Little House on the Prairie S05E22 Someone Please Love Me

Yeah, the garden around? Inside. Don't bother trying the door. He's got his money box out again. It's bolted six ways from Sunday. Thanks. Sandy, get away from that door. You know I'm busy. It's Charles Ingalls. I came for the money. I'll be right out. He's probably digging another pit under the floorboards. He's moved that money box of his so many times it ain't safe to walk in there. Sorry to keep you, Charles. Personal business. I understand, sir. Well, you ready to go? Yep, ready to go. All right. Here's the money. $250 cash money. You be careful with it. I will, sir. Wish you would have gotten a check from the bank. Don't trust them. I give them money. They give me a piece of paper. That doesn't make sense to me. Now, you make sure you see all the horses Harper's got to offer. Just don't buy up the first ten he shows you. I won't. Don't worry about it. Yeah, I never met the man, but he has a reputation for fair dealing, so I don't trust him. Why not? Well, folks with good reputations can cheat from you a lot easier than folks with bad reputations. You understand? Sort of. All right. On your way. I'll see you in a couple of weeks. Sandy, get moving. We've got a lot of work today. You want it right or you want it quick? You want to get paid or you want to get fired? Afternoon. Good afternoon. What can I do for you? I'm Charles Ingalls. I'm supposed to see Mr. Harper about buying some horses. He's not in the office right now. Could you tell me when he'll be back? Not today. If you want to talk to him, go down a couple of doors, he'll be in the saloon. Thank you. Mr. Harper? Yeah, yeah, what can I do for you? I'm Charles Ingalls. I believe you had some correspondence with Mr. Gargan from Walnut Grove about buying some horses. Oh, yeah, sure, of course, the horses. Sit down, Mr. Ingalls. No, no, I don't want to interrupt. I just want you to know I was in town and we can start talking business tomorrow. Nonsense. Now, I insist that you sit down. Pleasure before business. Again, thank you very much, but I've got to get my team down to livery and find a hotel room. No, no hotels for you. When you do business with Brett Harper, you stay at his place. I don't impose. Well, we have plenty of room. Huh? No arguments. All right, you got yourself a house, kids. Good. Now, please sit down and join us. Tell you what, I'd like to have a look around the town. I'll just wait for you outside. Okay, suit yourself. I won't be long. You want horses, you come and see me. I'll give you all the horses you want, all right? Oh, Mr. Harper, you're wonderful. Mm, good night. Good night. Mr. Harper? Yes, what do you want? I'm Charles Ingalls. Yeah, I was waiting for you outside. Yes, Ingalls, my house guest. Yes, sir. You got a wagon? Sure. I think it'd be better if we both went in your wagon. Hey, you all right? Here, come on. I love you. I can get up by myself. I'm going to bed. Leslie, this is Mr. Ingalls. He'll show you to your room. I'm sorry about that mess. It's all right, I'm used to it. I suppose. This is never a dull moment, working for a man like Mr. Harper. I don't work for him, Mr. Ingalls. I'm married to him. Get your room ready. No! Time out! No, witches don't get time out! Now you slow down, I gotta get to you! No! Come on, slow down! Stop! No, you stop! No! I'm gonna get you! No! No! Time out! No, witches don't get time out! Now you slow down, I gotta get to you! No! Come on, slow down! Morning. Can I fix you something? Some eggs? No, I'm fine. Just some coffee. You sure? Yeah. Just take it black. It's a beautiful morning. Yes. I want to apologize about last night. No need, Mr. Ingalls. No, I think it was probably my fault. Your husband and I got to talking, and then we ordered a few drinks, and some men just hold their liquor better than us. Please don't make excuses for my husband. Last night was nothing to him. If you hadn't been with him, he just wouldn't have come home at all. Give it to me! No! I had it first! No, you didn't! Give it to me! No! What's the matter out there? I was playing wits, and Samantha tried to take my broom. It's not his, Mommy. I had it first! Did not! Did tell! Just a minute, both of you. The fact of the matter is, it's my broom, and I left it outside. Now, Thomas, if you can play nicely with your sister, I'll let you use it. Is that understood? Yes, ma'am. And you'll share with your