INT. GEARY LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
Mary and Dinah sit in rocking chairs before lamplight with letters spread over the table. Dressed in mourning, Mary looks haggard and rocks silently back and forth staring into the fireplace.
DINAH
Mary, there ain't nothing we can do to bring him back.
MARY
John killed him.
DINAH
No, he didn't. You read the letter. He died in an attack at Wauhatchie.
MARY
It was the same as if John put a pistol to his head. Eddie didn't want to go. He wanted to stay here . . . with me . . . with us on the farm.
DINAH
It was war, Mary. Eddie was a good boy, a boy who lived peace. But he knew what his duty was.
MARY
Where were John's tears when Eddie died? You know he didn't cry.
DINAH
I never seen John cry. All his tears are on the inside, but his feelings run deep. You gotta quit blaming him. This war gonna be over and John will be coming back to you.
MARY
As what? A husband? Or a murderer? General Grant wanted him to take a leave, but he turned it down because Sherman is starting his awful march through Georgia. They plan to burn everything in their path. How can I ever look at John again without seeing blood on his hands?
DINAH
You'll get over it. You have to. Besides, when this war's over, I may be leaving. I got a letter of my own.
Dinah holds up an envelope which bears no stamp.
MARY
A letter? I didn't see it in the mail.
DINAH
(smiling)
We got our own mail service.
MARY
From Josh?
DINAH
He's coming to see me after this war--no matter who wins. Josh was with Hank at Chickamauga. Hank lost a leg.
MARY
Poor Hank. Such a sweet, pleasant man. Why do men have to behave like children, wars and fighting?
DINAH
Maybe they thought there just won't another way to settle the problems.
MARY
John slapped me. I'll never forgive him for that. His temper is so violent.
DINAH
He slap me once, when we were kids.
MARY
What did you do?
DINAH
I slap him back.
MARY
What did he do?
DINAH
He laugh.
In spite of herself, Mary smiles.
MARY
I wish I could have seen that.
EXT. GEORGIA HILLSIDE -- NIGHT
John and Sherman on horseback watch from a hillside overlooking RINGGOLD, GA., where the town is being put to torch. Fields, factories, homes are burning. Southern FAMILIES stand around helplessly while Union TROOPS spread destruction. Crops in fields and storage are torched. Livestock is confiscated. Light from the flames paint John's face. His eyes burn fiercely. Sherman scrutinizes him closely, pleased with what he sees.
SHERMAN
How does revenge taste, John?
JOHN
Like a bitter brine that chokes in my mouth.
SHERMAN
You don't have the taste for it?
JOHN
To the contrary. It jolts my senses to alertness. I plan to gorge myself on Rebel misery.
SHERMAN
Remember this day, General Geary. It's the ending of the old. The start of the new in warfare. General Lee is the last of the old time soldiers, the remnants of Napoleon's era of gentlemanly officers. His breed is dead. Ours begins here. War is total. Destroy everything. You don't just fight soldiers in the field. You have to bring it to the civilians, to their homes, to the ones furnishing war materiel and comfort. Take it into their homes.
JOHN
War will never be the same.
Devlin comes forward with an aging Southern WOMAN, escorted by a Union SOLDIER. Her face weary and tear stained, she wears clothes that were once fine but now disheveled and torn.
DEVLIN
(to John)
General, this here Southern belle is asking that her home be spared. She insisted on seeing you.
The woman drops to her knees and lifts her hands to them in prayer.
WOMAN
Please, sirs, I beg of you not to burn my home. My husband and two of my sons were killed at Gettysburg. There's only
(more)
WOMAN(Cont'd)
me and two young ones left. If you burn our home, we'll have no place to go . . . nowhere to live.
SHERMAN
(coldly)
What say you, John? Shall we begin sparing some homes and burn others?
John wavers for a minute, looking at the woman. Then his eyes harden and he looks out over the spreading inferno.
JOHN
Burn her home, major Devlin. And her barns and all out buildings. Slaughter any livestock our quartermaster cannot use. (to the woman) Woman, you should have thought of this before you sent your men against your country, before you decided to make slaves of other human beings.
