THE LEGEND OF ANNE BONNY, PIRATE

by

MIRIAM ESTHER GOLDMAN AND NATHAN CARLINER GOLDMAN

FADE IN:

EXT. PLANTATION GROUNDS – DAY

SUPER: YORK COUNTY, VIRGINIA -- April 1782

The York River runs astride the plantation, disappearing to the northwest in one direction and the southeast in the other. A rowboat floats next to a small log dock. A path winds up the bank to the manor.

On the narrow beach, three boys wrestle with ANNETTE BURNS, red-head, thirteen. The three brothers –- JOHN, fifteen, JAMES, fourteen, and PIERRE, eleven -- are singularly unable to subdue their sister.

ANNETTEYa’ll take it back. I can fight Redcoats just the same as you. Hell, I’m older’n Pierre.

JOHNIt ain’t fit for a girl. You might get yourself hurt.

Annette swings her fist, connecting with John’s jaw. Blood spurts from his open mouth.

Stooped under the weight of eighty hard years, ANNE BURLEIGH, great grandmother, shuffles down the path clutching a broom. Unusually tall lady, her grey hair hints former Celtic red.

ANNEDamn kids, get off your sister. Three to one ain’t fair.

Anne cocks the broom, ready to swing.

JOHNGrandma Burleigh, it’s Annette’s fault. Besides, you know she’d whoop us good if we had to fight her one on one.

ANNEI don’t give a rat’s damn. You boys get off her right now.

Anne does not intervene because Annette throws the last boy off and kicks John in the stomach. Anne smiles at the boys in a heap, her great grandchild traipsing up the hill.

ANNEWar’s over. Ain’t seen no British since Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington last fall.

ANNETTEGrandma, they said I couldn’t go out on the canoe and stand lookout.

ANNEYou boys, get that boat tied up. Get cleaned up before your Pa gets back from Yorktown.

(softer)Annette, I need you inside.

Annette takes grandma’s hand, they walk up to the veranda.

INT. PLANTATION HOUSE, FOYER – DAY

EMMA LOU, house slave, opens the door for the mistresses. Anne enters, places the broom against a wall.

Emma Lou takes it and begins to sweep.

ANNEEmma Lou, fetch us some tea and a plate of biscuits … please.

Anne takes Annette by the hand, leads her into a side room. The slave turns and hurries off.

INT. SITTING ROOM – DAY

Annette helps great grandma to a couch. The window reveals a panorama of tobacco fields.

2.

Anne pats an embroidered cushion and places it behind her as she eases onto the couch. Annette flops down beside.

ANNENow, Annette deary, (coughing) Excuse me... what is it this time?

ANNETTEGrandma, I’m leaving home. I’m almost of age.

ANNEI was older when I ran away. You can do anything you set your mind to, but lordy, Annette... Sometimes I wish I’d done things different … but, only sometimes and only a few.

Annette laughs, then turns serious.

ANNETTEGrandma Burleigh, the boys laughed when I said I’d fight if the British try to retake Virginia.

Annette slams the back of the couch with her open palm. Anne takes her hand to calm her.

ANNETTESaid I’m just a girl, can’t fight and can’t get on the boat no more. Some times I wish I were a boy.

ANNEFool boys ought to know better. Since they were babes, I told them about the most fiercest pirates to sail the Spanish Main, Anne Bonny …

ANNETTEAnd Mary Read.

ANNEAye, poor, dear Mary …

3.

ANNETTEYeah, taught us about’em in school, murdering, plundering marauders --

ANNE(coughs, clears throat)

Balderdash. Bloody teachers. Sure, some pirates were devils, but most were just rebelling against tyranny and poverty. Pirates started the Revolution. We’re finishing it.

Annette sits forward in the couch. She turns towards Anne.

ANNETTEYou don’t know nothing about pirates, Grandma.

Emma Lou comes in with a steaming pot and the china cups on a silver tray. Serves tea and biscuits.

