*This script excerpt was taken from the Everything Depp site. *

EXT. VAN TASSEL ESTATE --DAY

ICHABOD'S P.O.V.: a BELLTOWER stands tall, like a mast pole with a crow's nest basket atop. There's a man in the basket and a huge BELL.

Ichabod ponders this as he continues. Ahead on a hill: the grand Van Tassel Manor House.

INT. VAN TASSEL MANOR HOUSE, SITTING ROOM --DAY

MANY CHILDREN, in a circle, taunt a BLINDFOLDED YOUNG WOMAN spun round by the handsome, barrel-chested man, BROM VAN BRUNT. A few YOUNG MEN and LADIES watch. Brom releases the woman. Everyone quiets and avoids her searching hands.

BLINDFOLDED WOMAN

This is such a silly game.

BROM

Be a sport and stop complaining.

The woman moves to Brom's voice. He backs away, flanked by peers GLENN and THEODORE. Children laugh.

Ichabod enters, clearing his throat. No one notices. The blindfolded woman keeps grasping. One LITTLE GIRL sees Ichabod and goes to him, finger to her lips.

LITTLE GIRL

Play along. You must.

She tugs him. Before Ichabod can protest, he is placed in the blindfolded woman's grip.

BLINDFOLDED WOMAN

There, I have someone. Am I finished?

LITTLE GIRL

You have to tell who it is.

The woman touches Ichabod's face. He is uncomfortable, affected by this caress. Brom watches jealously.

Depp&Ricci

LITTLE GIRL

At least make a guess.

BLINDFOLDED WOMAN

I don't know. Is it Brom Bones?

BROM

Certainly not.

ICHABOD

Excuse me, Miss...

(takes her hands)

They have a laugh at your expense.

She takes the kerchief off to reveal a stunning beauty: KATRINA VAN TASSEL.

Ichabod tries to compose himself.

KATRINA

Forgive me, I didn't know.

ICHABOD

I... I am looking for Baltus Van Tassel.

BROM

We haven't heard your name yet, friend.

ICHABOD

Well, unless your name is Baltus, you should not worry over mine.

Brom grabs Ichabod's collar, pissed. Ichabod's baffled.

BROM

You need some manners.

KATRINA

Brom!

Brom looks at her, then reluctantly releases Ichabod.

MAN'S VOICE (O.S.)

What is this, then... ?

BALTUS VAN TASSEL, 45, has entered, a working-class aristocrat. LADY VAN TASSEL, 40, stands behind, a mix of home-spun wife and well-kept lady.

BALTUS

Can I help you, sir?

Ichabod's relieved to have a proper focal point. Children gather around Katrina and hide behind her.

ICHABOD

I have been sent from the city with a

letter of introduction. I am told you

offer me room and board.

Ichabod hands over papers. Baltus reads, furrows his brow.

ICHABOD

If we could speak alone.

BALTUS

(nods, looks to Katrina)

This is not a time for frivolity,

Katrina, is it? Am I mistaken?

KATRINA

They're only children, father.

Baltus snorts, then exits with Ichabod. The others huddle to gossip, except Katrina, who moves beside Lady Van Tassel to watch Ichabod and Baltus walk down the hall.


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