WOMAN
No! Don't do it, please! Please! We never had no slaves. Just our land and crops.
JOHN
Then why did you fight the Union, woman?
She is defiant in spite of herself.
WOMAN
'Cause you Yankees invaded our homes.
JOHN
Take her away, major Devlin.
Devlin pulls the weakly resisting woman away.
WOMAN
May God have mercy on your souls, you heathens.
JOHN
We are doing the Lord's work, woman. If you live by the sword, you shall perish by it.
The soldier takes her away. Sherman and Devlin exchange glances.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE -- DAY
Union SOLDIERS set fire to MANSIONS and HOMES, barns and fields. Two PRIVATES torch a large hay stack. Buildings burn in the background.
FIRST PRIVATE
This ain't what I joined up for.
SECOND PRIVATE
Me neither. I thought we was supposed to be fighting Rebs--not burning crops.
FIRST PRIVATE
Back home in Ohio I grow hay for my livestock. Now I'm burning it so horses and cattle will starve. Don't make sense.
SECOND PRIVATE
Ole Geary don't make no sense no more. Like he's so full of hate all he cares about is destroying something.
EXT. ANOTHER COUNTRYSIDE -- NIGHT
John rides through a holocaust of burning factories and stores of a small Georgia TOWN where Southern CIVILIANS watch him in hopeless, muted pain and fury. He looks not at them, only the destruction.
EXT. OUTSIDE ATLANTA -- NIGHT
John and Devlin on horseback see smoke rising from ATLANTA. EXPLOSIONS are heard from inside the city where Rebels are destroying anything of value to the Union.
DEVLIN
Looks like the Rebs are cheating you this time.
John looks at him, puzzled.
DEVLIN (Cont'd)
They're burning Atlanta all by themselves--without your help.
JOHN
Just as good. They do our work for us. My only regret is I'm not in the city to see it.
DEVLIN
Atlanta is ours now. Looks like we just saved the election for Mister Lincoln.
JOHN
This ought to keep him in office, instead of that copperhead General McClelland.
DEVLIN
I hear General Sherman plans to sweep north toward the coast and Savannah.
JOHN
Yes, it would be my pleasure to torch that city personally.
DEVLIN
You'll get your chance. Sherman's gonna make you military governor of Savannah.
JOHN
(smiling)
I never know how you find out these things before I do.
DEVLIN
You won't have nothing but burnt buildings and starving people to govern.
JOHN
So be it.
DEVLIN
Won't hurt your political career none, either. Maybe one day I'll be the governor's aide. Maybe--President Geary's.
JOHN
Who knows, Monk.
EXT. SAVANNA CITY LIMITS -- DAY
John, Devlin at his side, both on horseback, leads a column of SOLDIERS to the city limits and stops where a group of TOWNSPEOPLE including the MAYOR wait to meet him. Back in the crowd is Hank, his leg missing and he is on crutches, his Confederate uniform patched. Josh is with him.
MAYOR
Thank God you've come, General Geary. I'm the city's mayor.
JOHN
(surprised)
You're glad to see me?
MAYOR
We need your help desperately. Savannah is ruled by mobs. Some deserters from the Confederacy. Some from your army. Robbery, rape, murder is everywhere. No one is safe.
DEVLIN
(in a low voice to John)
They're doing our work for us, ain't they, general?
John looks quickly at Devlin, then turns to the CAPTAIN and the troops.
JOHN
Captain! Move the men in. Take charge of this town. Martial law is declared.
The CAPTAIN moves the men around John and into the city.
MAYOR
The whole city is in your debt, general. We had enough of war. The city is yours, anything we can do to help.
DEVLIN
(to John)
Wait till they see what we do, eh?
JOHN
We can't have lawless mob rule. I've seen that in San Francisco and Kansas.
DEVLIN
Don't forget your political career! You don't want anybody saying you went soft of Rebels.
JOHN
Their punishment isn't over. We'll leave our mark on Savannah, one they'll never forget. (to the mayor) I want a meeting at your city hall of elected officials and leaders.
