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Black Widow
by Paul Thain
(Winter, 1909. A Cold Wind blows and a Church Bell tolls as Lights slowly rise on Arlington Cemetery. Led by the RECTOR, a Procession of dark & veiled MOURNERS enters and snakes its way centre-stage ...)
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| RECTOR | I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, he shall live. Whosoever liveth and believe in me shall never die.
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(The MOURNERS group around an imaginary open grave)
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| RECTOR | Behold, I show you a Mystery ...
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(To the Rector's right stands Lady CRESSIDA Arlington, thirties, and her daughter EMILY, mid-teens. Next to them is AUBREY, a retired Police Inspector, and then two ageing spinster sisters - MABEL & DOROTHY
To the Rector's left stands ISOBEL, sixties, her arthritic hands gripping a walking stick. Next is RICHARD Harker, thirties, then MRS HODGE, the Housekeeper, and finally DOCTOR Shawcross)
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| RECTOR | We shall not all Sleep. But we shall be Changed.
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| EMILY | ... into what ? Changed into what ?
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| CRESSIDA | Quiet.
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| RECTOR | For the Trumpet shall sound, and the Dead shall be raised. Man that is born of Woman hath but a short time to live and is full of Misery. He cometh up, and is cut down like a Flower. For in the midst of Life, we are in Death.
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(CRESSIDA steps forward, takes a handful of imaginary earth)
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| RECTOR | We therefore commit his body to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes ...
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(CRESSIDA releases earth into the Grave)
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| RECTOR | ... dust to dust.
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| CRESSIDA | Emily.
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(EMILY is staring into the Grave, her fist closed tight)
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| RECTOR | In the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection
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| CRESSIDA | Emily, please.
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| RECTOR | Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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| MOURNERS | Amen.
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| EMILY | Will this happen to me ?
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| ISOBEL | For heaven's sake !
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| EMILY | Will it, Mama ? Will it happen to me ?
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| ISOBEL | Questions, questions, even now.
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| CRESSIDA | Isobel, you are not being helpful. (to Emily) Please, you promised. You promised.
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(EMILY releases her earth. CRESSIDA ushers her further downstage
The MOURNERS repeat the ritual, then formally line up to offer condolences. Dr SHAWCROSS takes the Widow's hand)
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| DOCTOR | My dear Cressida. what can I say ? Poor Toby - a tragedy, no other word, a terrible, terrible tragedy.
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(Mrs HODGE rushes up, bobs a curtsey, fighting back her tears)
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| MRS HODGE | Oh, ma'am ... all his life. I knew him all his life.
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| DOCTOR | Never forget (smoothing her hand) if there's anything I can do, anything at all ...
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| MRS HODGE | It seems like only yesterday we was - I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't help it.
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| CRESSIDA | (rescuing her hand) Thank you, Doctor. Hadn't you better be getting back, Mrs Hodge?
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| MRS HODGE | (bobbing) Of course, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am.
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(MRS HODGE hurries off. ISOBEL begins to approach, escorted by RICHARD, painfully picking their way with her stick ...)
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| ISOBEL | You seem to have made an excellent recovery ?
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| RICHARD | Yes, I'm much better, your Ladyship.
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| ISOBEL | With Toby being somewhat older, I suppose he-
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(She pauses, rests on her stick)
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| ISOBEL | Don't worry, sometimes I get a little breathless.
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(AUBREY approaches CRESSIDA & EMILY, sighs ...)
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| AUBREY | Dear oh dear, life can seem so cruel. At least now it's all behind you.
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| EMILY | Will he be there yet ?
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| AUBREY | ... beg pardon ?
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| EMILY | Papa. Will he be in Heaven now ?
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| AUBREY | I dare say. Having a good old chin-wag, I shouldn't wonder. Don't you think, Cressida?
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| CRESSIDA | Yes, I expect so.
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| EMILY | But only if he's judged worthy, only if God finds him worthy.
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| CRESSIDA | Emily ...
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| EMILY | Isn't that right, Uncle Aubrey ?
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| AUBREY | Your father was the most righteous of men, I'm sure God -
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| EMILY | Otherwise he'll burn in Hell, he'll be sent to Hell and burn for all eternity. That's what happens to the wicked, to the sinful. That's why we must always be good.
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| CRESSIDA | Emily Arlington, that is quite enough.
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| EMILY | Yes, Mama.