brother, Samantha? Yes, ma'am. And I'll make sure Thomas doesn't break it. It's amazing what children can argue over. It sure is. Would you like some more coffee? No, no, this is plenty, thank you. I should be getting to work, anyway. Well, my husband won't be up for a while, but you're more than welcome to look around. All right, I think I will. I'll call you when he gets up. Thank you. And thanks for the coffee. You're welcome. Ah, hi there. Let's see, you must be Thomas, and you must be Samantha. How'd you know our names? Magic. That's how I knew your names. Well, we don't know magic. So you'll have to tell us your name. I'm Mr. Ingalls. That's kind of formal, so you can call me Charles. Nice to meet you, Charles. Nice to meet you, Sam. Her name's not Sam. It's Samantha. I know what her name is. Sam is short for Samantha. But that's a boy's name. So what? You were playing a witch, and witches are ladies. Yeah, with big warts on them. You're lucky. You got a short name. We can shorten your name up, Thomas. How about if I call you Tom? Hmm, that sounds good. I like it. I wish my pa would call me Tom. I'm sure he would. Just ask him. I better not. Why not? Because our pa's sick. He falls down and all. Well, we're not supposed to bother him. Well, maybe when he's feeling better, huh? Thomas, Samantha, don't you be bothering Mr. Ingalls. They're not bothering me, Mrs. Harper. It's all right. Well, you just shoo him off if they bother you, okay? I will, ma'am. Want to see us play witch? Sure. Okay, I'll be the witch. I got the broom. I've got the broom. What did your mother say? It's her broom, right? Oh, yeah. How about ladies first? Okay, she looks more like a witch anyway. You can't catch me. Mr. Harper? Yes, come in. Your wife told me you were up. Yeah, in a manner of speaking. Did you have a look around the place? Yeah, a little bit. What do you think of my horses? I'm afraid, to be honest with you, you might raise the price on them. I don't do business that way. In that case, I think they're some of the best-looking animals I've seen. Good. Good. You're an intelligent man, but that's just a sample. It'll take a few days to round up all the horses I want you to look at. Take your time. I'm in no hurry. A man's got to take time to pick out good horses. Oh, I'm sorry. You want some Irish coffee? No, thank you. I'm fine. Little hair of the dog. Brett, I don't want to bother you if you're busy, but the children are ready any time you are. Ready? Ready for what? Oh, for the picnic we planned for this afternoon, remember? What do you mean, do I remember? You think I have nothing else to think about today? A picnic? I'm running a ranch. I know, Brett. I... I just... Well, you promised them, and you keep putting it off. I'm busy. Look, if you two have something planned, why don't you go ahead with it? I'm not in any hurry. It would make the children so happy. I told you I'm busy. I've got to go into town today. Isn't it just like a woman? Wants all the things money can buy, but just can't understand why her husband has to work all the time to pay for them. I'll have all those horses rounded up and in the corrals tomorrow, and you can take a look. I smell a little fried chicken cooking, honey. Children love it. So does your house guest. She'd like to join you. I've got nothing to do around here. That's very kind, Mr. Nichols, but... It has nothing to do with kind. I'd like to come along. All right. I'll hitch up the team. Can you help me hitch up the team? Okay, yeah. Baby! They're gonna get me! Come on, just once. We won't ask again. You've said that all afternoon. You've worn Mr. Engles out. All right, look, I'll tell you what. You two go find a dragon, and when you find him, I'll help you catch him. There's no such thing as dragons. Well, of course there is. You've seen lizards, haven't you? Yeah, but lizards are small, and dragons are big. Well, a lizard is nothing but a baby dragon. Hey, that's right. Come on, let's go. We'll find one. All right. If you work hard now, it'll take a lot of time. Whoo! I'm glad they bought the dragon story. I feel like I've been plowing since sun-up. I can imagine. You have been at it all afternoon. Truth of the matter is, I quit because I was losing. I can't stand to lose. We have some tea left. I'd love some. They wore me out. Here you go. Oh, thank you. More? Nope. Save the rest for the young ones. Dragon hunting is very thirsty