MAYOR
(happily)
Immediately, general!
John rides through the crowd and recognizes Josh.
JOHN
Josh! You're here in Savannah?
JOSH
Yessir, general. We're here.
John sees Hank.
JOHN
Hank! . . . Major Mebane.
Hank, with difficulty, straightens himself and manages an awkward salute.
HANK
(stiffly)
General Geary.
John appraises Hank's physical plight.
JOHN
Is there anything I can do?
HANK
Thank you, general. Savannah is the one that needs help.
Hank turns and moves painfully away. John's eyes follow him.
EXT. SAVANNAH -- DAY
Union SOLDIERS round up RUFFIANS, some in Union uniforms, some in Confederate. GUNSHOTS, SHOUTS and SCREAMS can be heard in the distance.
EXT. SAVANNAH --- NIGHT
Union SOLDIERS walk patrols through city streets which are now quiet.
INT. CITY HALL -- DAY
John sits at a paper filled desk surrounded by city OFFICIALS, including the mayor. The meeting has concluded and they are shaking John's hand warmly as they leave.
MAYOR
Savannah will ever be grateful to you, sir. You brought law and order back to our city. Famine and disease have been averted, thanks to your generosity.
JOHN
Stay a moment, mayor. Do you know a man named Hank Mebane?
MAYOR
Of course. Known Hank all his life.
JOHN
He seems so . . . so broken. More than just losing a leg.
MAYOR
It wasn't just his physical loss. It was losing his home, and his wife, too. But I had rather not go into that, general. It's too painful.
JOHN
I understand. (suddenly sternly) The curfew will continue until further notice. Anyone violating it may be hanged.
Surprised by the mood shift, the mayor bows his head.
MAYOR
As you wish, general.
INT. CITY HALL -- ANOTHER DAY
John paces the floor while Devlin sits comfortably beside John's desk.
JOHN
What other news from your trip to Sherman's headquarters--beside my being stuck here?
DEVLIN
The South is beaten. They just won't admit it. Cump Sherman is burning a path through South Carolina that'll make Georgia look like a wiener roast.
JOHN
And here I sit--shuffling papers. Thomas would have given me a command. Thomas is a better general. He saved our butts at Chickamauga, or we wouldn't have had an army left there. But Sherman is Grant's drinking buddy. I don't drink and socialize. That's why I keep being passed over.
DEVLIN
There's a way. The mood of the North after the war will be revenge. Retribution.
JOHN
Yes. And justified, too.
DEVLIN
The man who leaves his mark on these Rebels will stand good with the voters.
JOHN
I'll leave my mark all right--on Savannah. This city will never forget me when I get through.
DEVLIN
You would be right to burn it to the ground. That would be a sight to see, one that would be long remembered.
John contemplates Devlin's suggestion. Smiling, Devlin leaves as a LIEUTENANT enters.
LIEUTENANT
Sir, I know your orders about seeing civilians without an appointment, but there's a lady . . . a woman here to see you.
JOHN
A lady? Lieutenant, you know I don't have to listen to private grievances.
LIEUTENANT
She's most persistent, sir. It's about your directives against whorehouses.
JOHN
Another complaint about loose women. Tell the lady I'm closing them all down. Get rid of her.
The door bursts open and KATHY MAC barges in. She is redheaded in her mid-twenties, a strikingly beautiful woman with perhaps a trifle too much makeup.
KATHY
General, I'll only take a minute of your precious time.
LIEUTENANT
Ma'am, you can't come in here.
John is taken by her beauty and forcefulness.
JOHN
That's all right, lieutenant. It seems I will see the lady.
Smiling knowingly, the lieutenant bows and leaves.
KATHY
I know the great general couldn't be as cold and mean as everyone says.
JOHN
Please take a seat. Miss . . .?
KATHY
Katherine McLauren. My friends call me Kathy Mac.
JOHN
Miss McLauren, I assure you all the houses of ill repute in Savannah will be closed. Courts martial will be held for any troops frequenting them. And I am considering having the women flogged in public.