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(RICHARD approaches with ISOBEL. He nods, stands awkward, fumbling his hat)
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| RICHARD | Your Ladyship.
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| CRESSIDA | Mr Harker.
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| RICHARD | I don't quite know what to say.
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| CRESSIDA | Then perhaps it's best you say nothing.
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| RICHARD | I wasn't even sure I should come.
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| CRESSIDA | My husband considered you a friend, Mr Harker.
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| RICHARD | What I meant was -
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| CRESSIDA | I know what you meant. No-one blames you, least of all me, please don't torment yourself. Toby wouldn't want that.
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| RICHARD | No. No, he wouldn't.
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(ISOBEL shivers against the cold)
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| ISOBEL | It's no use, the blood's too thin. Mr Harker - would you be so kind as to see me to my carriage ?
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| RICHARD | Of course, your Ladyship.
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(As he leads ISOBEL off-stage ...)
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| AUBREY | Poor fellow, must be dreadful.
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(DOROTHY & MABEL bustle up)
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| MABEL | You don't remember us, do you ?
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| AUBREY | (escaping) See you back at the house, Cressida.
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| MABEL | Mabel and Dorothy. I'm Mabel ...
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| DOROTHY | ... and I'm Dorothy.
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| MABEL | We're cousins ...
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| DOROTHY | Cousins of Toby.
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| MABEL | Twice removed. From Bridlington.
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| DOROTHY | Bridlington.
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| MABEL | You came to Sunday tea seven years ago.
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| DOROTHY | August, late August.
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| MABEL | Only it rained and the Summer house leaked. Uncle George was there.
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| DOROTHY | You must remember Uncle George?
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| MABEL | No matter, my dear, I'm sure it'll come back. And this must be Emily? My, my ... how she's grown.
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| DOROTHY | Hasn't she grown?
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| MABEL | Quite the young lady, and how are you, my dear?
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| DOROTHY | Yes, how are you ?
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| EMILY | We 've just buried Father. How do you suppose I am ?
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| DOROTHY | ... oh ...
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| CRESSIDA | Emily !
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| EMILY | Well really, Mama - what a silly question.
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| DOROTHY | What I meant, what we meant, that is to say-
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| MABEL | Do be quiet, Dorothy. Well said, Emily. Plain speaking and plain living, these are Arlington virtues, are they not ?
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(Distant thunder. CRESSIDA raises her eyes to the darkening sky)
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| MABEL | Wouldn't you agree, Cressida ?
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| CRESSIDA | It's going to rain.
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| MABEL | Poor dear, you look exhausted.
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| CRESSIDA | It's been a difficult time.
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| MABEL | You must be brave.
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| DOROTHY | Oh yes,...yes, do be brave, you must be brave.
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| MABEL | You won't always feel like this.
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| DOROTHY | Oh no, not at all. Time, time can be a great -
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| CRESSIDA | You're both very kind, but I think I should like to be alone now.
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| MABEL | Of course, my dear. Dorothy ! And you Emily ...
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| CRESSIDA | moves upstage as MABEL ushers them off
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| MABEL | Now, now - come along. Mama needs to be alone with her grief.
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(CRESSIDA now stands alone, head lowered, staring into the grave
The Cold Wind rises Thunder rumbles closer
Slow fade to Black
From Black, a crash and shudder of white Light, reveals ...
ISOBEL, sitting hunched in a downstage chair, muttering)
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| ISOBEL | ... gone, all gone ... all gone, dead and gone.
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(A Man laughs in the Dark
Lights slowly rise as ISOBEL looks behind and calls to her dead son)
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| ISOBEL | Toby ? Toby ... ?
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| | (DOCTOR Shawcross laughs again ...
The SHADOWY FIGURES upstage assume the identity of the MOURNERS
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| MRS HODGE | weaves between them, serving sherry from a silver tray
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| EMILY | approaches ISOBEL ...)
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| EMILY | ... Gran ? Gran ... ?
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| ISOBEL | Toby ... ?
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| EMILY | It's me - Emily.
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| AUBREY | ... revenge, passion, murder ...
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| ISOBEL | I thought ... for a moment I thought ...
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| AUBREY | ... it's all there ...
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| ISOBEL | Your father.
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| AUBREY | ... sure to be a roaring success.
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| RICHARD | ... I'm sorry ?
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| ISOBEL | I was remembering your father.
