORHOOD. Shaking her head, she sighs and moves on.

Finally, Lisette reaches her destination, a humble ORPHANAGE. She laughs as a group of giggling children skip rope in dull, worn uniforms. A sprig of a girl second in line, LOTTE, squeals at the sight of Lisette.

LOTTE
Will you come play with us
Mlle. St. Clair?

LISETTE
Maybe later Lotte.
Jump a few for me.

Lisette WINKS at Lotte, then enters the ORPHANAGE.

INT. ORPHANAGE – FOYER: MID MORNING

Lisette hangs her coat and scarf, revealing a CRUCIFIX NECKLACE thumping against her throat. An eager, polite young man, MONSIEUR CHRISTOPHE CASSELL, leans against the parlor doorframe. He folds his arms, his expression amused.

CHRISTOPHE
(startling Lisette)
Three times to Mass this week
Mlle. St. Clair.
And on a Saturday too.
Have committed a terrible sin?
Or are you determined to become a
Saint?

Lisette raises an eyebrow and joins him in their familiar bantering game. But she carefully keeps a distance.

LISETTE
As a matter of fact, neither.
Are you keeping a diary of my
outings M. Cassell?
How scandalous.
And why are you so certain Mass
is where I have been?

Christophe nods to her clutched DEVOTIONAL.

Unable to think of a comeback, Lisette thwacks his chest with the DEVOTIONAL. Christophe reaches for her hand. Lisette flinches.

MADAME RAINE CLEARS HER THROAT (V.O.) at the top of the stairs. Mme. Raine, her puckered dress pinching her bulging waist, taps her nails against the railing.

MME. RAINE
I need to see you two.
Immediately.

Lisette and Christophe exchange a glance as Mme. Raine’s dress swishes down the hall (O.S.).

INT. ORPHANAGE – MME. RAINE’S OFFICE: DAY

Mme. Raine’s office--a gloomy tomb of faded photographs and yellowed newspaper clippings. Any cheer and sunshine has been shut out by thick drapes. Lisette and Christophe enter. Mme. Raine sits at an intimidating desk and fiddles with her spectacles and papers. Christophe sits in one of the chairs opposite Mme. Raine. Near a window, Lisette peeks back a bit of curtain, watching Lotte skip rope. Lisette’s eyes twinkle.

Mme. Raine clears her throat. Lisette lets the curtain fall and takes a seat beside Christophe.

MME. RAINE
About the future of one of our
pupils. . .
Lotte Jocqueme.
As you two have taken great care
with both her musical—-

Mme. Raine nods to Lisette--

MME. RAINE (CONT’D)
--and literary aptitudes—-

--and then to Christophe.

MME. RAINE (CONT’D)
I feel it my duty to inform you
first of Lotte’s adoption.

CHRISTOPHE
Adopted? By whom?

Mme. Raine peers at a sheet of paper.

MME. RAINE
M. and Mme. LeNoir.
They are an older pair.
Quite wealthy.
Quite taken with Lotte.
They also have taken an interest
in her talents. They wish you
both to write an account of your
observations.

Lisette beams and livens.

LISETTE
They are to instruct her then?
Oh can you imagine it?
One day Lotte will be singing for
the finest opera house.
Or writing the most thrilling novels!

Mme. Raine looks less than pleased.

MME. RAINE
Mlle. St. Clair—-while it is our
Christian duty to educate our
youngsters, make no mistake of it.
We are not to fill their heads
with nonsense.
Especially disreputable choices
for a young lady.

LISETTE
If I may be so bold Mme. Raine.
The conventional choices for a
young lady are less than adequate
for a person of Lotte’s abilities.

Christophe shoots Lisette a look, which she ignores. He briefly brings a hand to his temple, then leans forward.

CHRISTOPHE
She has talent Mme. Raine.
You have heard her voice.
You have read her stories.

MME. RAINE
Just because a child possesses a
noticeable gift does not imply we
are to impractically foster it.

Lisette rises and moves back toward the window, folding back the crutain. Lotte giggles as the rope catches at her ankles. Lisette runs her fingers slightly against the windowpane, her face bleak and eyes soft.

LISETTE
(softly)
But God gave her those gifts.
Mme. Raine rises from her desk, her voice icy.

MME. RAINE
Not for vulgarities.
Singing on stage . . .
Penning novels . . .
Her duties lay in managing a
household.
Caring for her family.
Singers and novelists are harlots
without a prayer of securing even
a thread of a dignified life.

Mme. Raine’s knobby fingers remove her spectacles. Her shoulders shrink down as her stance becomes easy. Lisette tears her eyes away from Lotte.

