ASIA:

Let me see… Flour, sugar, coffee, mustard powder. What else was I supposed to get?

CLERK:

You look a little harried today, Asia.

ASIA:

Mrs. Bhaer's sister, Meg, and her twins are staying for a few days while they fix the roof on her house.

CLERK:

Ah, yes. I saw the workmen over at her house this morning.

ASIA:

Not that I mind. There's always room at the table, but it would be nice to know they were coming before they walk through the door. [Sighs.] Let me see. I know I'm forgetting something here.

CLERK:

You're bound to remember it halfway home.

ASIA:

I always do.

CLERK:

You should have written it on your list.

ASIA:

[Turns to leave.] Oh! Mail! That's what it is. Is there any mail for Plumfield?

CLERK:

[Checks.] There are some letters. One for you… from Philadelphia.

ASIA:

For me? It's from my aunt. I haven't heard from her in months. Thank you! You have a good day.

CLERK:

And a good day to you.

ASIA:

Nan, that turkey should have been in the oven by now.

NAN:

I'm almost done. I've just got a few more stitches.

ASIA:

I sure hope so. Dinner's gonna be real late.

NAN:

You have to make sure you keep the stitches as tight and as close as possible.

ASIA:

So the stuffing won't fall out, right?

NAN:

[Finishes.] There. All sewed up and ready for roasting.

ASIA:

Very good, doctor. Let's get that patient in the oven.

MEG:

Daisy, you sit right here next to me. We really appreciate you putting up with us, Jo.

JO:

It's no problem, Meg. You're always welcome here. You're family. It's going to be so much fun.

MEG:

Four whole days together. It's going to be just like when we were growing up.

JO:

Yes, it will. Boy, Asia really sewed up this turkey.

NAN:

Oh, I did that. Just like Dr. Pierce.

MEG:

Oh, I didn't know that Dr. Pierce operated on turkeys. [Laughter.]

JO:

Meg, why don't you say grace. Say the one you used to say when we were children.

MEG:

Oh, I'd be honoured. All right. How did it go?… We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the food upon this table…

JO:

Is everything all right?

ASIA:

Yeah. It's from my Aunt Lydian.

JO:

The wild one? How is she?

ASIA:

She's fine. She wants me to come to Philadelphia.

JO:

For a visit?

ASIA:

To run a restaurant.

JO:

Well, this is wonderful news, Asia. Your own restaurant…

ASIA:

I can't believe she's asking. What do I know about running a restaurant?

JO:

Well, your aunt will teach you everything you need to know in no time at all. This is very exciting.

ASIA:

I suppose. I like cooking and all, but -

JO:

Asia, as soon as people taste your cooking, you're going to have customers lining up to get inside the door.

ASIA:

What about you? What about the children?

JO:

We'll miss you terribly, of course. But, Asia, opportunities like this don't come along every day. Think of the life you're going to have. Your own restaurant! Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. If I were you, I'd write that letter to your aunt right now and tell her that you're on your way. You should probably tell the children. I'm going to find a replacement for you, but with any luck, you'll be able to start your new life by the end of the month.

ASIA:

My own restaurant…

MEG:

Lydian? That's an interesting name.

JO:

Yes. Asia calls her her "wild aunt from Philadelphia." She's very independent. She wasn't going to do the same things that everyone else in her family did. She was going to be different. She married at a late age, never had children.

MEG:

How did she come to own a restaurant?

JO:

It was her husband's.

MEG:

Oh.

JO:

Yes. He died just a few years ago. At that point, everyone told her that she'd probably have to sell the place. She was determined to keep it opened all by herself.

MEG:

Sounds like someone I know. [They laugh together.]

JO:

Asia tells me that the place is even busier than ever right now.

MEG:

Asia must be thrilled. This is perfect for her.

JO:

I think she's a little overwhelmed at the moment.

MEG:

Of course. Who wouldn't be? It's overwhelming.

JO:

I think it's lots of fun. I'd love to try something like that one day.

MEG:

Ha! With your cooking?

MEG:

Asia! Jo told me of your news. Congratulations.