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| AUBREY | My memoirs, dear boy. I was rather hoping you might help with a publisher ?
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| RICHARD | Aubrey, I run a village bookshop, I stack books and I dust shelves, what possible influence - ?
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| AUBREY | I was rather depending on you.
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(MRS HODGE approaches CRESSIDA & the RECTOR, bobs)
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| MRS HODGE | Beggin' your pardon, Ma'am. Cook wants to know how many for dinner ?
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| EMILY | Wasn't it horrible ?
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| ISOBEL | Horrible ?
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| EMILY | I didn't realise it would be so horrible.
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| ISOBEL | What's horrible ?
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| EMILY | Being buried, being left to rot. You're old. You'll be dead soon. Doesn't it scare you?
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| ISOBEL | ... what !
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| EMILY | Doesn't it frighten you ?
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| ISOBEL | Wretched girl ! There you go again !
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| EMILY | It frightens me.
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| ISOBEL | Why can't you think before you speak ?
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| EMILY | But I do. Gran, I always do.
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| ISOBEL | Get out of my sight ! Go on ... get away, get away !
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(EMILY retreats, wanders between the MOURNERS eavesdropping)
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| MABEL | And are you a married man, Doctor ?
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| DOCTOR | A widower these past five years.
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| MABEL | ... indeed ? I'm so sorry.
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| DOROTHY | We're so sorry.
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| MABEL | I'm sure there must be times when you find it very lonely?
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| RECTOR | As recent incumbent, I didn't know your husband terribly well, Lady Arlington, but I understand him to have been a God-fearing man of unusual zeal and, er ... conviction ?
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| CRESSIDA | He held strong views, Rector. And frequently expressed them.
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| RECTOR | So I believe. But we are all united in Christ, are we not? Which brings me to a rather important matter concerning - Oh. Hello ...
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| CRESSIDA | Say hello to the Rector, Emily.
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| RECTOR | Perhaps we're feeling a little shy, are we ? ... hm ?
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| EMILY | Do you think it fitting for a man of God to drink alcohol?
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| RECTOR | (laughing) ... oh, I say.
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| CRESSIDA | Emily !
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| EMILY | Papa always said you were far too liberal.
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| RECTOR | Did he indeed ?
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| CRESSIDA | Emily !
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| RECTOR | No, no, please - not on my account.
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| RECTOR | Mind you, she's certainly her father's child.
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| AUBREY | The Basingstoke Strangler. Now that was my true moment of glory. I was in all the papers. Oh yes. Pictures and everything.
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| DOCTOR | Aye well, ladies ...
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| AUBREY | National hero, no less.
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| DOCTOR | ... never forget, it come to us all.
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| MABEL | (sourly) ... indeed ...
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| DOCTOR | When your time's up, your time's up.
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| MABEL | ... quite ...
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| DOCTOR | None of us are immune.
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| DOROTHY | ... none of us.
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| DOCTOR | Yet so few are prepared.
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| MABEL | Indeed, quite so, Doctor. But do tell - what exactly happened ?
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| RECTOR | I was wondering therefore if we might usefully consider some kind of tribute to his memory ? The refurbishment of the organ, perhaps?
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| MABEL | We are cousins of the deceased, Doctor Shawcross. We have travelled a great distance.
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| DOROTHY | Yes, a great, a very great -
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| MABEL | Surely we have a right to know ?
SHAWCROSS relents, huddles them together ...
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| RECTOR | As I recall our greatest poet once said, and I myself entirely agree - Music ... music is -
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| MABEL | ... poison !
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| DOROTHY | ... poison ?
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| DOCTOR | ... no, no - food poisoning !
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(A sudden lull - all eyes turn to SHAWCROSS)
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| DOCTOR | Corned beef, a corned beef -
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(SHAWCROSS discovers he's at the centre of the sudden silence. He smiles woodenly. Conversation politely continues ...)
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| RECTOR | ... suitably inscribed, of course. Nothing vulgar, ostentatious. Something plain and simple. A tasteful brass plaque, perhaps - " In loving memory of a dear, departed - "
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| CRESSIDA | Forgive me ... my ... my husband rarely approved of music.
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| RECTOR | What ? Not even in Church ?
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| CRESSIDA | He'd have considered an organ far too frivolous.
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| RECTOR | ... frivolous ?