work. Are you married, Mr. Ingalls? Uh-huh, yeah. You have such a way with children. You must have some of your own. Oh, yeah, I've got four girls and a boy. Do you have them believing in dragons, too? Well, as long as I can, I will. I haven't seen the children that happy in a long time. You know what it is when a stranger comes along, plays real hard with your kids, and goes on his merry way down the road, and the kids expect you to play that hard with them every day. The only other stranger they know is their father. I'm afraid I'm not much fun at peg pegs. My husband wasn't always like this, you know. It's a silly thing to say. You know what you know. You're a stranger. I know. Sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers. Brett was a fine husband, devoted to his children. He spoiled them too much, but he loved them. Especially Michael. He was the oldest. Beautiful boy. Steal your heart in a minute. He went everywhere with his father. Brett would put him in front of him in the saddle, and they'd ride half the day. One morning, the horse stumbled. It's no one's fault. Our son died that night. My wife and I lost a son. Charles Jr., about five years ago. How does a person ever get over? I suppose that's why faith is so important to me. I just don't think a person can handle something like that alone. Not wanting it bad enough. Wanting to believe. Mr. Ingalls, come quick! We found his dragon! I'm coming. You can even see a dragon if you believe hard enough. Finish that milk. Come on around with it. It's time to get to bed. Can't we stay up just a little longer? No. But we wanted to tell Daddy about the dragon and all. I told you, your father may have to work late. How come Daddy has to work late every night? He just has to. Now finish that milk. I tell you what, you hurry up and finish that milk. I'll take you upstairs and tuck you in and give you a little dream to dream. If it's all right with your mom. Is it all right? All right, get going. Come on, hurry up and down it, your sister's beating you. All right, there you go. This is my bed. And this is mine. They're nice, too. Here, that robe. Well, you better sit in my bed and tell us our dream. He wets his. I do not. You do, too, and you know it! Well, now, wait a minute. What's so bad about wetting the bed? Lots of people do. They do? Well, sure they do. I did. Are you making up a story? Cross my heart. Do you still? Well, of course not. I grew out of it just the way time is, Will. I hope you're right. I am right. Don't worry about it. Now, I'm going to give you that dream. Are you ready? Yep. All right. This dream takes place way, way up in the clouds. Don't make it scary. I'm not making it scary. You are, too. Because when we're up in the clouds, we're in heaven. And we're dead. This isn't heaven. This is a different kind of place and different kind of clouds. Because these clouds are made out of marshmallows. And you can eat as many of them as you want. And we can run around, play hide-and-seek around the clouds. And if we get real tired, we just close our eyes, lie down on a cloud that's just like a pillow. Sleep, sleep, sleep. And that's what I want both of you to do right now. Dream about those dreams. Don't eat too many clouds or you'll get stomach aches. Mr. Eagles? Yeah, Tom? You weren't funny about wetting it all. No, I wasn't funny. And it will stop. I guarantee it. Thanks. Good night. Good night, Tom. I tell you, that's quite a pair. Yes, they are. After that workout you gave them today, though. Sleep like logs. I guarantee I will. I'm sorry about what happened today. I was feeling a little sorry for myself, I guess, and I just wanted someone to feel sorry along with me. I think we all feel sorry for ourselves sometimes. I know I do. I think people have to work hard at being happy. I sound like I'm giving a lecture now, huh? No, you're right. It's just so easy being happy for so long. I guess I never learned how to work at it. Never too late to try. Good night, Leslie. Good night. I don't believe it. I told you it would take a few days to get all the horses. Well, now I can see why. I hope you don't expect me to go through that whole bunch to pick out the ten best. Oh, no, I brought them all in for the army to look at. They want a thousand. Why don't I have Rod and the boys pick out the ten best? I'd appreciate it. Get right at it, sir. Yeah! That's about the best bunch of horses I've