SCENE: In front of curtain.
Eliza S.: I was a bride in tears, in joy, with no white veil to cover my smile, but I was the bride of an ageless love, and I am the bride who loves him still.
Eliza P.: (enters with Emily) I was wed when lilacs bloomed. A man of God made me his bride.
Emily: I was a bride in a quiet moment. I was a bride at my sister’s side.
Melissa: (enters) I was a bride in my mother’s dress, with only my tears to herald my day. I was a bride in a widow’s cloak, I was a bride who buried my heart.
(Eliza Snow and the Partridge sisters go to center stage. Melissa exits)
Eliza S.: Brother Young has left. Let’s go and see her. Perhaps the sadness of parting will renew old friendships, and let us at last weep together.
Emily: I’m afraid. I remember so well the old wound she feels.
(Scene fades into kitchen of old Joseph Smith home. Emma is there alone again, watching out the window.)
Emma: (at the window) He is coming up the walk. Oh, Joseph, these years have gone so soon and I’ve never had you for a day alone. Remember how once we held hands and ran a grassy slope and laughed. How long it’s been since I felt such laughter in my heart.
You looked so hard into the ground and walk with such a determined stride. If, once again, we could run and laugh…. Ah, if I could lose this old hurt, and give my soul to your church the way I long to give it to you. If I could walk with God a little while to see beyond you. Oh, Joseph.
Joseph: (enters) Emma, are you here?
Emma: Ah, yes.
Joseph: I’m in a hurry. (kisses her forehead, holds her away from him and shakes his head) Emma,
Emma!
Emma: Ah, what Joseph.
Joseph: Never mind, my heart is troubled.
Emma: It always is lately…come, smile. How you grasp my hand! I won’t fade into the twilight of the room.
Joseph: See that you don’t fade into the dawn. I fear that most.
Emma: Oh, Joseph, don’t speak in riddles. Can you eat dinner?
Joseph: No, I promised Hyrum. We’ve some important matters to discuss.
Emma: Well, I’ve got fresh bread and milk. Eat with me before you go.
Joseph: I’ve no desire for food, Emma.
Emma: Let me cut a slice or two….
Joseph: Emma, wait. Do you doubt my love, or that I never could forsake our vows? Come and sit with me. Do you feel the fervent meaning in my words when I say I love you, and that you are my wife forever?
Emma: why, Joseph, in all the lonely hours you never gave me reason to doubt. No cruel lies have turned my ear. I love you and trust you.
Joseph: Then, never do doubt me.
Emma: Ah, won’t you have a slice of bread?
Joseph: Save some for me when I come home late tonight. Good-by, my love.
Emma: Good-bye, dear. (kisses him. He walks to front of stage, she exits. Emily steps out from the shadows)
Emily: Joseph, I’m so glad to see you.
Joseph: I apologize for not coming this morning. What is the matter?
Emily: Well, Louisa told Sister Snow that you intend to tell Emma.
Joseph: Do you disagree?
Emily: Oh, I’d hoped it was a misunderstanding. It will be the end of our peace. Do you expect her to take it easily? Please consider us.
Joseph: She has to know, Emily, and she has to know soon. I can’t keep the bonfire under the bushel much longer. I’ve got to teach the principle. Your salvation and mine depend on it. You knew this would come when you married me.
Emily: Yes, Joseph…but so soon? I’ve talked to the others. They’re all afraid. As it is, Eliza says she never sees you except when you need her help…. Lucy Walker is barely a bride and she cries herself to sleep. Are you going to tell Emma about us all?
Joseph: I’ll have to tell her gradually. First, she must be convinced of the principle.
Emily: I wish you luck.
Joseph: I’ll need more than that; among other things, the support of my wives. Don’t discuss this thing among yourselves any longer. Your lives, as well as mine, are in danger if the truth were known. I’ve got to go see Hyrum. Be a cheerful girl, now Emmy (puts his arm around her shoulders) I need you all to help me now. (exits)
Emily: Oh, Joseph, she and I have been so close. I’m afraid our days as friends are nearly over.