MME. RAINE (CONT’D)
Most orphans never learn a note of
music. They are fortunate to have
you and your refined education.
Educate them Lisette.
Nothing more.
I will not tolerate your
scandalous direction for them.

Lisette holds Mme. Raine’s gaze with quiet determination, then turns back to Lotte. Mme. Raine shifts her stare to Christophe.

MME. RAINE
And M. Cassell.
Educate them in literature.
Do not promote it.

CHRISTOPHE
(quietly)
Of course Madame.

Lisette turns to Christophe, her face full of confusion and a twinge of hurt. Christophe keeps his sight straight ahead. Lisette sweeps her eyes back to Mme. Raine.

MME. RAINE
Your accounts on my desk by
tomorrow morning.

INT. ORPHANAGE – MUSIC ROOM: NIGHT

Lisette sits at a simple upright PIANO and trills Chopin’s “ETUDE OP. 25 NO. 12 IN C MINOR” from it. A WHITE CANDLE flickers atop the piano, the light gleaming off her NECKLACE. She plays for several moments before trailing off. Lisette’s eyes fall down to the keys, but she looks past them.

With shaky fingers and teary eyes, she begins to play a SWEET MELODY. Lisette hums while her fingers dance. Closing her eyes, she lets her fingers lead.

Christophe enters with a lit candle, wary of disturbing Lisette. He listens and watches in wonderment.

The music transforms Lisette as she gracefully sways. She loses herself in the notes. The MELODY draws out an undercurrent of passion in her movement.

The song draws to a close, Lisette gingerly stroking the keys.

CHRISTOPHE
That was lovely.

Lisette jolts, her fingers slipping. A hint of embarrassment graces her expression. She turns to consider Christophe, then looks away.

LISETTE
I did not know I had an audience.
I apologize if I disturbed you.

CHRISTOPHE
Not at all.

Christophe approaches the piano.

CHRISTOPHE (CONT’D)
I do not know that song.
Is it new?

LISETTE
Oh no. Quite a while ago now . . .
(trailing off)
. . . I suppose . . .

CHRISTOPHE
Did you write it?

LISETTE
(laughs softly)
I could never write
anything so lovely.

Prolonged silence. Christophe slips beside her on the piano bench. Lisette slightly stiffens, then relaxes.

CHRISTOPHE
Lisette are you sad for Lotte?

LISETTE
She has a carefree spirit.
A wild heart.
If this couple wishes to develop
her talents—-that is all the more
reason to celebrate.
But I will miss her.

CHRISTOPHE
As will I. Difficult when
they are adopted. Think I would
be used to it by now.

LISETTE
Six years here.
I remember every one of them,
Christophe.

Silence lingers once more. Christophe fidgets as if to ask a question, then hesitates. Lisette is rigid and uncomfortable.

CHRISTOPHE
Play something.

Lisette smiles as her fingers grace the keys once more, playing an entirely different melody, Chopin’s “MINUTE WALTZ”--more jovial and carefree.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. ORPHANAGE – MUSIC ROOM: DAY

Lisette watches through the frosted windowpane as laughing, bundled children parade out to the yard. A corpulent teacher sits on the stoop.

TEACHER
(calling)
Find some nice leaves to study!
No throwing rocks Andre!

Lisette chuckles, but composes herself as a band of older children enter the room. Each take their places on a set of risers.

CHILD #1
What are we going to sing today?

LISETTE
Christmas carols for the pageant.

CHILD #2
But November is just beginning.

LISETTE
That means we will have lots of
practice to impress everyone.

Lisette hands them each a song book as a KNOCK (O.S.) sounds from the doorway. Lotte and her new parents, MONSIEUR and MADAME LeNOIR, stand in the doorway, each of them smiling from ear to ear. Lotte holds a beautifully wrapped PACKAGE. Lisette’s eyes twinkle as she moves to greet them.

LISETTE
Bonjour. You must be Lotte’s new
parents, M. and Mme. LeNoir.
Mlle. Lisette St. Clair.

Lisette SHAKES HANDS with M. and Mme. LeNoir.

M. LeNOIR
Oui Mademoiselle. Lotte cannot
stop singing your praises.

LISETTE
Well she has quite the gift for
it Monsieur.

M. LeNOIR
Indeed.

LOTTE
Here is a present for you.

Lotte hands Lisette the PACKAGE. Lisette grins and runs her fingers over the paper admiringly.

LISETTE
How thoughtful of you.
May I open it?

Lotte enthusiastically nods as Lisette peels off the paper. Underneath a fold of white tissue rolls out an ornately crafted SAINT CECILIA STATUE.