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| CRESSIDA | (leaving) Will you excuse me ?
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| MABEL | (whispering) ... corned beef ?
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| DOCTOR | ... a sandwich ... a corned beef sandwich.
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(SHAWCROSS chews with relish as MABEL & DOROTHY scrutinise their sandwiches)
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| MABEL | ... good gracious ...
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| DOROTHY | ... how awful ...
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(Seeing CRESSIDA, they smile and bravely eat. RICHARD escapes AUBREY)
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| RICHARD | Will you excuse me ...
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| | (Before he can reach CRESSIDA he's confronted by MABEL & DOROTHY
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| MABEL | We understand you're the gentleman who poisoned cousin Toby ?
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| DOROTHY | ... poisoned cousin Toby.
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| RICHARD | Well, I ... I wouldn't quite put it like that.
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| MABEL | We hoped you might tell us about the Inquest.
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| DOROTHY | Oh yes, the Inquest. If it's not -
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| MABEL | If it's not too painful.
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| RICHARD | I'm sorry ladies, but I'd really rather -
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| MABEL | Young man, we have travelled all the way from Bridlington.
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| DOROTHY | ... Bridlington.
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| MABEL | A considerable distance.
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| RICHARD | Yes, well - I do hope you have a pleasant journey back. Now if you'll please excuse me, I should like to-
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| ISOBEL | thumps her Stick ...
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| ISOBEL | Cressida - a word, if you please.
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| AUBREY | But for me ... for me, you see, it was always a question of psychology - I assume you're familiar with Freud ?
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| DOCTOR | Away with you - me ? You've the wrong man, Inspector - I'm strictly potions and lotions.
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| AUBREY | Then you forfeit a whole world of discovery.
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(EMILY stands beside RICHARD)
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| EMILY | Look at them ...
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| AUBREY | I've spent my entire life probing human nature ...
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| EMILY | ... drinking and smoking ...
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| AUBREY | ... albeit the darker side.
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| EMILY | ... laughing and joking ...
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| RICHARD | Hello, Emily.
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| EMILY | It's like a party. I thought we were supposed to be mourning the dead ?
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| RICHARD | Each in their own way, Emily. Don't be too ready to judge.
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| EMILY | They couldn't care a fig. The alcohol was Mama's idea. I think it's shameful.
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(EMILY begins to wander off again, RICHARD follows)
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| RICHARD | Come now ... is it really such a sin ? A drop of sherry never -
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| EMILY | A drop can lead to an ocean, Mr Harker. And you well know how Papa felt. Mama's making her mark, you see.
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| EMILY | Gran's furious. They had a terrible row.
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| RICHARD | sits beside her
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| RICHARD | Well, there are bound to be changes, and I'm sure once your mother-
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| EMILY | Everything changes. Everything dies. Don't you think that's cruel ?
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| RICHARD | It's not cruel, Emily, it's just life. It's the price we pay.
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| EMILY | Papa died like a dog. Why does God allow such things ? All-seeing, all-powerful - yet He does nothing ? That seems very cruel to me, Mr Harker.
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(CRESSIDA approaches ...)
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| CRESSIDA | Have you tried the chocolate cake ? It's delicious. Emily?
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| EMILY | Why were you laughing ?
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| CRESSIDA | Laughing ? Was I ?
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| EMILY | You were laughing. I saw you. Have you no respect?
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| RICHARD | Now listen here, young lady, that's no way to -
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| CRESSIDA | I'll deal with this, Mr Harker. Darling, what is it ? You're being -
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| EMILY | Don't touch me !
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| CRESSIDA | I'm only trying to -
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| EMILY | (standing) Leave me alone ! Leave me alone! Hypocrites!
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(All eyes turn to EMILY. She points accusingly ...)
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| EMILY | Hypocrites! All of you! Sinners!
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(She bolts off-stage, screaming ...)
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| EMILY | Sinners! Sinners and hypocrites!
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| CRESSIDA | I'm ... I'm so sorry.
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(Blackout
Distant Thunder as a pale pool of Light slowly
rises on ...
... EMILY, squatting on the Library floor, nursing
a long-loved Rag Doll and sadly singing ...)
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| EMILY | Row, row, row the boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream
Row, row, row the boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily -
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| CRESSIDA | (off) Emily ... Emily ...
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(Still lost in her private world, EMILY echoes
tunefully ...)