ANNE(muffling a cough)

I was a young woman during the Golden Age of Piracy. Never told my secrets. Those secrets died with Mr. Burleigh forty years ago.

ANNETTESecrets?

ANNEEmma Lou, please shutter the door.

Emma Lou closes the door. Anne listens to retreating steps.

ANNEChild, I’m not long for this world.

ANNETTEOh, you’ll be fine, grandma. You’ll see the next century.

4.

ANNETarnation, don’t want no next century. Fought my whole life to be free. Now I’m imprisoned in this body. I long the freedom of death.

Anne looks at the closed door.

ANNENow, pay attention child. My maiden name was Cormac. My first husband was James Bonny – I am Anne Bonny.

Annette stiffens, leans back. Anne notes the reaction.

ANNETTEGrandma, that’s absurd. Anne Bonny hung more’n sixty years ago …

ANNEAbsurd? What do you know? Bonny never hanged. Folks tell she just disappeared from history.

Anne looks beyond the fields to the river, flowing towards the ocean. Annette follows Anne’s gaze past crops, shore, the river beyond. Anne coughs, clears her throat.FLASHBACK:

EXT. THE ROCKY SHORE – DAY

SUPER: KINSALE, COUNTY CORK, IRELAND – CIRCA 1697

The waters of the inlet swirl. A path leads through rocks, through wavy grass. A thatched house stands near the path.

ANNE (V.O.)Only after my pirating days did Father relate the events of my birth. Wonderful, charismatic, but Father had my temper as well as my tendency towards indiscretion.

5.

WILLIAM (O.S.)Off to work. The wife may come home today. But, if I can, I’ll return to your bed tonight, darling Peg.

WILLIAM CORMAC, a young lawyer, closes the door of the cottage. Strolls down the lane towards a larger house. Passes it, exits an outer gate and out into a village street.

MARY (PEG) BRENNAN, 20s, pregnant, follows at a decent interval. She enters the big house through a servant’s door.

INT. CORMAC HOUSE, KITCHEN – DAY

Peg washes dishes and silverware in a basin. She dries each item, puts each on a drain board.

KNOCK.

PEGWilliam?

INT. / EXT. CORMAC HOUSE -- DAY

Peg hurries through the house and reaches the front door, still holds three silver spoons wrapped in a damp cloth.

BRAD O’BRIAN, a large man, stands at the door, grins.

PEGOh, ‘tis you.

Peg puts the towel with the spoons on a table.

BRADThat’s hardly an appropriate greeting for your future husband.

PEGI’ll not be marrying you. You have no money … and you snore.

6.

BRADWhy not? Am I not the father of that child you carry?

PEGI think not.

BRADWho else? Well then, can I at least come in for tea?

PEGYes, of course.

Brad pushes in.

PEGI’ll be back directly.

Peg scampers back to the kitchen.

Brad paces the room, hands behind his back. Surveying the contents, he fixes on the spoons. Grabs them, stuffs them in his coat, leaving the towel bunched on the table.

Peg returns with the tea.

Brad takes a sip.

BRADWell, Mary Peg, it’s your sorrow that you’re not to marry me.

When Peg does not respond, Brad takes another sip, then another. He sets down the half-empty cup and walks out.

BRADThanks for the tea.

She takes the cup back to the kitchen.

Peg returns to find the towel. She shakes it, bends down, looks under the table. Gets on her knees and looks around. She scans the room, fixing her eyes on the closed door.

7.

INT. TAVERN – NIGHT

The tavern is dark and noisy. Peg enters the bar. Brad lounges in his usual seat with a couple of drinking buddies.

PEGCan I be speaking to you alone?

BRADThese are my friends.

Peg pinches Brad’s check, twists. “Friends” try not to laugh.

BRADOw! Woman, I’m glad I’m not marrying you. All right, I’m coming. I’m coming.

Peg releases her grip. Brad follows her out of the tavern. Laughter can be heard over other noises.

EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT

Peg and Brad enter a deserted side street. Peg stops, spins Brad around, and looks up into his face.