ASIA:

Thank you.

JO:

[As she and Meg continue to the house.] She's going to be very difficult to replace. I told her she could leave by the end of the month.

MEG:

Jo, that's less than two weeks away. You'll have to start looking immediately.

JO:

I intend to.

MEG:

Oh, you know, I know someone in Boston who might be able to help. I'll wire her first thing tomorrow. Jo, we're going to fix this problem together: just you and me.

NAN:

How'd you cut your finger?

ASIA:

I was slicing tomatoes and my mind was a million miles away.

NAN:

Happens to me all the time. In the classroom, Franz'll be talkin' but I'll be thinkin' about a hundred different things.

ASIA:

You shouldn't be. Not in school anyway. Nobody ever got anywhere by daydreamin'.

NAN:

I'm not daydreamin'. I'm just thinkin' about things I wanna do, like pickin' elderberries and talkin' to you.

ASIA:

Where are these elderberries anyway? We've been walkin' a long time.

NAN:

Hey! [Runs to a patch of flowers.]

ASIA:

Don't look like elderberries to me.

NAN:

Daisies, Asia. You can use the leaves for a compress. It's good for cuts.

ASIA:

Now, who told you that?

NAN:

I found it in one of my medical books. Just take the leaves like that and then rub them together to get all the juices out. Here, give me your finger.

ASIA:

Hmm. Daisies. Never heard anything like that.

NAN:

How's it workin'?

ASIA:

Feels really good.

NAN:

Really?

ASIA:

Yup. The pain's gone away. Now I know who to come to.

NAN:

You'll always have me to take care of you, Asia. You don't have to worry about that.

NAN:

[To Asia.] I'm glad you're feeling a lot better. I can't believe it worked.

JO:

Any luck?

NAN:

No.

JO:

Don't tell me you two got to talking and forgot about the berries. You two are hopeless!

ASIA:

Meg. You don't have to do that.

MEG:

No, no, no. I insist. You have quite enough to do around here without cooking and cleaning for three more people.

ASIA:

It's really no trouble at all. All right. I appreciate the help. The laundry around here sometimes can be a never-ending thing. [Begins folding a shirt.]

MEG:

Oh, I just folded those.

ASIA:

I know.

MEG:

Did I fold them incorrectly?

ASIA:

No, it's just that Emil likes his folded a certain away: the arms across, folded twice… You wouldn't think he'd be the fussy one around here, but I guess that's the way his mother used to do it, so I really can't blame him.

MEG:

No, I guess not.

TOMMY:

[Runs in with his shoes on.] I found one!

ASIA:

[Grabbing Tommy.] Ah, ah! Not so fast.

TOMMY:

Asia, I gotta show Mrs. Jo.

ASIA:

Well, whatever it is, it can wait 'til you take those boots off and clean up that mess you made.

TOMMY:

But I found a tree frog.

ASIA:

Well, you found it in a swamp from the look of it.

TOMMY:

Please, I gotta show her.

ASIA:

All right, go on.

TOMMY:

Thanks.

ASIA:

Be careful. [Tommy exits. Asia and Meg exchange a glance. Laughing:] He found a tree frog.

JO:

How's it going?

MEG:

Good. This garden really needed some attention.

JO:

It certainly did. What are you doing?

MEG:

Oh, I'm moving the sticks to the north side so the plants will get more sunlight.

JO:

What?

MEG:

[As she cheerily moves the sticks.] Oh, I read it somewhere. We live in the northern hemisphere. We get more direct sunlight if we're facing south. The sticks are blocking the sunlight.

JO:

[Wondering if her sister's gone daft.] Blocking the sunlight? Meg, they're sticks.

MEG:

And they're blocking a little bit of the sunlight. That's why I'm moving them.

JO:

I can't believe this. [She moves one of the sticks back.]

MEG:

What are you doing?

JO:

Putting the sticks back.

MEG:

No, you're not. [Meg grabs one of the sticks and brandishes it like a sword. In a deep voice:] "Move away from those vegetables, Roderigo, or I'll not hesitate to run you through!"

JO:

"Get out of my way, Don Pedro."