LISETTE
Oh Lotte—-it is beautiful.

LOTTE
Saint Cecilia.
Patron Saint of music.

LISETTE
Quite correct.

Lisette runs her fingers over the statue and feels a knob at the base. Brow furrowing, she pushes it. The statue plays the same SWEET MELODY Lisette played a few nights before. Lisette begins to tremble.

LISETTE
Where did you find this?

MME. LeNOIR
Oh one of those trinket shoppes.
In the market.

LISETTE
Which one?

MME. LeNOIR
I know not Mademoiselle.
The one owned by M. Moreau
I believe.

Lisette regains her composure.

LISETTE
This tune is very special to me.

LOTTE
She likes it Mama.

Mme. LeNoir blushes and becomes all smiles.

M. LeNOIR
Well, we shall leave you to your
teaching Mademoiselle. Adieu.

LISETTE
Adieu.

M. and Mme. LeNoir exit with Lotte (O.S.). Lisette clutches the STATUE to her chest.

INT. ORPHANAGE – LISETTE’S ROOM: DAY

Lisette kneels before the STATUE on her nightstand, her BIBLE in her lap. She closes her eyes and feels the BIBLE’S edges. After a few moments, she sets the BIBLE down and exits.

INT. ORPHANAGE – LITERATURE ROOM: DAY

Christophe absently flips through dusty texts at a modest desk. He rubs at his eyes and loosens his collar. Lisette bursts through the door and flies to his desk, painfully slamming her knees against it.

LISETTE
Do you know a little trinket
shoppe owned by M. Moreau?

CHRISTOPHE
(baffled)
There is one in the market across
the way from Bernard’s Bakery.
But I do not know who owns it.

LISETTE
Merci!

Lisette scrambles to the door, leaving Christophe in utter confusion.

EXT. WHATNOTS AND WHIGMALEERIES: DAY

Lisette bustles down the street, the STATUE carefully wrapped in a BUNDLE under her arm. She notes the BAKERY across the way, and looks ahead to see WHATNOTS AND WHIGMALEERIES, a trinket shoppe. Lisette shuts her eyes, takes a breath, then enters.

INT. WHATNOTS AND WHIGMALEERIES: DAY

The shoppe is a vast treasure trove of wonderment, with many unique trinkets and thingamajigs about. Lisette spots an entire shelf filled with different STATUES much like her SAINT CECILIA, but all of them more ordinary. She floats over and begins inspecting them, pushing their knobs to find the tune. Each melody is different, none matching the MELODY.

MONSUIR MOREAU, an older, motley of a man, finishes with a purchase. He taps Lisette on the shoulder.

M. MOREAU
Normally’s the kids who I have to
watch around them.
(gestures to STATUES)
Most people don’t go playing all
the tunes at once.

Lisette blushes.

LISETTE
My apologies Monsieur.
I did not think—-

M. MOREAU
Whatcha got there?

M. Moreau pulls at the bundle from under Lisette’s arm. She quickly secures it. M. Moreau eyes her.

LISETTE
I received it as a gift
earlier this week.

M. MOREAU
And it’s broken. Issat it?
You’re here for exchanges?
Sorry Mademoiselle.
I can’t afford exchanges.

M. Moreau returns to the front counter. Lisette follows.

LISETTE
No—-you are quite mistaken.
I actually want to know where you
acquired them.

M. Moreau studies her suspiciously.

M. MOREAU
You’re a spy from one of them
fancy places. Come here to take
my business away from me!
Well I’ll not have it!

LISETTE
No no, please! I just wish to
learn the artist if I may.
I believe I know who he is.

M. MOREAU
Well if you do then ask him.
I’m sure he’d tell you.

M. Moreau pretends to engage himself in rearranging a display of fountain pens.

LISETTE
But I cannot ask him.
We lost touch.

M. MOREAU
And I’m sure there’s a reason for it.

LISETTE
(desperate)
Oh Monsieur please. All I need is
a name and address. Would it not
be too terribly hard to find?

M. Moreau rolls his eyes.

M. MOREAU
It issn’t as if everyone and
anyone just leaves that
information floating about. Most
of them like a right quiet life.
Don’t want to be bothered.

Lisette shifts her eyes, then coyly smiles.

LISETTE
Monsieur—-it seems this
information could only be had by
someone as skilled as yourself.

M. Moreau begins to object.

LISETTE (CONT’D)
And though it would be—-
--no doubt—-
--toilsome—-

M. Moreau continues to object.

LISETTE (CONT’D)
I would offer you a handsome reward.