PEGI had three silver spoons adrying when you called. I suspect you got them. I want them or I go to the constable himself.

BRADWhat if I did? 'Twas a jest. It’s only silver, my love is golden.

PEGBlarney. If jest it were, it was not funny. You’d best put them back if’n you know what’s good for you.

Brad does not answer, but nod. Peg nods, turns and walks away. Brad slinks back into the tavern.

8.

EXT. / INT. PEG’S COTTAGE – NIGHT

Brad sneaks in a window. He pulls back the covers on Peg’s bed, hides the silverware beneath the linens.

BRADThere, dearest, now you’ll know it as the joke it was meant to be.

Brad runs off, closing the window behind.

INT. CORMAC HOUSE – NIGHT

Peg sleeps with William. Stirs as if Brad’s break-in might awaken her, but she rolls over and puts her arms around him.

EXT. CORMAC HOUSE – DAY

The WIFE returns, rides up to the house in a carriage. She gets down and the driver starts to unload her bags.

Brad lurks in the bushes. After the carriage pulls away, Brad comes out, knocks on the door. The wife opens it.

WIFEYes?

Brad takes off his hat as a sign of respect.

BRADBrad O’Brian, Peg’s friend. As a jest, yesterday, I took three spoons from your house, hid them in her bed. She set the sheriff on me.

WIFEPeg was always a thoroughly serious maiden. I’ll talk with her.

BRADThank you. Then, I’ll be on my way.

Brad puts his hat on and backs away as the door closes.

9.

EXT. / INT. PEG’S COTTAGE – DAY

The wife strides out a back door, approaches the cottage. She enters the unlocked door, finds the spoons under the covers.

WIFESweet Peg has not slept in her bed. As I think on it, William was always unusually kind to the girl.

The wife continues to look around. She finds a man’s shirt under the bed.

Lost in reverie, the wife becomes aware of Peg’s return when Peg push a supply cart into the cottage.

The door SLAMS.

PEGGood day, ma’am.

WIFEPeg, I need your help. Mother in Law will stay here and sleep in my bed. Might you spend a couple of days in the village?

PEGOf course, ma’am. I’ll stay with a friend.

WIFEThank you, Peg. I trust that you can leave now. I shall send for you when your services are needed.

Peg bows her head appropriately. The wife leaves the cottage. Peg begins to pack a sack with clothing.

INT. PEG’S COTTAGE – NIGHT

The wife sleeps in the maid’s bed. It is exceedingly dark. William slips into the room, letting in some moonlight.

10.

WILLIAMPeg, I’m here. Mary, you awake?

William fumbles in the dark, taking off his clothes, bumping into things.

He crawls into bed. They make love, never knowing it is his wife. William pants. The bed creaks. Finally, he lets out a GROAN of satisfaction.

The wife does not move and just takes it. William rolls off and soon snores.

She gets up at first light while William continues to sleep. She dresses. She goes out, closing the door softly.

EXT. MOTHER CORMAC’S HOUSE -- DAY

The wife emerges from a carriage and approaches the nicer house of William’s mother.

MOTHER CORMAC, a middle aged woman, comes out to greet her. They embrace. Mother Cormac leads the wife into the house.

INT. MOTHER’S HOUSE – DAY

The wife collapses on a couch and begins to cry. Mother Cormac hugs her again and gives her a handkerchief.

WIFEMother Cormac, I can’t believe him unfaithful.

MOTHERWilliam was so selfish, so willful. I could never handle him, a force of nature like his accursed father. We’ll think of something. Meanwhile, I’ll fetch some tea.

The mother leaves to brew her pot.

11.

INT. MAID’S COTTAGE – NIGHT

KNOCK. Peg opens the door. The wife and constable enter. The wife points to the bed and the constable approaches.

PEGMa’am, constable, what?

The constable finds the spoons in the linens. He grabs Peg’s arm. She tries to wriggle free, but cannot. He leads Peg out.