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| EMILY | ... emily, emily ... merrily, merrily ...
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| CRESSIDA | (closer) Emily ...
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(She suddenly looks round, panics, protectively
grips her Doll)
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| EMILY | ... punished ... I'll be punished ... no, no, please, no - hide, hide ... we must hide.
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(She scrambles into the upstage Shadows. CRESSIDA
enters ...)
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| CRESSIDA | Emily ... ?
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(More Thunder. CRESSIDA enters a little further, suddenly turns and sees ...
... RICHARD)
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| CRESSIDA | Oh, it's you. You gave me such a -
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| RICHARD | I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle. (pause) That was quite an outburst.
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| CRESSIDA | She's upset, she's been very upset. It's perfectly normal.
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| RICHARD | Of course. Of course it is. And what of you ? You seem to be coping remarkably well.
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| CRESSIDA | Am I ? Heaven knows how. I feel as if I'm living in a dream. Nothing seems real. I just watch myself do things. It's the strangest feeling.
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| RICHARD | You'll be fine.
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(A sudden gush of emotion - RICHARD holds and comforts her ...)
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| CRESSIDA | I still can't believe it. He's dead. Richard, he's dead. The fat old pig's dead. Lock the door.
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| RICHARD | Cressida ...
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| CRESSIDA | Lock the door.
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| RICHARD | We can't, not today.
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| CRESSIDA | Today is the happiest day of my life. Now lock the door.
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| RICHARD | You're incorrigible.
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| CRESSIDA | Isn't that what you like, hm ? Isn't it ?
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(Kissing him as he turns and locks the door)
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| CRESSIDA | ... love you, love you, love you ...
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(EMILY edges into the half-light, observes ...)
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| CRESSIDA | Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly. Well, my darling demon? Will you come?
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| RICHARD | Cressida ...
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| CRESSIDA | Will you come in my parlour?
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(As he kisses her, she gently pulls him to the floor ...)
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| CRESSIDA | ... that's better ... much better ...
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(More Thunder and shuddering Light reveals ...
... EMILY - twisting the neck of her Rag Doll as she watches her mother make love
Blackout
The Storm fades to Silence
Lights rise upstage on CRESSIDA, methodically brushing EMILY's long hair as she sits in her Rocking Chair
After a pause ...)
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| EMILY | Why did you marry Papa ?
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(The Hairbrush pauses ...)
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| CRESSIDA | What a question.
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| EMILY | Did you love him ?
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| CRESSIDA | Darling, I really don't think -
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| EMILY | Did you ? Did you truly ? Did you really truly love him ?
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| CRESSIDA | Emily, please - I'm very tired.
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| EMILY | Papa always said the devil was beautiful.
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| CRESSIDA | What ?
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| EMILY | The devil, the darling devil.
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| CRESSIDA | What on earth are you talking about ?
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| EMILY | The seducer of Eve. He who brings sin and corruption into the world.
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| CRESSIDA | That's your father talking.
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| EMILY | Father's dead.
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| CRESSIDA | What I meant was -
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| EMILY | How did he die ?
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| CRESSIDA | I hardly think it an appropriate -
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| EMILY | How, Mother ? I know it was food poisoning, but how ?
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| CRESSIDA | ... corned beef. Silly, isn't it ? A tin of corned beef. Your father and Mr Harker always shared sandwiches when they went fishing.
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| EMILY | If they shared, why didn't they both die ?
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| CRESSIDA | I don't know.
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| EMILY | Don't you think it strange ?
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| CRESSIDA | Strange ? Why strange ?
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| EMILY | I think it's strange.
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| CRESSIDA | Don't be silly.
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| EMILY | I am not silly !
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| CRESSIDA | What I meant, what I meant was Mr Harker's younger, and ... and healthier and - oh, for heaven's sake, I'm not a doctor.
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(She fumbles the Hairbrush)
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| CRESSIDA | Oh, that'll do. Kiss me goodnight.
Emily ... ?
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| EMILY | (looking away) I shall pray for you.
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| CRESSIDA | And I ... I shall pray for you.
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(Fade to Black
Mrs HODGE enters with an Oil-lamp, aiding ISOBEL
to a downstage chair. ISOBEL now wears a nightdress
& gown)
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| ISOBEL | Thank you, Mrs Hodge.
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| MRS HODGE | Shall I not be helping you to bed ?