MEG:

"Don't be a fool, Roderigo. You are no match for me!"

NAN:

What are you doing?

JO:

[Laughs.] It's from a play I wrote a long time ago. "I have broken the curse, Don Pedro! You cannot stop me now!"

NICK:

What's going on?

ASIA:

It's a play.

NICK:

In the vegetable garden?

ASIA:

You know how sister's can be.

JO:

That's not the way it's supposed to end! I'm supposed to win.

JO:

Asia, that looks delicious. We're certainly going to miss your cooking.

NAN:

Why? Where are you going?

JO:

Didn't you tell them?

ASIA:

No, not yet.

TOMMY:

Tell us what?

NAT:

Yeah, what is it?

JO:

Asia's aunt has invited her to go to Philadelphia. She wants Asia to take over her restaurant.

DAN:

[Forces a smile.] That's great, Asia.

ASIA:

Excuse me. [Exits, visibly upset.]

JO:

Asia, I'm sorry. I honestly thought you had already told them.

ASIA:

I guess you saved me the trouble.

JO:

It was going to be a little hard to keep it a secret as soon as I start interviewing people to take your place. This is your good news. You should have been the one to tell them. I know this is difficult for you.

ASIA:

You're right. I should have been the one to tell them.

ASIA:

Nan.

NAN:

How long have you known about this?

ASIA:

The letter came the other day.

NAN:

Were you just going to leave without telling me?

ASIA:

No, I was gonna tell you, it's just -

NAN:

I thought we could tell each other everything.

ASIA:

We can.

NAN:

Not anymore. You're leaving. [Exits.]

ASIA:

Nan!

NAT:

I can't believe Asia's gonna leave to run her own restaurant.

TOMMY:

Who wouldn't? Think about the money you can make.

DAN:

It's not about makin' money. It's about Asia bein' with her family.

TOMMY:

Aren't we her family?

NAN:

Not her real family.

ASIA:

[Enter.] Look, I haven't left yet.

NAN:

Well, not until Mrs. Jo finds a replacement.

TOMMY:

I hope it takes forever.

NICK:

How are you this morning, Asia? I heard about your aunt.

ASIA:

Who's askin'?

NICK:

Sounds like it could be all right. How big's the restaurant?

ASIA:

Average size.

NICK:

What kind of food?

ASIA:

Normal food. What else would they serve?

NICK:

Well, I don't know. There's lots of different restaurants. You got steak houses, crab shacks, taverns.

ASIA:

It's a normal restaurant that serves normal food.

NICK:

Don't seem like you're too happy about it.

ASIA:

Maybe I'm not.

NICK:

Well, then maybe runnin' a restaurant ain't the right thing for ya. [Jo enters.]

ASIA:

Mornin', Jo.

JO:

Good morning, Asia.

NICK:

Mornin'.

JO:

Would you take these into town for me today, please? [Hands letters to Nick.]

NICK:

Sure thing.

JO:

Asia? Would you like Nick to mail your letter to your aunt as well?

ASIA:

I haven't written it yet. But I will.

JO:

Well, whenever you're ready.

NICK:

[Senses the tension.] Well, I'd better get goin'. [Leaves.]

ASIA:

I've got work to do. [Exits.]

NICK:

Look, I know what ya wanna talk to me about, and I wasn't tryin' to say nothin' bad about Asia runnin' her own restaurant.

JO:

Then why did you?

NICK:

Well, it just seems to me that she ain't too happy about leavin'. That's all. I thought maybe she was thinkin' about how much work it would be.

JO:

Since when is Asia afraid of hard work?

NICK:

Well, she ain't. But she still don't seem too anxious about it.

JO:

She's scared. She's been with us since Fritz and I founded Plumfield, since Rob was born.

NICK:

It's gonna be awful hard for her to say goodbye. Don't ya think?

JO:

Yes, it is. But think about what this could mean for her. Asia's never had a choice before in her life. She's always done what her mother did, and what her mother did before that. But she doesn't have to anymore. [Walks back to the house.]