KATHY
(teasing)
Would you really want to flog me, general?
JOHN
I beg your pardon!
KATHY
I'm not here to help you close the houses. I want you to leave them alone.
JOHN
Miss McLauren, I don't understand.
KATHY
I operate one of those houses.
JOHN
(uncomfortable)
You aren't serious. You seem like such a lady, a . . .
KATHY
That depends on definition. My breeding and education were quite proper. But when the war took everything, all I had left were my charms.
JOHN
There are other ways of supporting yourself, other than being a common . . .
KATHY
There's nothing common about us, especially not our prices.
JOHN
My course is clear. These houses will be blotted out.
KATHY
Oh, fiddlesticks! Don't be such a snobbish bore. Our place offers your men a place to relax and recuperate from all they've been through. We do you a favor. They leave happy, better able to do their duty.
JOHN
The order stands.
KATHY
(teasing)
Will you be flogging me in public yourself?
John smiles in spite of himself.
JOHN
Well, perhaps we can forego the public flogging.
KATHY
Oh . . . you want to flog me in private. Really! General!
John is embarrassed.
JOHN
I didn't mean . . . What I . . .
KATHY
Your bravery in battle is well known, General Geary. Do you have enough courage to see for yourself before you pass judgment.
JOHN
That's not necessary.
KATHY
I've heard you were a lawyer. Wouldn't a good lawyer want all the evidence available? You sit behind that desk and don't even know what's going on in the city around you. There are real people out there, not just statistics.
JOHN
You would make a most convincing lawyer yourself, Katherine McLauren. How can I refuse such a challenge?
INT. KATHY'S PLACE -- NIGHT
Several Union OFFICERS stand, sit or dance with GIRLS who are fashionably dressed. When John and Kathy enter, officers stand at attention, fearing his anger.
JOHN
At ease, men.
They return to their socializing subdued. Kathy, her hand on John's arm, directs him to the bar.
KATHY
See, general, this isn't the den of vice you expected. Will you join me in some refreshments?
JOHN
I don't drink hard spirits.
KATHY
Neither do I. See, you're judging without evidence again. I'm having some chicory tea. Would you like some?
John smiles and takes the cup.
JOHN
You are a remarkable woman, Miss McLauren.
KATHY
Oh, I did so hope you would call me Kathy Mac by now. Let us be friends.
JOHN
Against my better judgment--Kathy Mac.
KATHY
Look about you. These are tired, lonely men who want someone soft and understanding to talk to. Most of them talk about home, families, even their wives.
JOHN
Their own wives? In here?
KATHY
Loneliness has choked them up so much it's unbearable at times. They can tell their deepest secrets to a woman they may see one night and never again.
JOHN
And the women? Prostitution is an abomination.
KATHY
Oldest profession in the world, John. I may call you John, may I not?
He nods his head slowly.
KATHY (Cont'd)
Despite your prejudiced beliefs, no illicit unions take place here. Of course, I cannot say what happens on a girl's own time if she chooses to leave with a soldier of her choice. But here we offer only a social evening.
JOHN
I admit I thought differently.
KATHY
How long since you held any woman in your arms and squired her around the dance floor?
John laughs.
JOHN
So long I can't remember.
She holds out her arms to him.
KATHY
Then let's not make it any longer.
John dances with Kathy, feeling the warmth of her body and the fragrance of her perfume. He holds her closer. Obviously, enjoying each other's company, they smile and laugh together. Other soldiers, reassured, resume their diversion.
EXT. SAVANNAH STREET -- NIGHT
John and Kathy stand at a modest doorway giving a package to a WOMAN. They have baskets under their arms.
WOMAN
God bless you, Miss Kathy Mac. You, too, general. That medicine saved my boy's life.
KATHY
Remember your promise, you hear now.
WOMAN
I know. I'm not to tell anyone you--or the general--helped me.
John and Kathy walk away, down the lamplit street and the woman goes inside. He takes her free hand in his.
JOHN
Thank you, Kathy Mac.