INT. CORMAC’S HOUSE – DAY

William walks in. He takes off coat and hat, hangs them on a hook. The wife stands in the corner. She steps forward.

WILLIAMHey, didn’t see you there.

The wife walks up to him, kicks him in the shins.

WIFEYou damn fornicator, adulterer.

William backs away.

WILLIAMNo, dearest. Settle down. Dearest?

She keeps coming. She kicks him in the other shin and walks out, slamming the door. William bends over, rubs his legs.

INT. CORMAC’S HOUSE – DAY

A midwife sits beside Peg’s bed. Peg writhes in pain. The midwife mops Peg’s face with a wet towel.

The midwife removes the blanket, checks between Peg’s legs.

MIDWIFEAll right, raise and bend your legs. Spread them apart.

Peg responds slowly.

12.

MIDWIFEListen, Peg Brennan. We’ll get through this if you work with me.

Peg smiles weakly and then raises her legs.

MIDWIFEI see the babe. Squeeze her out.

Anne’s first cries echo. The midwife takes the baby.

MIDWIFEA darling little girl.

Peg sleeps. The midwife takes the girl to William. He cradles her in his arms.

INT. MOTHER CORMAC’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Thunder punctuates a drumming rain. Mother Cormac and the wife sit on a couch, two babies lie in cradles. William enters, shakes the water off his cloak, nods to the women.

WILLIAMMother. Wife.

MOTHERWillie, reconcile with your wife. My two beautiful grandchildren deserve better.

WILLIAM(pointing)

That woman left Peg in jail for weeks, even though she knew Peg was innocent and pregnant.

MOTHERI would’ve left her there still.

WILLIAMI cannot live without my Peg and your other granddaughter -- my little Annie.

13.

MOTHERThen there is no more to be said. I shall leave all my lands to my legitimate grandchildren.

William slams the door. He goes out into the rain, holding his overcoat. The wife cries. The babies begin to wail. William’s mother comforts them. She cries too.

INT. CORMAC’S LAW OFFICES – DAY

The window overlooks a prosperous but small village. People, on foot and by cart, go about their business. A little red-headed “boy” sweeps the floor as William sits at his desk.

ANNE (V.O.)To avert gossip, Dad raised me as a boy to work in his office. I was a distant cousin. Of course, the Cormac’s knew there were no young males on either side of the family.

INT. CORMAC’S LAW OFFICE – DAY

William leaves. An instant later, a STRANGER walks in. The “boy” plays on the floor with two wooden dolls.

STRANGERMy, what a handsome young man. So, who are you then, my young man?

Anne giggles over the joke.

ANNEI’m not supposed to tell.

YOUNG MANYou can tell me. I won’t go blabbing. And here’s a shiny penny for you.

Anne takes the coin and spins it on the floor like a top.

14.

ANNEThank you. Sure, if truth be told, I’m not really a boy. My name is Annie. William Cormac is my dad.

The stranger smiles with knowledge of an easy betrayal.

ANNE (V.O.)It took years, no - a lifetime before I could trust any one again.

The young man ruffles Anne’s curly red locks and walks out.

INT. CHURCH – DAY

The PRIEST celebrates Mass in the stone structure. But, the villagers talk nearly drowns out the Latin.

VILLAGER ONELiving in sin, right under our noses. And no one’s doing a thing.

VILLAGER TWOSomething has to be done.

William, Peg, and Anne enter the church. Every one becomes quiet, but all eyes fall on the family.

The priest halts the ceremony and, with hands folded, comes down from the altar to confront the small family.

The three turn and walk out of the sanctuary. Anne turns back, sticks her tongue out. The door closes behind them.

INT. CORMAC’S OFFICE – DAY

SHAWN and ROBERT, 20s, stand in the doorway with William.

SHAWNI’m sorry William. My wife won’t allow me do business with you.

15.

WILLIAMShawn, are you going to let your wife dictate to you?

SHAWNNay, the town won’t permit it. With you our lawyer, we lose no matter the justice of our cause.

WILLIAMRobert, this is all our friendship means.