FRANZ:

Freedom and independence… That's why many of our families came to this country. Now, I'd like you to open your textbooks to chapter two and read the first ten pages. I'll be back in five minutes. No talking. [He leaves.]

EMIL:

We can't let Asia leave.

NAN:

Well, what are we gonna do about it?

EMIL:

She can't go until Mrs. Jo finds a replacement, right?

NAN:

So what.

EMIL:

Well, all we have to do is scare away anyone Mrs. Jo interviews for the job.

TOMMY:

That sounds like fun.

NAT:

But how are we gonna scare them away?

EMIL:

I don't know. Whatever it takes.

DAN:

Maybe it ain't right.

EMIL:

What's the matter, Dan. Scared you'll get in trouble?

TOMMY:

You want Asia to leave?

DAN:

No, but if she wants to go, maybe we shouldn't try and stop her.

NAT:

Or maybe we can change her mind. C'mon, Dan. We gotta try.

DAN:

I guess.

EMIL:

Nan? C'mon, Nan. We're doin' this for Asia.

TOMMY:

It'll be fun.

NAN:

All right.

DAN:

So what'd you have in mind?

FRANZ:

[Enters. Clears his throat to get the children's attention.] What are you doing?

NAN:

Just talkin'.

FRANZ:

Exactly what I told you not to do. Don't talk. Read!

JO:

You worked at a girl's school in Boston, I understand.

MRS. WADE:

Yes, a terrific school. Cooking and cleaning, laundry. Plenty of it, too, with twenty-five girls to attend to. I loved every minute of it. Worked there for ten years.

MEG:

Well, why did you leave?

MRS. WADE:

I had to take a three-year leave of absence to care for my ailing mother. She died a few months ago.

MEG:

Oh, I'm so sorry.

MRS. WADE:

Thank you. I was fortunate to be able to spend so much time with her. Now it's time I found myself a house full of children and got back to work.

MEG:

No doubt you're used to working long hours.

MRS. WADE:

It doesn't bother me a bit. It's good to be busy.

MEG:

You wouldn't have to worry. You'd be plenty busy around here. How are you with a needle and thread?

MRS. WADE:

Oh, I love to sew.

EMIL:

You have to make them believe it was an accident.

TOMMY:

I will.

NAN:

Yeah, don't mess this up.

MRS. WADE:

There was a lot of darning to do. They were always ripping their clothes.

MEG:

And what are your thoughts on child discipline?

MRS. WADE:

Well, I think a stern voice is far more effective than corporal punishment. I found the best approach is to use... [she sees something on the floor] …frogs.

JO:

Frogs?

MRS. WADE:

Frogs! [She and Meg scream.]

JO:

Goodness! Where'd they all come from?

TOMMY:

My bullfrogs got away! They're everywhere.

JO:

Yes, they certainly are. [Gets down on her knees to gather up the frogs.] Come on, now. Help me pick them up. Oh, my goodness!

MEG:

[Standing back.] Jo, over there.

JO:

Right over there! Get that one. That's it. That's it, Tommy. You've got it. Oh, Tommy…

JO:

Mrs. Wade, come back!

JO:

That's my ledger.

MEG:

Jo. [Caught by surprise.] Oh, I didn't mean to pry. But I did notice that you're a little behind on your entries. Would you like me to help you?

JO:

I'll take that.

MEG:

I was just tidying up in here.

JO:

[Annoyed.] Well, you really don't have to be doing all this cleaning.

MEG:

Oh, I know. But it was a little messy in here and I wanted us to be ready for our next interview. She'll be here any minute.

JO:

Yes, she will, but that's not why you came here. You know, you really shouldn't be bothering yourself with all these interviews.

MEG:

Jo, you have to let people help you. You can't do all this by yourself. And I'd be perfectly happy to stay an extra few days. In fact, I'm really quite enjoying myself.

NAN:

Welcome to Plumfield. You must be here for the job.

SYLVIA:

Yes, I am. I'm Sylvia Walker.

NAN:

You look a lot better than the last lady. You should have seen her. She was scared of everything. A little spider and she ran out the door.

SYLVIA:

Well, I'm not afraid of spiders.