M. Moreau’s demeanor livens as he scrambles for a sheet of paper and a fountain pen.

M. MOREAU
Write your address. I donno if I
can get what you want. I’ll write
if I find it. Be warned though--
you may not hear from me at all.

Lisette scribbles down her name and address.

LISETTE
I am sure you will do all you can.

M. Moreau takes the paper from her and reads it.

M. MOREAU
Okay Mlle. St. Clair. Off you go.
I have work to do.

Lisette nods and exits.

EXT. WHATNOTS AND WHIGMALEERIES: DAY

A radiant smile flowers across Lisette’s ruddy face. But as she begins walking, it slowly drips into a worried frown. She pauses. She takes hold of her NECKLACE. Fingertips absently run over its contours. Lightly caressing the BUNDLE, she heads off.

INT. ORPHANAGE – LISETTE’S ROOM: NIGHT

Lisette sits at her sparse dressing table, her head resting on her pulled up knees. A WHITE CANDLE—-the flame dances before the MIRROR. A stack of LETTERS rests before her, along with the STATUE and a well thumbed through BIBLE. She delicately runs her fingers down the porcelain, tracing all its workings. Her fingers find the knob. The MELODY begins softly at first, then fills the room. Lisette shuts her eyes--remembering . . .

EXT. ST. CLAIR CHATEAU: CHRISTMAS NIGHT

Snow falls on the GATE’S iron bars and blankets the ROAD winding around the AFFLUENT NEIGHBORHOOD. Music and merriment flow from a stately CHATEAU adorned in garland, red ribbons, and lanterns. A warm glow of celebration emulates through the windows.

INT. ST. CLAIR CHATEAU – BALLROOM: CHRISTMAS NIGHT

The BALLROOM—-filled with all the delight and spectacle of upper society. The finery could not be more brilliant. The fashion could not be more elegant. The conversation could not be more carefree. Musicians play “CAROL OF THE BIRDS” as couples twirl and swivel about the dance floor. Among them are Lisette—-more delicately refined—-and MONSIEUR LAURENCE GODARD, a debonair and suave young man. Laurence expertly leads Lisette in a dance. She could not enjoy herself more.

At the song’s end, he bows and she curtsies. Laurence escorts her away from the dance floor, Lisette’s arm looped snugly about his. Laurence smiles, his fingertips entwined with hers.

INT. ST. CLAIR CHATEAU – SITTING ROOM DOORWAY: CHRISTMAS NIGHT

They enter the SITTING ROOM, adjacent to the BALLROOM. A festive fire crackles in the hearth providing the only light. Laurence pulls Lisette back into the doorway, light spilling in from the BALLROOM. A sprig of MISTLETOE invites from overhead. Laurence waits for Lisette’s permission. Once given, they share a sweet, comfortable KISS.

LAURENCE
I have something for you.

Lisette inclines her head expectantly as he removes a SMALL VELVET BOX from inside his jacket. Lisette’s eyes go wide. He hesitates, then hands it to her. A look of disappointed relief floods her face. Opening the BOX, a delicate CRUCIFIX NECKLACE gleams inside.

LISETTE
Oh Laurence . . .

Laurence removes the NECKLACE from the BOX and clasps it around her neck.

LAURENCE
I know how highly you hold your
faith. Merry Christmas.

Lisette thoughtfully fingers it.

LISETTE
For a moment I thought you meant
to give something else.

Laurence smiles knowingly.

LAURENCE
Cannot build a marriage without
Christ as the foundation.

Lisette fails miserably at suppressing a smile.

LISETTE
Indeed.

Laurence takes her hands in one of his while his other hand plays with the bit of HOLLY nestled in her hair.

LAURENCE
I have not known anyone more
finely fashioned by our Lord.
You will make a beautiful wife.

LISETTE
(hopefully)
And instructress.

Laurence’s smile disappears.

LAURENCE
I thought we had put this matter
behind us.

LISETTE
But you know how much I adore
children. And what wonders
I could teach them!

LAURENCE
We will not go through this again.
(softening)
You have a charitable way.
But that would disgrace us.

Lisette turns away, her eyes drifting across the SITTING ROOM to a SHADOWY CORNER. A GLIMMER OF A MAN peeks out from behind one of the great pillars on either side of the mantle. His eyes are fixed on Lisette. She strains to make him out, but he shrinks and tucks himself back into darkness. Laurence cups Lisette’s cheek. She returns her attention.

LAURENCE
Do not spoil Christmas.

Lisette bleakly smiles. She swallows and avoids his eyes.