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| ISOBEL | Let me sit awhile.
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| MRS HODGE | I'll get you some hot milk. A little brandy, maybe.
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| ISOBEL | Brandy ?
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| MRS HODGE | Just to help you sleep.
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| ISOBEL | Very well, if you insist. But I shan't sleep tonight.
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| MRS HODGE | Now, now - you mustn't be too hard on her.
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| ISOBEL | Isn't that for me to judge ?
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| MRS HODGE | Course, ma'am, certainly. Only it's such a difficult time, isn't it ? What with her being, well, you know - half child, half woman. Not that I'm making excuses mind, far from it, but -
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| ISOBEL | She has disgraced us all. Is it any wonder no decent school will have her ?
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| MRS HODGE | Yes, ma'am, only -
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| ISOBEL | Thank you, Mrs Hodge. You may go.
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| MRS HODGE | (bobbing) Yes, ma'am.
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(As she leaves, CRESSIDA enters ...)
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| CRESSIDA | I've come to say goodnight.
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| ISOBEL | Well ? Did you beat her ? I thought as much.
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| CRESSIDA | There's been enough of that.
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| ISOBEL | Spare the rod and spoil the child. Is that what you want?
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| CRESSIDA | Please ... let's not quarrel.
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| ISOBEL | That outburst was unforgivable. Toby must be turning in his grave.
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| CRESSIDA | Isobel - she's very distressed.
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| ISOBEL | Distressed ? What about me ? Am I not distressed ? How do you imagine I feel ? To bury one's own child is the worst thing in the world. Haven't I suffered enough ?
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| CRESSIDA | I think we all have.
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| ISOBEL | Yes. Yes, you're right. I have lost a son, but you have not only lost a dear husband but also the father of your child. Forgive me, you must think me very selfish.
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| CRESSIDA | There's nothing to forgive.
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| ISOBEL | I do so admire your fortitude.
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| CRESSIDA | We each grieve in our own way.
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| CRESSIDA | I was wondering if next week you might care to play a little bridge ?
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| ISOBEL | ... bridge ?
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| CRESSIDA | I suppose it is rather soon. Only I know how much you enjoy it.
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| ISOBEL | Next week, you say ?
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| CRESSIDA | Or the week after, if you -
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| ISOBEL | No, no. I'm sure Bridge and a cold supper wouldn't be considered too excessive. But no alcohol ... on that I insist.
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| CRESSIDA | Agreed. I'll invite Aubrey then, shall I ?
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| ISOBEL | Provided he doesn't prattle endlessly about his blessed book.
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| CRESSIDA | We will of course need a fourth. Isobel...?
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| ISOBEL | Yes, yes - I'm not deaf. What about Colonel Hutchins ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Yes. Why not ? Oh ... I do believe the Colonel's in Town all next week.
|
| ISOBEL | Really ?
|
| CRESSIDA | And the week after.
|
| ISOBEL | I don't re-call him -
|
| CRESSIDA | I'm sure he said something. What about Mr Harker?
|
| ISOBEL | ... Harker ? Have you lost all sense of propriety ? Fishing is one thing, Cressida - Bridge is quite another ! Heaven's above, his people are scarcely better than peasants. Pig farmers, I believe.
|
| CRESSIDA | Aren't you being rather stuffy ? He did go to University.
|
| ISOBEL | And where's it got him - a common bookseller !
|
| CRESSIDA | Considering his limited means, he's always perfectly presentable. And more to the point - he plays a fine hand.
|
| ISOBEL | Does he indeed ? Toby never mentioned -
|
| CRESSIDA | Toby taught him.
|
| ISOBEL | Really ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Very well by all accounts, but if you
still don't think he's suitable?
|
| ISOBEL | I suppose he does have a certain vulgar charm.
|
| CRESSIDA | I'll ask him then, shall I ?
|
| ISOBEL | Doctor Shawcross - he plays doesn't he ?
|
| CRESSIDA | No ... no, I don't think so.
|
| ISOBEL | Yes, I'm sure. And I do believe he's rather good.
|
| CRESSIDA | Oh. Well if you're certain, if you're absolutely sure. That's ... that's settled then. Only...
|
| ISOBEL | ... only what ?
|
| CRESSIDA | It's really rather embarrassing. It's just ... well, sometimes ... sometimes the way he looks at me ...
|
| ISOBEL | What ? You mean - ?