Shawn shakes William’s hand, prepares to leave. Robert reaches out, but William does not take the hand. Shawn nods, puts his hat on and goes out. Robert nods and leaves.

William stares at and through the door.

EXT. CORMAC’S OFFICE – NIGHT

William leaves the building, something under his arm. He faces the door. He extracts a sign under his arm, a hammer from a pocket. Tacks the sign on the door: GONE TO AMERICA

William runs his hand across the sign and walks away without looking back. He throws the hammer into a clump of bushes and raises the collar of his coat against the wind.

END FLASHBACK:

SUPER: VIRGINIA -- 1782

INT. SITTING ROOM, PLANTATION – DAY

Anne looks out the window at the river below.

ANNEAnnette, I’m not feeling good right now… Could you help me upstairs?

Annette helps her up. Anne uses the wall to support herself.

16.

Anne collapses near the door.

ANNETTE(yelling)

Emma Lou, Emma Lou.

The slave runs in. Helps her lift the old lady on the couch.

ANNETTEEmma Lou, tell John to fetch the doctor.

Emma Lou pats Annette’s hand and hurries out.

INT. BEDROOM, PLANTATION – DAY, LATER

Anne regains consciousness. Annette sits with her. Anne tries to rise and falls back, coughing.

ANNETTEKeep still till Doc gets here.

ANNENo I must go on. No other time.

ANNETTEYou mustn’t … You …

ANNEAnnette, I’m as stubborn as you. More time to perfect it. I’ll finish even if it kills me.

FLASHBACK:

EXT. THE HARBOR – DAY

SUPER: CHARLES TOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA

The ship docks. A rocky shore lies off port. An island stands starboard of the peninsula.

17.

ANNE (V.O.)So, we reached America – Charles Town in South Carolina.

The sailors cast lines to waiting men who tie up the ship. Then the sailors extend a gangway.

ANNE (V.O.)Odd, given the rest of my life … I most remember the seasickness.

Peg, William, and little Anne disembark, pleased to step on land. As they unload their luggage, a carriage approaches. An agent jumps down and ushers the family in. A driver loads the bags on top of the carriage.

INT. CORMAC’S STORE – DAY

William watches a CUSTOMER, female, as she shops. William arranges merchandise as he spies on her unobtrusively.

ANNE (V.O.)Dad started his life over in the new world as a lawyer. But it was as a merchant he made his fortune.

William demonstrates the product.

WILLIAMSheerest linen from Madrid. Can’t do better in all the colonies.

CUSTOMERYes, Mr. Cormac, I can see that. I’ll take the whole roll, please.

The gentlewoman places several pieces of eight on the desk and walks out with the cloth.

He pulls a wooden box from under the counter, takes a key out of his pocket and opens the box. The money clinks against the other coins. William relocks the box and hides it again.

18.

ANNE (V.O.)Father got rich dealing with privateers that frequented the town. Another thing your bloody schools ain’t gonna learn ya, weren’t no clear lines between King’s privateer and pirate.

Two gentlemen, obviously of the sea, enter. William comes out from behind the counter and ushers them into a back room.

INT. BACK ROOM – DAY

William throws the bolt, locking the door behind them.

WILLIAMSo, just what do you have for me today, my fine buccaneers?

SEAMAN ONECormac, we have the purest Spanish gold crafted into fine ornaments, so much that the Admiralty Court will never miss the excess.

WILLIAMMy slaves’ll transport the merchandise safely to your berth.

The three men shake hands.

William unbolts the door and escorts the gentlemen through the store and out to the street.

ANNE (V.O.)Father always stayed just on the right side of the law. Turns out I wasn’t near so lucky or smart.

EXT. CORMAC PLANTATION – DAY

The manor house sits near a riverbend. ANNE, young red-head, stands outside with a wooden stick, fences with a boy.

19.

ANNE (V.O.)We soon purchased one of the colonies’ finest plantations. I still dressed the boy. Dad taught me to shoot and fence.

Anne disarms the boy and thrashes him with her stick.