LISETTE
Would you still love me were I not
beautiful?

LAURENCE
You jest.

LISETTE
(beat)
Yes—-How silly of me.

“THE FIRST NOËL” begins. Laurence’s face becomes boyish.

LAURENCE
Another dance Mlle. St. Clair?

Lisette fashions herself into a careful mask.

LISETTE
Of course M. Godard.

Laurence takes her hand and leads her back to the BALLROOM. Lisette cranes her neck to find the MAN IN THE SHADOWS—-and fails.

INT. ORPHANAGE – LISETTE’S ROOM: NIGHT

Lisette opens her eyes, her cheeks slick with tears. She shuffles through her LETTER PILE, then slaps it down.

FADE TO BLACK.

EXT. ORPHANAGE: DAY

Fresh snow powders the ORPHANAGE grounds.

The GROUNDSKEEPER sloppily sweeps the pathways.

INT. ORPHANAGE – DINING HALL: DAY

Uniformed children slurp soup and poke at hard biscuits. Unruly boys receive hard looks from Mme. Raine who sweeps between long table rows. Out of Mme. Raine’s view, Christophe entertains children by folding NAPKINS into various animals. A little girl delights as he hands her a cloth bunny.

Christophe looks up to see Lisette wandering in a daze. He frowns and excuses himself. He continues monitoring, weaving through tables toward Lisette. He lifts a NAPKIN out of his pocket and quickly folds it into a rose. Christophe presents the rose to Lisette. She forces a smile, taking the napkin between her fingers.

CHRISTOPHE
You have been melancholy these
past few weeks.

LISETTE
(shakes head)
Just distracted.

CHRISTOPHE
By what?

LISETTE
My past.

CHRISTOPHE
Before the Commune went under siege?

LISETTE
Yes. And no.
(beat)
I am trying to find someone I once
knew. I know not if I will.

CHRISTOPHE
Who?

LISETTE
Someone I never should have lost.

INT. ORPHANAGE – MUSIC ROOM: DAY

Continued rehearsing Christmas carols for the pageant. Lisette positions the children for singing, gently correcting them here and there. Once their postures and pitch are accounted for, Lisette hurries to the PIANO. She plays the accompaniment while the children sing the refrain to “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH” in three part harmony.

LISETTE
Lovely.
We shall continue tomorrow.

The children descend the risers and exit while Lisette gathers songbooks. Mme. Raine enters carrying a parcel of ENVELOPES under her arm. She withdraws one and hands it to Lisette.

MME. RAINE
A letter for you.

Lisette halts, then returns the songbooks to a battered bookcase.

LISETTE
From whom?

Mme. Raine squints at the ENVELOPE.

MME. RAINE
Writing is a bit funny.
You best have a look.

Lisette takes the ENVELOPE with shaking fingers as Mme. Raine exits. Lisette reads the address.

CUT TO ENVELOPE:

(sloppily written)
M. Moreau

Lisette rips it open and scans the LETTER. The ENVELOPE loops to the floor. She gives an excited cry and thanks God. She hurries after Mme. Raine.

INT. ORPHANAGE – HALLWAY: DAY

Mme. Raine glides down the hallway, her heels authoritatively knocking against the wood. Lisette hustles up to her.

Mme. Raine does not slow.

LISETTE
Mme. Raine!
I need to leave for a few weeks.

MME. RAINE
A few weeks? Whatever for?

LISETTE
An urgent matter.

MME. RAINE
Urgent?

Mme. Raine stops, turns toward Lisette. Concern fills her face.

LISETTE
There is someone I must see.
He lives in England--

MME. RAINE
England!

LISETTE
--But I shan’t be too long.
I can afford it.
I just need your permission Madam.

Mme. Raine eyes a hopeful Lisette.

MME. RAINE
Who will instruct the children?

LISETTE
Eloise is fairly accomplished with
the piano. She can handle them
along with her etiquette lessons.

Mme. Raine shrugs, her face apathetic.

CHRISTOPHE (V.O.)
England!?

INT. ORPHANAGE – LISETTE’S ROOM: DAY

Lisette’s room in chaos. Her trunk lay open on the bed.

A mess of garments and personal items piling. Lisette bolts around the room gathering items and packing while Christophe clumsily follows her about.

LISETTE
Yes England.

CHRISTOPHE
Where exactly?

LISETTE
I cannot rightly remember.

Christophe snatches the LETTER from her nightstand and scans it. His eyes widen.

CHRISTOPHE
The Cumbrian Mountains!?
Lisette have you gone mad?

LISETTE
Yes. Mad as a hatter.