ever seen. Did Brett come home? He'll be along soon. He's helping the drivers bring in the horses. That'll give me time to get everything ready. That smells good. I hope you made a bunch. I did. Oh, I forgot the pie. Here, I'll get it for you. Why don't you put your pretty hands in that hot oven? I haven't had a compliment like that in many years, Mr. Ingalls. Like what? What you just said. I hope you haven't forgotten already about my hands. I always speak the truth. And my hands are dirty, along with the rest of me, so I think I'll wash up. That smells good. Brett? No, that's me. It was my stomach you heard growling. If he doesn't get home soon, I'm going to start dinner without him. I could serve you up a little to tide you over. No, no, that's all right. Oh, look at you. It's all your fault, you know. What, mine? Well, you told me to work at being happy. A woman can't feel happy unless she feels like a woman. Well, then you must feel very, very happy. Rod, grate them and put them all in a pallet. Brett's home. Have a good day. Yes, it went fine. Where's the Ingalls around? There you are. Well, they're all in the corral now, safe and sound. Finally. Brett, dinner's ready any time you want. No, I'm not very hungry. Well, I made your favorite. I said I'm not very hungry. We can settle out before you leave in the morning. Fine. Brett. Yes, Leslie, what is it? Nothing. Nothing at all. I have a lot of paperwork to do. I just don't exist anymore. Mommy, Mommy. Samantha's staying over at Penny Benson's for supper. I told her not to without asking, but she wouldn't listen. It's all right. She can stay over. What's the matter? Nothing. I'm just tired. My ma cries a lot. I can hear it at night. Why don't you and I take a little ride? I bet you don't want to rest. Why do you suppose my ma cries all the time? It's hard to say sometimes. I think it's because my brother got killed. That's what my pa will when we have a horse. He never lets me ride one. Maybe he will when you're bigger. Maybe. My pa didn't give me a horse till I got big. You got a pa? I did. He died a few years back. Did your pa dream? Sure. Sometimes. Everybody does. I don't mean regular dreams. I mean those happy ones, like you gave us. Oh, yeah. You dream those kind, too. Why? I was just wondering. We'd best get back before your ma starts wondering what happened to us. Thanks for taking me. You're welcome, boy. Your father's been looking for you, Thomas. Thomas, how many times have I told you not to get on a horse? How many times? It's not the boy's fault, Mr. Harper. You stay out of this, Ingalls. Now answer me. How many times? I didn't mean anything wrong, Mr. Ingalls. I didn't. I know you didn't, son. You go on, now. You go on in the house. You had no reason to do that. I asked the boy to go riding with me. If it was wrong, it was my fault. You have no right to tell me how to discipline my son. I do if you don't treat him like a son. Anybody can have a child that doesn't make him a father. How does that Ingalls go putting my son on a horse without asking? In the name of heaven, stop it! Thomas, go to your room. What do you mean, acting like that in front of the child? What do I mean? What do I mean? I never seemed to bother you to stagger around drunk in front of your children half the day. Never speaking to them, never being a father to them. Michael wasn't your only child. Did you forget that? I told you never to mention my son's name. Your son's father. I carried that baby inside of me. When he died, part of me died too. Then why can't you understand the way I... Because I can't understand! Because your children need a father! Because your wife needs a... Brent, I just can't stay here anymore. Leslie. Don't leave me. It won't work this time. You mean you won't even give me another chance? Another chance? Not another. It's been too long. I'm tired. A stranger came to this house. And in a few days, gave your children more love and understanding than you've given them in four years. For the first time in their lives, they know what it's like to have a father. So it's Ingalls. He's the reason why you're leaving, isn't he? I'm leaving because I have to. Come in. Hi. I was hoping you weren't asleep. Oh, no, I wasn't. I'm sorry about the trouble. I just didn't know. Don't apologize for Brent. It won't work, Charles. You asked me to try, and I did, and it just won't work. You're sure? Yes. When you leave in