INT. PLANTATION, SITTING ROOM -– NIGHT

Young Anne sits at a table while a young maid cleans the furniture. Anne eats a snack with her knife and fork. Anne refuses to move her feet to allow the maid to sweep.

ANNE (V.O.)Some things I’m not so proud of. We had a servant that hated me almost as much as I hated her.

MAIDMove your damn feet. I’ve work to do, child.

ANNEI’m near as old as you.

MAIDWell, I’m sweeping here.

The maid swats at Anne feet and rakes the bristles of the broom over her legs. Anne moves her feet.

ANNEYou stupid ass.

The maid takes the broom and hits her across the legs. Anne leaps up.

MAIDThere I got you off your ass, so I can finish my sweeping.

20.

ANNEYou must learn to mine your betters and not step beyond your station.

The maid throws the broom at Anne and pulls a knife. The maid charges.

Anne grabs the broom and goes into her fencing crouch. At the same time, Anne has the cake knife in her other hand.

The maid stabs at Anne, but Anne sidesteps her thrust and buries the knife into the maid’s chest.

The maid falls, dead with a cake knife in her heart.

ANNE (V.O.)Daddy hushed it up. Poor Momma had tried to make me a gentlewoman, but I always had to prove myself.

INT. PLANTATION, BEDROOM -- NIGHT

The doctor pulled the sheet up over Peg’s head.

ANNE (V.O.)Then Momma died and what little civilizing there was ended. Momma did teach me never to back down from a fight. I’m afraid I learned that lesson too well.

Anne buries her head in her Father’s chest. Tears roll down William’s face.

ANNE (V.O.)That was the only time I ever, ever saw him cry, although I would give him more than one opportunity.

EXT. PLANTATION GROUNDS – DAY

Anne walks along a trail leading from the house, past fields, into the swamps. She is dressed in boy’s clothing. A LAD, about twenty, lurks in the woods.

21.

ANNE (V.O.)I was about fourteen when I got my first taste of combat with a man.

The lad leaps out. Anne hears his approach as he stumbles on pebbles on the path.

He regains his balance and grabs her, spins her around. He tries to kiss her, but she pulls away. He tears at her tunic.

While his hands are otherwise engaged, she kicks him in the groin.

As he doubles over, she kicks him in the side. Then she picks up a large branch and begins to bloody the lad’s face with it. He tries to roll away.

ANNE (V.O.)Not that I didn’t like boys, just that I chose whom to dance with. He spent weeks in bed from injuries. Told everyone a horse kicked him.

Anne throws the branch at the semi-conscious young man and hurries back up the path to home.

ANNE (V.O.)He stayed very far away after that.

INT. TAVERN – NIGHT

Anne and two friends enter a dark tavern. They look around the room. A fiddler competes with other noises of the bar.

ANNE (V.O.)By the time I was sixteen, I was a naughty wench. I frequented waterfront taverns. That was when I saw him, my life changed forever.

JAMES BONNY, a sailor from Bristol, catches her eye. He comes over with his friends.

22.

JAMESHey, ladies. Want to hang out with some real pirates?

ANNEYeah, know where we can find any?

Everyone but James laughs. He gets it a second later, laughs a little too hard. The girls follow the “pirates” to a table.

EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT

Anne and her friends exit the tavern. James staggers out. Anne giggles and runs around the corner. He throws down his empty bottle in disgust and tries to follow.

JAMESDamnation and hell fire.

ANNE (V.O.)Of course, I let James catch me …

James makes the turn into the dark alley and walks into a kiss from the waiting Anne.

ANNE (V.O.)Dad thought James wanted my inheritance. Dad was right. James Bonny was not a nice man, but I was sixteen and he was so handsome.

EXT. PLANTATION – NIGHT

Anne climbs down from her upstairs window. She drops into James’s arms. Two horses wait in a nearby wood.

James and Anne light torches and hurry away from the house. James comes to the horses, extinguishes his torch.