KATHY
Whatever for, John.
JOHN
For getting me off that high horse.
KATHY
From up there it's hard to see who the enemy is, isn't it?
JOHN
In war, when you're sending in shells from a cannon, you don't see who the shell is hitting. You don't see who suffers from the impact. You just know the enemy, some unseen, some anonymous being, is being killed.
As they walk, a dark figure follows them from a distance. It is Devlin.
KATHY
And now you see the enemy is just fellow Americans, real people who bleed and feel and suffer. War has changed all our lives. I know someone who went away a kind and gentle person. He came back another, cold and unforgiving.
JOHN
This must be the deadliest war in American history, perhaps ever will be.
KATHY
It has cost us all--in so many ways.
They pass a doorway where another shadowy figure watches them. After they pass, Hank eases out unseen. On his crutches, he manages to raise a rifle and point it at John's back. Devlin sees this and does nothing to stop it. He smiles in anticipation.
JOHN
Oh, our cause was right. I still believe this in my heart. But it's a terrible price for everyone to pay.
KATHY
I'm glad if I helped you see this.
JOHN
You've made me see much more. I've taken a good look at myself and I'm not sure I like what I see.
KATHY
I like what I see, dearest John. A kind, sweet man who put a stone wall around himself to keep out warmth and love.
JOHN
You've knocked that wall down, darling.
He takes her in his arms near a streetlight. Hank, hidden in the shadows, trembles as he holds the rifle.
JOHN
If only I had met you before I met . . . anyone else. I want this--us to last forever.
They kiss, long and hard. Kathy suddenly pulls away.
KATHY
Don't say any more, please. Let our love be brief as a summertime that drifts into winter. You have your political career and I could never be part of it. Not now. Mary can, and will.
JOHN
I would give up everything for you.
KATHY
The choice is not your, dearest. Your destiny is set.
JOHN
(chiding)
Are you being a gypsy fortuneteller tonight? Or is it your Presbyterian predestination?
She pokes him playfully in the ribs.
KATHY
A little of both. But we must savor each moment together for we know it must end. You have your obligations--and I have mine.
JOHN
What obligations could you have?
KATHY
No more questions. Just enjoy the evening and our being together.
They have reached her doorway where John tilts her head up to him and kisses her passionately.
Still in the shadows, Hank eases down the hammer to uncock his rifle and lowers it. He is weeping. Devlin sees this and raises his revolver toward Hank, thinks a minute and holsters it.
DEVLIN
(to himself)
Maybe next time, Hank Mebane. Maybe you won't lose your nerve.
EXT. SWIMMING POOL -- DAY
John and Kathy, both naked, swim and play in a secluded backwater pool. Shade trees surround their privacy. His uniform lies on the bank alongside her dress and undergarments. They laugh happily.
JOHN
By God, Kathy, I think I've lost my mind with pleasure. I've never done anything like this before.
KATHY
Never been skinny dipping?
JOHN
Never.
KATHY
(laughing)
Look at all the fun you've missed.
JOHN
You are like the fountain of youth for me, my little redhead vixen.
She splashes water at him and he lunges at her. Both disappear beneath the surface and come up in each other's arms.
EXT. THE POOL -- SAME DAY
They lie, still nude, on a blanket in the sun. They hold hands.
JOHN
I have never been so happy in my life as I have since I met you. I want this to go on forever.
KATHY
Don't talk about time or forever, please John. Just let us enjoy this one moment, our golden now. There was no time before this. There will be no time after this. Only now. You and me. Here and now.
JOHN
We will be together forever. For the first time in my life, I am fully and completely in love.
KATHY
Don't confuse passion with love, dearest. There is a difference.
He searches her body with his hands.
JOHN
It's more than carnal desire I feel for you--and I admit there's plenty of that. You mean more to me than anything I've ever dreamed of. I will give up everything for you. I can never leave you, my love.
Kathy frowns momentarily.
KATHY
Please, my darling, don't destroy this moment. Let us be happy together. Close out the world and time. These precious moments are all too brief. Let us not waste a second of them. Just enjoy the now.