the morning, I'd like you to take me and the children to town. We'll stay there until the divorce is worked out. Do the children know? Not yet. I'll tell them in the morning, and it won't be easy for them at first, I know. The longer I wait, the more difficult it'll be. They, uh, need someone to love them. So do I. My husband accused me of leaving him because of you. I told him it wasn't true. I do envy your wife. Night. Mr. Ingalls, we want to talk to you. Sure. Ma said you were taking us to town. Your ma asked if I'd give you a ride in, and I said I would. Our pa's not going, is he? No, Sammy's not. Aren't we gonna see him anymore? I don't know, son. You tell him. We didn't tell the truth about our pa. We didn't tell God the truth because we didn't want God to be mad at him. Our pa's not sick. He drinks whiskey because he's sad. Mama never told us, but we knew. He doesn't mean to be sad. I guess he just forgot how to be happy. But you could help him, Mr. Ingalls. I wish I could, Sam. You can help. Give our pa a dream to dream. Like you did with us. It's just not that easy, boy. Won't you even try? I'll see if your ma's ready. I'm all ready. There's one bag left in the children's room. Lay that one there. I'll get them all. I'll wait outside. I'll be leaving now. Here's your money. A bill of sale. You know, Ingalls, I've been sitting here for the past few hours trying to figure out a way of stopping my wife from leaving, everything from pleading with Leslie to fighting you, and neither one of them seems to make much sense. You just can't make another person, Puffy. You didn't really try, did you? No. Not since Michael died. I suppose Leslie told you I killed my own son. She said there was an accident. It was four years ago. But no matter how many years ago it was, for me, it's always yesterday. Or do you think you're the only one in this world who's ever suffered? I'm not asking for your sympathy or your forgiveness. Well, good, because you're not going to get either. For four years, you haven't been a father, you haven't been anything. You've got two children sitting out there who need an awful lot of love to make up for what you haven't given them. You think these past four years have been easy for me? I told you I killed my own son. Do you think you could live with that? Oh, come on, Harper. You're not punishing yourself with that guilt. You're punishing your wife, you're punishing your children. Destroying their love was no accident. Get out. No, you don't love your wife. You're just afraid of being alone. I've spent the past four years working very hard at being alone. Leslie, can I see you for a minute? Wait in the wagon, children. What's wrong? Nothing's wrong. I just want to talk to you for a minute. I'm not going to take you. What? I'm not going to take you into town. If you want to go, you'll have to have somebody else drive you. Is it because of something Brett said to you? Because he's in there drunk and you feel sorry for him? He's not drunk and I don't feel sorry for him. Then what is it? It's because he loves you and you love him. You're wrong. Just look at me and tell me you don't love him. It's as simple as that. Look at me and tell me you don't love him. If only he were like you. I need... You need someone. You needed someone for a long time. But, Leslie, needing and loving just aren't the same thing. Some of the things you see in me are the things you used to see in your husband. Remember, I told you once that a person has to work at being happy. Remember? I think your husband's ready for that work. But you've got to give him a chance. If only I could be sure. You're sure you love him, aren't you? Yes. And you know your children do. I know. And what else do you have to be sure of? Come on. You're not leaving? No. I won't make any promises. And I won't plead. But I will try. Deal? Deal. All right, everybody out. Where's Mom? She's inside with your pop. She's not going. She's not? That's right, she isn't. Why don't you get on in that house and give her a hug? Mom, Pop! Oh, Mr. Ingalls, I knew you could do it. You gave our Pop a dream. Oh, I didn't give him a dream, boy. I just kind of woke him up a little, that's all. I'll never forget you, Mr. Ingalls. Never. Nor will I you. Now go on, get in that house. I love you, Charles. Harper's two years later. They wanted Pa to know they'd had another child. A son. They named him Charles Michael Harper.