Anne jumps on her horse. Galloping back towards the house, she hurls her torch into the fields, which are soon ablaze.

23.

ANNE (V.O.)Father and I had a vicious fight. He disinherited me. So, James and I eloped. I was so angry I burned his crops. The fire almost got the house. I’m glad it didn’t.

The two riders gallop away. The slaves, the overseers, and William struggle to put out the flames.END FLASHBACK:

INT. 1782 PLANTATION HOUSE, BEDROOM -- DAY

A morning sun illuminates the room in overwhelming light.

Anne opens her eyes and blinks, takes in her surroundings. Annette sits at the bedside.

ANNETTEGrandma, you’ve been asleep all night and most of the morning.

Annette runs to the door, opens it, yells down the hall.

ANNETTEDoc, she’s awake.

Annette returns. Seconds later, DOC, near 70, enters. He has the solemnity that accompanies a rendezvous with death.

DOCMrs. Burleigh, I’ve told you about smoking and drinking. Not becoming in a woman nor can it be healthy.

ANNEAnd I’ve been telling you the last twenty years I’d rather be dead.

DOCWell, now it looks like you might have finally gotten your wish.

24.

ANNEGood. Get the hell out of my room and let me die in peace, old man.

DOCAs you wish, Mrs. Burleigh. Take the medicines I gave your granddaughter. I’d leech you, but your blood is too thin already.

The doctor leaves.

ANNEGood riddance… Now, where were we?

ANNETTEYou need to rest.

ANNEI don’t want to have that conversation again. Now, where were we?

ANNETTEYou and James Bonny.

Annette pours a cup of water and brings it to Anne’s lips. Anne nods. Then she sips the water.

ANNEAh, yes, vile man.

ANNETTE(coughs, nearly choking)

Maybe the doctor was right. You need to rest and get better.

ANNE(coughs, clears throat)

I’m not going to get better. Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the Bahamas.

Annette puts the cup on a bedside table, and sits back down.FLASHBACK:

25.

EXT. HARBOR -- DAY

SUPER: NEW PROVIDENCE, BAHAMAS – 1716

Calm, transparent waters lead to white beaches. The town, however, is a shambles from years of neglect. Wrecks and derelicts litter the harbor.

ANNE (V.O.)My money and his contacts found us a boat heading to the pirate haven of New Providence in the Bahamas. And I became Anne Bonny, Pirate.

The sloop appears at the harbor’s entrance. The townspeople spill out of the taverns to watch the approaching craft. Anne, on deck, eyes the milling crowd.

The ship docks.

ANNE (V.O.)My new husband proved to be every thing my father feared. But, as usual I had to learn the hard way.

James looks at her. James runs ahead to the gangway. Anne trails behind.

ANNE (V.O.)I would have to make my way largely alone. Still I had my fun. And I did have my friends.

INT. PIERRE’S SHOP – DAY

Anne sits at a table in Pierre’s coffee shop - hairdressing salon - dressmaking boutique.

Window sign: PIERRE’S PLACE – VELVET AND SILK

PIERRE BOUSPEUT, dressed as the French dandy he is, pours a cup of tea for Anne and sits down. Then he pours himself a cup and sips. He watches several pirates walk the streets.

26.

PIERREAnne, I wish you and I didn’t have the same tastes in men. You have an unfair advantage.

ANNEI’m prettier?

PIERRENo, you’re a woman.

ANNEWell, Pierre maybe it’s a draw.

Pierre laughs. Anne does not.

ANNEPierre, I cannot abide my husband. He is a coward, he drinks too much. I wish I could find a real man on this island.

PIERREThat’s the problem. All the real men are taken.

ANNESome one like Captain Charles Vane or Calico Jack. I am more a pirate that James pretends to be.

PIERREMaybe we could get our own crew and go pirating. Seize the glory.

ANNEYes, I would relish that adventure.

PIERREWell, enough dreaming, I’ve work to do, and you need to go home.

Pierre finishes his tea and stands. Anne remains seated; Pierre attends his customers.

27.