JOHN
It will last for you and me. It must.
They go into each other's arms and begin to kiss fervently.
INT. JOHN'S OFFICE -- DAY
Through the window, fall paints leaves golden colors. John and Devlin are dressed in warmer clothing and a small fire burns in the fireplace. Devlin warms himself before the fire and John enjoys the scenery of the city from his window.
DEVLIN
I'll never get used to this wet climate. Be glad to get away from the ocean.
John laughs happily.
JOHN
Oh, you could grow to like it. I have. You know--I could be happy here, in this job.
DEVLIN
(surprised)
You ain't thinking of staying here. We got too much ahead of us, too much waiting for us back home.
JOHN
Oh, it's just a dream, Monk. A life without all the pressures of office and ambition.
DEVLIN
They's already getting a political movement behind you in Pennsylvania. They're just waiting for this war to get over and you to show up.
JOHN
(wistfully)
Yes--I know.
INT. KATHY'S LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
A Christmas tree fully decorated with candles (a water bucket nearby) has presents stacked beneath. The room is warm and friendly. Kathy wears a filmy nightgown and a bandanna on top of her head. John enters and removes his overcoat.
JOHN
Sorry I couldn't get away sooner, darling. The officers . . . and their wives had a "surprise" Christmas-birthday party for me.
She kisses him blithely and helps him with his coat.
KATHY
That's what you get for having a birthday only five days after Christmas--one party. One set of presents.
JOHN
Yes. I had to get used to that when I was a kid. But I wish you could have been there tonight. It would have been . . .
KATHY
Don't you worry about that. There's enough gossip about us without your pushing me under your staff's nose.
JOHN
You know how I feel about you. I want to tell the world.
KATHY
Just tell me, dearest. Let me be your world.
JOHN
Oh, you are that.
Kathy laughs happily and dances to the Christmas tree to bring back a brightly wrapped package. She hands it to John.
KATHY
Merry Christmas, my darling.
He opens it and takes out a gold watch and chain with a fob made of a oyster shell and an imbedded pearl.
JOHN
Kathy! It's beautiful.
KATHY
So that you'll never forget the delicious seconds we have spent together.
JOHN
They will last forever. Now, my lovely lady, I have a little something for you.
He takes a package from his pocket and hands it to Kathy who opens it excitedly as a child. It is an ivory comb inlaid with jewels. Kathy's eyes grow large.
KATHY
Oh, John! I love it. I'll always wear it in my hair.
JOHN
You know how I love that red hair. Put it in your hair now. Let me see it.
She smiles coquettishly, puts the comb down and begins to undo the bandanna holding up her hair.
KATHY
In a moment. First, I have another present for you.
JOHN
What could you possibly give me nicer than my watch?
KATHY
I hope you like it better. If you don't, I'll cry. I didn't have enough ribbon to wrap the whole present, but I tried.
The bandanna comes off, her hair cascades down. A bright red ribbon is tied into a bow on top of her head. John smiles, but is puzzled. She drops her gown and stands before him nude.
KATHY (Cont'd)
Merry Christmas, my dearest one.
JOHN
Oh, my God, Kathy. You take my breath away. I've never known such happiness.
He takes her in his arms and picks her up to go toward the bedroom.
INT. GEARY LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
Mary sits before fireplace holding a letter in her lap. She has been weeping. Picking up the letter to read again, she looks up as Dinah enters.
DINAH
Mary! You ain't reading that letter from Monk Devlin again, are you?
MARY
It hurts, Dinah. Just when I was reconciling myself to Eddie's death--now this. How could John? I just don't understand.
DINAH
What's to understand? Monk just don't want somebody spreading false gossip about his friend.
She looks at letter again.
MARY
He says I shouldn't believe any malicious tales I might hear about John and a street woman named Kathy McLauren.
DINAH
That's right.
MARY
If there's nothing to it, why is Monk writing me about it.
DINAH
Monk just want to set things straight. Besides that Kathy McLauren helped John see how bad people in Savannah needed help. They took food and medicine around to people.