EMIL:

How about snakes and frogs.

SYLVIA:

Don't mind frogs and snakes neither. I've dealt with all kinds of creatures in my time.

NAN:

Well, that's good 'cause there's always foxes and wolves out.

EMIL:

Once there was a black bear that came into the kitchen.

NAT:

There was another time when a rabid fox got into the barn.

SYLVIA:

A rabid fox?

DAN:

Yeah, but that was no big thing. Besides, your room in the barn has a really great lock on it now.

SYLVIA:

I sleep in the barn?

BETH:

Oh, yes. But it really isn't all that bad in the summertime.

TOMMY:

Except for the flies.

NAN:

Don't worry. In the winter Mrs. Jo will give you extra blankets so you don't freeze to death like that last housekeeper.

SYLVIA:

Freeze to death?

MEG:

Mrs. Walker is here.

JO:

Oh, I'll go. You stay and relax.

MEG:

Oh, all right. If you insist.

JO:

Mrs. Walker! [The carriage stops.] Mrs. Walker! Excuse me… Where are you going?

SYLVIA:

I'm sorry. I'm really not the right person for the job.

JO:

But wait!

SYLVIA:

And it's such a long way. I didn't realize that Plumfield was so far out of town.

JO:

But I… [ The carriage leaves. To kids.] What happened?

NICK:

Asia. What's goin' on?

ASIA:

Nick…

NICK:

The kids told me to be here at seven o'clock.

FRANZ:

That's what we were told as well.

JO:

Does anyone know what's going on?

ASIA:

What's this all about?

NAN:

Well, we wanted to have a night to remember you by.

NAT:

So, we all got together and we wrote a poem to show you what you mean to us.

ASIA:

You didn't have to do that.

NAN:

All you have to do is come sit down and listen. [Nan makes Asia sit in a nearby chair.]

NAT:

"I love the way you clean and scrub, from the kitchen to the tub. And when it comes to sweeping floors, you're the best forever more."

EMIL:

"I love the way you wash the clothes and hang them up to dry. Iron, fold, starch and press. Piles of laundry to the sky."

BETH:

"I love the way you clean our rooms with feather dusters, freshness and brooms. You're the best at fighting dirt. You're always ready and completely alert."

DAN:

"I love the way you cook. It's really so amazing. Every day and every night, there's lots of food for grazing."

NAN:

"And that's what we love most about you, and Plumfield's gonna be a mess without you."

NAN:

Asia? Asia, where are you going?

NAT:

We didn't mean any harm, Mrs. Jo.

EMIL:

We were just trying to be nice to Asia.

JO:

But you only talked about all the work that she does. You didn't talk about her at all.

NAT:

But we didn't want her to leave.

JO:

I know. But what she needs right now is our encouragement and our support. I know this isn't easy for you. It's difficult for everyone, especially her. She's going to have to say goodbye to all of us. Right now, we need to be strong and put aside what we want and be truly happy for her.

DAN:

We're sorry, Mrs. Jo.

NAT:

Yeah. I guess we didn't think.

NAN:

Can we get ready for bed now?

JO:

Yes, you can, but I would like you to think about what I've said while you're falling asleep tonight.

NAN:

Fine.

EMIL:

How many eggs do we need?

NAT:

Do you know how much milk I'm supposed to pour in here?

DAN:

I don't know.

ASIA:

[Emil breaks an egg.] Better let me take over unless you want to have breakfast for lunch.

JO:

[Enters.] Looks like you've got a little help this morning, Asia.

ASIA:

More help than I know what to do with.

JO:

Where's Nan?

ASIA:

I haven't seen her.

TOMMY:

[Drops a pan.] Sorry.

JO:

Nan! Where have you been? Everyone else is in the kitchen helping Asia.

NAN:

Out pickin' berries.

JO:

It looks like you have enough for a whole pie this time.

NAN:

I guess you get a lot more work done when there's no one to talk to.

ASIA:

[Enters yard.] Why didn't you wait for me?

NAN:

You were busy! [Heads angrily back into the house.]

JO:

Meg. What is it?