CHRISTOPHE
What is going on? You hardly
speak a word for weeks on end.
And now you are heading for the
Cumbrian Mountains!?

Lisette throws a skirt into the trunk.

LISETTE
Stop it Christophe!

Silence.

Lisette continues to pack, including her BIBLE.

CHRISTOPHE
Why the secrecy all of the sudden?

LISETTE
(beat)
I would rather not delve into it.

Christophe peers again at the LETTER.

CHRISTOPHE
Who is he anyway?
Mr. James Dobbin?

Lisette SNATCHES the LETTER out of his hands—-JAMS it into her pocket. She busies herself.

CHRISTOPHE (CONT’D)
Lisette . . .

Lisette hastily rolls a few garments into her trunk, pulls a few out, then puts one back in. Christophe walks over and gently catches Lisette by the shoulders. She does not meet his eyes. He moves his hand and fluidly turns her face.

CHRISTOPHE (CONT’D)
I am only worried. You are
leaving on a moment’s notice.
Bound for Northwest England.
And winter is setting in.
I should accompany you.

LISETTE
Nonsense.
I will be away only a few weeks.

Lisette returns to her trunk, closes the lid, latches it. Christophe lifts it and heads for the door. Lisette follows, then abruptly turns toward her dressing table. She grabs the STATUE, tucks it under her arm.

INT. ORPHANAGE – STAIRWAY: DAY

LISETTE
The cab is here?

CHRISTOPHE
Outside.

LISETTE
Thank you for arranging it.

At the base of the stairs, several children gather, along with Mme. Raine. Lisette slows.

CHILD #3
Will you be gone long?

Lisette crouches to the child’s height.

LISETTE
For a while. But I shall be back.

The child buries his face into Lisette’s chest. Lisette returns the embrace smiling sadly.

LISETTE
(rising)
Take care.
Mind Mme. Raine and the others.

EXT. ORPHANAGE: DAY

Christophe helps the gangly COACHMAN #1 secure Lisette’s trunk atop the cab while Lisette waves to the children. Christophe warily eyes Coachman #1.

CHRISTOPHE
(pulls Lisette aside)
Lisette I still think I ought to go with you.
(beat)
If you need anything, write.

LISETTE
Of course.

Lisette and Christophe face each other for a moment.

Christophe nods and helps her into the cab, prolonging his grasp. Lisette turns questioningly just before he kisses her fingers. Coachman #1 shuts the cab door. Lisette and Christophe hold each other’s gaze through the glass divide. Coachman #1 SNAPS THE REIGNS (O.S.) and the cab rolls off. Lisette tears her eyes from Christophe only as he falls out of sight.

MONTAGE

INT. LISETTE’S CAB: DAY

Through the window, Lisette takes in beautiful French landscapes. Her fingers drift across the glass.

She flicks an errant hair strands from her face. Reaching for the STATUE nestled beside her, she presses the knob. The MELODY plays once more.

EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL: NIGHT

Lisette boards a steam boat, which glides across the CHANNEL.

She leans against the railing on deck, losing herself in the moon and stars. Moonshine reflects off her NECKLACE.

INT. LISETTE’S CAB: DAY

Lisette boards an English cab with the help of an elderly COACHMAN #2. Curiosity draws her to the window. SNOW begins to fall. Bustling English cities become rolling countryside.

The CUMBRIAN MOUNTAINS steel away Lisette’s breath:
Rolling hills
Open moorland.
Pine woodland.
Scattered lakes.
Narrow valleys.
Snowcapped mountains
SNOW falls more heavily.

Lisette’s cab winds along the CUMBRIAN MOUNTAINSIDE.

The wind whistles. She smears the fog from the window. Through the glass and veil of SNOW, Lisette makes out a stoic, brooding ESTATE in the distance.

LISETTE
Blackwood.

Lisette tucks the STATUE in her PURSE.

MONTAGE END

EXT. BLACKWOOD MANNOR: EARLY EVENING

Lisette’s cab arrives at BLACKWOOD MANNOR--an estate seemingly cut out of obsidian. Coachman #2 helps her out of coach. Lisette takes in the menacing sight as SNOW whips about her face. She makes the sign of the cross.

Lisette deeply inhales--trudges through the piling SNOW, rings the bell. JASPER FLEMING, an aging butler with a shifty countenance, opens the door a sliver. He squints against the cold.

LISETTE
I am here to see Mr. James Dobbin
please.

JASPER
Are you expected?

LISETTE
Well, no.

JASPER
Master Dobbin does not take kindly
to unexpected visitors.

LISETTE
But I have come all the way from
France.