MARY
How on earth do you know all this?
DINAH
(smiling)
We have ways.
MARY
You heard from Josh?
DINAH
He says John came riding into Savannah on his great horse like he was the King of Spain.
MARY
I bet he was a sight to behold.
DINAH
Josh says Hank is in a bad way, shot apart on the outside and
(more)
DINAH (Cont'd)
empty on the inside. Lost everything. Josh is taking care of him.
MARY
I thought Hank married. Where's his wife?
DINAH
Josh don't say.
MARY
But why should Josh stay with Hank now. He's free.
DINAH
Same reason I stay with you. They're friends. Hank needs him.
INT. KATHY'S ROOM -- NIGHT
John paces the floor nervously while Kathy calmly sits and watches. She is in her nightgown, her hair tousled about her shoulders. His uniform jacket is across a chair beside the bed.
KATHY
John, if it will ease your mind--what you're trying to tell me, I already know.
JOHN
You know?
KATHY
All Savannah knows. Bad news travels fast.
JOHN
It came as a shock to me--orders to return home. The war is over for me.
KATHY
But, I fear, not for the South. Savannah will miss you. You spared us the pain other cities felt.
JOHN
Only the city? Will only the city miss me?
KATHY
Oh, my dearest, I will. You know I will, more than I dare tell you. But we knew from the beginning ours was a temporary, delightfully fulfilling rendezvous in time.
JOHN
It cannot end here.
KATHY
You know it must. You have too much in your future, and no place for a fallen woman.
JOHN
Darling, I don't see you as that.
MARY
But I do.
JOHN
Kathy Mac, I cannot be without you--not even for all my dreams and hopes. I will not leave you. I'll resign my commission and remain here, at your side.
KATHY
You can't do that. It would destroy us both.
JOHN
I won't let you send me away. If not here, we will go where no one ever heard of either of us. South America. Europe.
Kathy bites her lip, bracing herself.
KATHY
You give me no other choice. Remember, I told you I had been married to a Confederate officer.
JOHN
He was killed in action.
KATHY
You wanted to believe that . . . I let you. He was my first love and when I received notice from the army he was dead, I didn't care what I did.
JOHN
Then he is dead!
KATHY
The report was wrong. He came home to find his wife had dishonored him.
JOHN
He couldn't forgive you?
KATHY
He wouldn't even speak to me. He's been here in Savannah all this time.
JOHN
Here? In Savannah?
KATHY
To make it worse, John--and I hope you can someday forgive me--my husband was once a dear friend of yours.
John fights to grasp her words.
KATHY (Cont'd)
When he wouldn't come back to me, I took my maiden name. My full name is Katherine McLauren Mebane. Hank Mebane is my husband.
JOHN
Oh, my God. How could you do this to Hank? To me?
KATHY
John, I couldn't help it. I didn't mean to fall in love with you. At first, I didn't realize you knew Hank. Then--it was too late.
JOHN
After all Hank went through . . . May God have mercy on us all.
KATHY
John . . . please try to understand.
Stiffly, John looks hard at her, puts on his jacket and leaves silently. Kathy goes to the door and puts her head against it, crying softly.
KATHY
Oh, John, I didn't want to love you. But I do. I do love you . . . dearest John Geary.
INT. JOHN'S QUARTERS -- DAY
Devlin is helping John pack.
DEVLIN
It'll be good to get back to our own people, won't it, general?
JOHN
(slowly)
Yes. But did you ever wish, Monk, that you could be someone else? Live life differently. Not be tied to all the rules and narrow borders you have set for yourself?
DEVLIN
Huh?
JOHN
If I could be another man, I think I could be happy right here in Savannah.
DEVLIN
But you ain't. You're General John White Geary.
JOHN
(sadly)
Yes--I'm John Geary.
EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF KATHY'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
It is raining and John stands in the street before Kathy's door, as if he is unsure whether to go to the door or leave. His uniform and rain gear are soaked. He looks once more at the warmly lighted window, turns and walks away.