MEG:

It's from my friend in Boston. Apparently, word has gotten out that Plumfield is not a very… pleasant place to work.

JO:

Oh, no.

MEG:

It seems the children have done a very good job of scaring everyone away. My friend is sending one more applicant, but she doesn't sound very promising.

JO:

What am I going to do, Meg? If I can't find someone to replace Asia, I won't be able to let her leave at the end of the month.

MEG:

Well, this may sound a little… spontaneous… but I've actually been thinking about it for the past few days now.

JO:

Please. Any suggestions.

MEG:

Well, when I see the amount of time and effort you and Asia put into Plumfield and how much it means to the children, I realized how important Plumfield really is. Demi and Daisy love it there.

JO:

Yes, they do.

MEG:

So, I thought… Well, maybe you and I could run Plumfield together, and the twins and I could move in… Permanently. Think about it, Jo. Your great ideas and my organizational skills. We could split to cooking and cleaning down the middle, and I could take over doing the books for you. Then you'd have a little more time to spend with the children.

JO:

[Beat.] I don't know, Meg. This would be such a huge commitment for you.

MEG:

It's the perfect solution.

JO:

Maybe we should wait. Who knows? Maybe this last one is better than we think.

MEG:

Of course. We should at least "go through the motions."

NICK:

Hey! [Walks up to her.] Oh, I know that look.

JO:

I'm just having such a difficult time trying to find someone to replace Asia.

NICK:

I thought that problem was already solved. At least, I heard Meg talkin' to Franz about it.

JO:

Talking to Franz?

NICK:

Yeah, about her movin' in permanent and workin' side by side with ya. Said she already mentioned it to ya.

JO:

She did.

NICK:

But that don't solve the problem.

JO:

That is the problem. Meg has come to visit many times. This is the first time that she's stayed for a couple of days, and it's reminded me of exactly what drove me crazy about her while we were growing up. I mean, she was always looking out for me, taking care of me whether I needed taking care of or not. I love Meg dearly. I do. But there is no way we can run Plumfield together. It would be a disaster.

NICK:

Well, you better tell her how you feel, Jo, 'fore she gets too carried away with this idea of hers.

JO:

How can I tell her? She wouldn't speak to me again.

NICK:

Seems to me, it's the things people don't say that really drives a wedge 'tween 'em.

NICK:

I see you finally wrote that letter to your aunt.

ASIA:

Before she invited me to Philadelphia, I wouldn't have given one moment's thought of leaving Plumfield. Where would I find something as good as this?

NICK:

You got a point there.

ASIA:

Jo and the children are like family, and I thought that's how they felt about me.

NICK:

Are you kiddin'? Jo loves you like a sister, and you're like a mother to those kids.

ASIA:

I cook for them, I clean like any mother would, but do I get to eat my meals with them. Or sit at the table?

JO:

Do you have any experience working with children?

ELLERY:

Not much. But there were always children running around in the hotel.

MEG:

Where you were employed as a chambermaid, right?

ELLERY:

Right. I cleaned thirty-five rooms a day.

JO:

Well, that was a lot of cleaning.

ELLERY:

And cooking. I've done my share of that. Nothing fancy, but my cooking never killed anyone.

JO:

[Laughs.] Oh, well, that's a bonus.

ELLERY:

[Deadpan.] What is?

JO:

So do you think you can handle caring for fifteen children every day?

ELLERY:

Oh, absolutely. Discipline. That's what children need, and lots of it.

JO:

Well, that's my domain. I'll just simply rely on you for the cooking and cleaning.

ELLERY:

Oh, good. Then the job is mine.

JO:

When can you start?

MEG:

[To Jo.] Can I talk to you for a moment?

JO:

[To Mrs. Ellery.] Excuse me. [Jo and Meg exit to the hall] What?

MEG:

What? What are you doing!?

JO:

Who knows, Meg? She could be fine.

MEG:

[Over Jo's shoulder, Meg can see Mrs. Ellery falling asleep on the couch.] This woman is not right for Plumfield, Jo, and you know it.

JO:

Well, I'll give her two weeks and see how she does.