JASPER
Hmm.

INT. BLACKWOOD MANNOR – ENTRYWAY: EARLY EVENING

Jasper grants her entry, against his better judgment. Lisette steps into a dark mystery, a void. Dark drapes shut out the light almost completely. Jasper strikes a MATCH and lights a CANDLE. He hands the CANDLE and a matchbox to Lisette.

JASPER (CONT’D)
Follow me.

They ascend the grand staircase and vanish into the shadows.

INT. BLACKWOOD MANNOR – JAMES’S STUDY: TWILIGHT

Jasper opens the door. As Lisette enters, WARM CANDLELIGHT spills into the room. Darkness obscures the STUDY. Thick, heavy drapes sag from the windows. From the darkest corner of the room, a resonate voice breaks the silence.

JAMES (V.O.)
I told you I did not wish to be
disturbed this evening.

Lisette brings her hand to her chest.

JASPER
Alady to see you sir.

JAMES (V.O.)
Send her away.

LISETTE
Please don’t.

The POWERFUL SHADOW OF A MAN that is JAMES DOBBIN falters--then resumes his stance.

JAMES
Leave us Jasper.

Jasper nods and swings the door shut, forcing the CANDLE to extinguish. Lisette breathes heavily.

JAMES (CONT’D)
What is your purpose here?

LISETTE
(softly)
So you do know who I am.

James silently moves from the corner.

JAMES
Surely you have better things to
do with your time, Mme. Godard.

LISETTE
I beg your pardon?

James does not reply. Lisette strains to see him, sets the CANDLE down at the desk near her. She creeps toward the window and attempts to open the curtains, but James swiftly--firmly--grabs her wrist, his body uncomfortably near.

JAMES
I would rethink that Mme. Godard.
You never know what you might see.

He releases her wrist. Lisette retrieves the CANDLE, strikes a match, and relights it. The CANDLE casts a faint glow. James remains in the SHADOWS.

Silence.

LISETTE
I thank you to call me
Mlle. St. Clair.

JAMES
Curious.
Tell me. Do you make a habit of
breaking hearts?

LISETTE
I did not come here for this.

JAMES
And why did you come here?
Change your mind now that I am
the rich aristocrat? He lose his wealth
in the Commune like your family?

LISETTE
Money had nothing to do with it.

JAMES
We are all entitled to our own
opinions. Though I see you still
wear his token.

Lisette tucks her NECKLACE into her collar.

JAMES (CONT’D)
(softly)
Why are you here Lisette?

Lisette pulls out the STATUE and plays the MELODY.

JAMES (CONT’D)
You came all the way from France
to play me a tune?

LISETTE
You know the song James--
--as you wrote it.

JAMES
So I did. Fine tune.

LISETTE
None of the others play it.

JAMES
Come, come. Is that a crime?
ALL their tunes are different.

LISETTE
But why St. Cecilia for this tune?

JAMES
Why not?

LISETTE
(almost a whisper)
She is my patron Saint James.
And you wrote this song for--.

JAMES
Pardon my impatience.
What are you implying?

Lisette stares blankly.

JAMES (CONT’D)
(harshly)
Still unable to take a stand.
Some things never change.

LISETTE
(curtly)
It seems I have rudely misjudged
this visit. I apologize for
intruding on your precious time.

Lisette, shoves the STATUE into her PURSE and exits, SLAMMING the door. James, still shadowy, tucks back the curtain a thread. Lisette hurries into the cab, which rolls away in the HEAVILY FALLING SNOW.

INT. LISETTE’S CAB: NIGHT

Lisette quietly sobs against the seat cushions. Suddenly, the cab jostles. INDISTINCT VOICES SHOUT FROM OUTSIDE (V.O.). Lisette looks out her window, but can see nothing clearly.

The cab sharply overturns. Lisette screams as she falls against the side, cracking the window. Blood trickles down her brow and smudges against the glass. Her PURSE and STATUE are thrown against the side. GUNSHOTS FIRED (V.O.). Lisette shivers.

The door swings open. A SCOUNDREL OF A MAN ducks inside.

MAN #1
‘ello pet.

Lisette cowers in the corner. He grasps for her, catching her by the hair and then by the waist. He hoists her out, a SECOND MAN helping him along.

EXT. MOUNTAIN ROADSIDE: NIGHT

The HEAVY SNOW FALLS in oppression. Lisette screams as they grab at her, her hair tumbling about her shoulders. Icy wind strikes their faces. Man #2 grips her as a THIRD MAN holding a PISTOL inspects her for valuables. Lisette sees Coachman #2 shot dead in the snow, blood pooling.