MEG:

See how she does?

JO:

Meg, I don't have a choice.

MEG:

What about me?

JO:

Well, yes… I mean…

MEG:

Oh, I understand. You're doing this to get rid of me.

JO:

Oh, that's not true.

MEG:

If you've got a problem with me, Jo, you should just come right out and say it.

JO:

Meg, I don't have a problem with you.

MEG:

But you don't want me to stay. Is that it? Anyone is better than me?

JO:

Meg….

MEG:

What is it about me that bothers you, Jo? My enthusiasm?

JO:

Meg!

MEG:

My commitment? Tell me, Jo. I want to know.

JO:

All right. You really want to know? You're driving me crazy. You take control of everything. You won't stop!

MEG:

Well, I'm so sorry. I was just trying to help.

JO:

I don't need your help. I've been doing fine all by myself.

MEG:

Well, I won't drive you crazy anymore. [Meg leaves.]

JO:

[Turns back.] Shall I introduce you to the children?

ELLERY:

Well, if that's what you want.

JO:

This is Dan and Nat. This Ned and Myer. This is Ursula. She's going to be our new housekeeper.

ELLERY:

Mrs. Ellery, if you don't mind. [To the boys.] Well, you're a fine looking bunch. A bit grubby perhaps.

JO:

[To Mrs. Ellery.] Excuse me. [Greets Asia.] Asia, I'd like you to meet Mrs. Ellery. This is Asia.

ELLERY:

How do you do?

ASIA:

Please to meet you.

JO:

Asia's been chasing the children since the very beginning.

ELLERY:

Well, I won't be doing any chasing. I can tell you that. A healthy dose of discipline. That'll keep them in line.

ELLERY:

So I start on Monday?

JO:

Nan! [Nan stops.] How could you do such a thing?

NAN:

It's only molasses.

JO:

Well, I don't find it funny. Not even remotely amusing.

NAN:

Well, it wasn't supposed to be funny. That woman is horrible.

JO:

She could have been hurt. It was a terrible thing for you to do.

NAN:

Not as terrible as what you're doing to Asia.

JO:

What?

NAN:

You want her to leave, and you're doing everything you can to push her out the door.

JO:

I'm doing everything I can to support Asia in her decision.

NAN:

No, you're not. You want her to leave!

ASIA:

[Enters.] Stop it! How am I supposed to know what to do? Jo, you can't hire anyone fast enough to take my place. And, Nan, all you want to do is tie me to the furniture. You two have already made my decision for me, and you're not helping. Not one bit. [She leaves.]

JO:

Pushing her out the door? How could she say such a thing?

NICK:

That wasn't what she meant. But you sure been sendin' out the wrong signals.

JO:

Well, nothing could be further from the truth.

NICK:

Not the way she sees it. She ain't even made up her mind to go when you already hired someone else.

JO:

[Sits.] All I was trying to do was make sure that Asia knew that she had a choice, that she doesn't have to stay at Plumfield for the rest of her life.

NICK:

Did it ever occur to you that maybe she wants to stay? Maybe she wants to make Plumfield her home?

JO:

It is. I've always treated Asia as part of the family.

NICK:

Well, she ain't feelin' it now.

ASIA:

Come in. [Jo enters.]

JO:

Asia, you know when you first came to work here, you fit in so well I really wanted you to feel like part of the family. [They sit on the bed.] I didn't want to tell you this because I don't want my personal feelings to stop you from taking advantage of this opportunity. You're more than a cook and a housekeeper. You're more than just an employee. You're my friend. Sometimes you're my strength. Sometimes you're my sense of humour, and I don't want you to leave. Nor do I want to make this decision for you. I want you to choose what's right for you.

ASIA:

When the letter first arrived, I wanted to write Aunt Lydian right away and say, "Thank you, very much. But no… thank you." I'm happy where I am, but now, after everything that's happened the past few days… Jo, I don’t know what to do.

JO:

Asia, I know how you must feel.

ASIA:

I am not talking about you pushing me out. It's about you opening my eyes to what a great opportunity this might be. And maybe it is the best thing for me to do.

JO:

Maybe it is… You're very fond of your aunt, and family is the most important thing a person can have. I know that I don't always show it, but you are as much a part of this family as anyone else. [Beat.] Now, I'm going to leave you to make your decision.

ASIA:

Thank you, Jo.

NICK:

How's Asia?

JO:

I don't know. She's still in her room, trying to make up her mind.

DAN:

You mean she might not leave after all?

JO:

She's got a lot to think about.

NAT:

Is there anything we can do?

JO:

I think we've done enough already. Don't you?

NICK:

Aw, it ain't that bad. Asia wasn't exactly cryin' when that molasses came pourin' down.

TOMMY:

She also thought the frogs were pretty funny.

ASIA:

Nan…

NAN:

Leaving now?

ASIA:

No, I was just coming down to start the vegetables.

NAN:

Oh. Well, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry.

ASIA:

You don't have to. You probably did what was in your heart.

NAN:

I thought that if I could scare everyone away that you'd have to stay.

ASIA:

Well, I probably would have done the same thing.

NAN:

It was wrong. I was just being selfish. One day I'm going to grow up and I'm going to leave Plumfield, too. And I want you to know that, whatever you decide to do, it's fine by me.

ASIA:

You know the hardest thing for me… will be leaving you.

NAN:

Well, as long as we can still be friends.

ASIA:

Always. [They hug.] Now, why don't you go out in the hen house and see if there are any eggs, and I'll go in the kitchen and get started.

NAN:

All right. [Exits.]

TOMMY:

I like the way she pretends to be angry, even when she's happy.

DAN:

And pretend not to know it.

JO:

Who wouldn't complain every once in a while? Think about all the little things that Asia does for us. Things we never ask her to do. Lots of times they go unnoticed.

EMIL:

The way she folds my shirt just the way my mother used to.

BESS:

And the way she cooks me something special if I don't like what we're eating.

NAN:

[Comes from around the side of the house.] Which is most of the time.

NICK:

I like the way she's always got a hot pot of coffee on, and she always speaks her mind.

TOMMY:

Even when we don't want her to.

NAT:

And she always does it for the right reasons.

DAN:

She's always got good advice, too.

NAN:

She's always there when you need somebody to talk to.

ASIA:

Here you all are. I've been looking all over for you. As you know, I've been thinking about this restaurant business. I've been thinking a lot about it. My Aunt Lydian is a strong and independent woman. She wants to retire, move on, do something else with her life… which leaves the restaurant to me. It's a great opportunity, but what I really want is a family. [Composes herself as the tears flow.] You are my family.

JO:

Meg… I'm sorry. I should have told you how I felt earlier about your idea. And you're right: Mrs. Ellery was terrible. [They laugh together.]

MEG:

I'm sorry I missed the molasses.

JO:

It was quite a sight.

MEG:

I understand how you feel -

JO:

Meg, I said some horrible things. I didn't mean them.

MEG:

I didn't mean to hurt you. I was only trying to help.

JO:

You were just being my big sister.

MEG:

Sometimes I just can't help myself. I guess we really haven't changed much.

JO:

Well, you said it was going to be just like when we were little.

MEG:

And it was. I guess it wasn't until we all left home and got families of our own that we really became friends.

JO:

Best friends.

MEG:

So, let's stay best friends. I'll move out as soon as possible.

JO:

I'll help you pack.

ASIA:

Are we expecting someone else?

JO:

We are indeed. From now on, you and Nick are welcome here at the table. After all, you are part of the family.

ASIA:

Thank you. [She sits.]

JO:

We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the food upon this table, for friends and family gathered here... for all of the things that make our lives delightful. Amen.

NAN:

Hey, you know you can use elderberries for tea if you've got a headache.

ASIA:

Well, I sure could've used some of that these past few days.

NAN:

Hey, wintergreen! This stuff's even better for headaches. You just boil them to get the oil out. Then you rub 'em on the back of your neck or on your head. It'll help your headache out a lot.

ASIA:

Well, are you going to help me cook tonight?

NAN:

Aw, do I have to?