Man #3 twists Lisette’s head around, his fingers digging into her skin. He smirks, then looks down to her NECKLACE. He rips it off, dangles it in front of her, then pockets it. He scurries over to Man #1, who rummages through her trunk.

MAN #1
Nothin’ in ‘ere ‘cept clothes!

MAN #3
Take ‘em. We can barter ‘em.

MAN #2
Wha’ about her?

Man #2 shoves his face against Lisette’s cheek, smearing against her blood. All three of them snicker and exchange looks. Lisette struggles.

Suddenly, James, HIDEOUSLY DISFIGURED, jumps Man #3.
All three men shriek at the site of James’s skin blistered, bulged, and taught in patches.
James wrestles Man #3 to the ground.
Lisette’s NECKLACE flies into the snow.
James’s BLACK OVERCOAT is thrown, a WHITE UNDERSHIRT exposed.

They scramble for the thrown PISTOL.
Man #1 throws himself into the fight.
Punching, kicking, swinging.
James manages to knock Man #1 out.

Man #2 throws Lisette into a heap of SNOW--
--rushes to Man #3’s aid.
Lisette shivers against the bank.
The men fight in twists, each man indistinct.
James throws Man #2 to the ground.

Man #3 retrieves the PISTOL, points it at James.
A RAVEN SQUAWKS IN THE DISTANCE (V.O.).
Man #3’s lip is split, his clothes wet and disheveled.
James halts, stretches his hand protectively toward Lisette.
Man #3’s lips peel from his teeth.
His eyes shift from James to Lisette.
He directs his pistol toward her. Lisette screams.

James dives in front of her just as the PISTOL goes off.

LISETTE
NO!

The bullet pierces through his shoulder, grazes Lisette’s arm.
Both James and Lisette wail.
James rocks against the snow in agony.
Lisette clumsily grips her arm.

ANOTHER SHOT FIRED (V.O.).

Lisette jolts.
Man #3 falls to the snow DEAD.
Lisette turns to find Jasper holding a smoking gun.

Lisette turns her attention back to James. She rolls him over and rests his head in her lap. Blood stains the snow beneath them. She wipes his damp hair back, never flinching at his DEFORMITY. James puffs and stares at Lisette.

Jasper creeps to Man #1 and shoots him DEAD. Lisette gives a cry. He then moves to Man #2, who pleads for his life. Jasper shoots him DEAD. Lisette turns away in horror. Jasper hurries over to them. After quick inspection, he covers James with the discarded OVERCOAT, sweeps him over his shoulder.

JASPER
Are you right to walk Miss?

Lisette hesitates, then nods and rises. Her fingers rest on her neck for a brief instance, searching for her lost NECKLACE. She turns back for a moment, fingers still at her throat. Then she turns and follows JASPER back to BLACKWOOD.

INT. BLACKWOOD MANNOR – JAMES’S BEDROOM: NIGHT

James sinks beneath the dark covers of his enormous bed. Strands of hair stick to his slick brow. His exposed left shoulder is purple and raw from the SHOT. Lisette kneels at the bed and wrings out a WHITE CLOTH from a basin. Her grazed arm already bandaged, her hair limply spread about her shoulders. She carefully cleans the wound. James winces. Jasper eyes them.

LISETTE
It went clean through.
Thank God for that.

JAMES
I will take care not to.

LISETTE
(to Jasper)
He needs to see a doctor.

JASPER
Not in this storm Miss.
And no doctor would come here.
Not in this weather.

Jasper shakes his head. Lisette continues with the CLOTH.

JASPER (CONT’D)
We will have to call for one
in the morning.

JAMES
No doctor . . .

LISETTE
Would it not be better to take him
to a hospital?

JASPER
He wouldn’t hear of it Miss.
Not with his--

Jasper gestures to his face. Lisette dabs at the wound and tenderly wraps his shoulder in WHITE BANDAGES.

JASPER (CONT’D)
Will you be leaving in the morning?
I can have your things retrieved.
A cab sent out for you.

Lisette secures the BANDAGE and rests her hand there.

LISETTE
Thank you for your kindness.
Would it be too much to ask to
have a room prepared?

Jasper suspiciously eyes her.

LISETTE (CONT’D)
I would like to stay.
Help care for him.
If I may.

Jasper sets his jaw, his lips thin and tight.

JASPER
Indeed Miss.

Jasper exits, leaving Lisette to watch over James. James drifts in and out. Lisette bathes his brow and hums the MELODY in the soft glow of CANDLELIGHT.

FADE TO BLACK.