|
| CRESSIDA | ... even today.
|
| ISOBEL | Today ! Has the man no shame ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Apparently not. I'll ask Mr Harker then, shall I ?
|
| ISOBEL | ... hm ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Mr Harker ... ?
|
| ISOBEL | There's really no-one else, is there ? Very well. (rising) Thank you, my dear, most thoughtful. I shall look forward to it. Help me to my bed, would you ...?
|
| |
(CRESSIDA picks up the Oil-lamp and leads them off
Fade to Black
From Black, we hear ...)
|
|
| AUBREY | It was indeed murder most foul. Indeed it was at that moment, that very moment, as the true horror gripped my heart, that I knew...
|
| |
(Lights rise on AUBREY, pacing to and fro, reciting histrionically from his manuscript. EMILY sits on a stool)
|
|
| AUBREY | ... knew in my bones, indeed in my very soul, that I would never, never rest until this outrageous outrage - outrageous outrage? Doesn't sound right, does it? Top-notch stuff, though, eh? Rather reminds one of Conrad, don't you think?
|
| EMILY | But why ? Why do people murder ?
|
| AUBREY | Good heavens, any number of reasons - greed, revenge, passion.
|
| EMILY | ... passion ?
|
| AUBREY | It's when, er, when we allow our emotions to be ruled by-
|
| EMILY | ... desire ? Desire of the flesh ?
|
| AUBREY | Exactly.
|
| EMILY | Lust. Adultery. Fornication ... ?
|
| AUBREY | Yes, all that ... all that type of thing.
|
| EMILY | ... like animals ... grunting and groaning like beasts of the field.
|
| AUBREY | We're all animals, Emily. Or so Mr Darwin would have us believe.
|
| EMILY | Papa says Darwin is a Son of Satan.
|
| AUBREY | That's somewhat strong. Your father always was a man of somewhat extreme - my dear girl, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to -
|
| EMILY | It's not you.
|
| AUBREY | Then what ? What is it, Emily ?
|
| EMILY | Everything. The whole world's upside-down and I don't know who to trust anymore.
|
| AUBREY | Can't you even trust me ?
|
| EMILY | He might've used a spell ...
|
| AUBREY | Who might ?
|
| EMILY | Mr Harker. He's a beast and a devil, a devil and a demon.
|
| AUBREY | Now Emily ... haven't we spoken before about-?
|
| EMILY | It's not a game, it's not. You're a detective, you should know. Isn't it obvious ? He's covered with hair, covered with hair and he grunts, he grunts, he grunts like a pig.
|
| AUBREY | But you've always liked him ...
|
| EMILY | He's wicked ... full of sin.
|
| AUBREY | That's your father speaking.
|
| EMILY | How can he speak if he's dead ?
|
| AUBREY | It's just an expression.
|
| EMILY | Of what ? An expression of what ?
|
| AUBREY | Never mind that. I want to know why you suddenly hate Richard ? You must surely have a reason ?
|
| EMILY | ... can't ... can't say ...
|
| AUBREY | Can't or won't ?
|
| EMILY | I knew you wouldn't believe me.
|
| AUBREY | I don't believe you because I know it's not true.
|
| EMILY | How do you know ? How can you possibly ?
|
| AUBREY | I think I know the human character better than most. Richard's a fine fellow, salt of the earth. I'd stake my reputation on it.
|
| EMILY | (standing) Thank you for the cocoa.
|
| AUBREY | Don't you want any cake ? I bought it specially.
|
| EMILY | I liked your book.
|
| AUBREY | You did ?
|
| EMILY | It was very interesting.
|
| AUBREY | Splendid ! Tricky stuff this authoring business, particularly autobiography. Living one's whole life again, all the good and all the bad. Especially the bad. Dear oh dear, yes, indeed ... makes one rather, what's the word ?
|
| EMILY | May I borrow it ?
|
| AUBREY | ... hm ?
|
| EMILY | Your book ?
|
| AUBREY | Oh. Well, I've only the one copy. But when it's published, I promise you'll be among the first -
|
| EMILY | Then may I borrow another ?
|
| AUBREY | What kind ? An adventure, perhaps ? Jules Verne?
|
| EMILY | The same as yours. A book about murder. I know you have lots and lots.
|
| AUBREY | Well yes, but I'm far from certain your mother would approve.
|
| EMILY | Please.
|
| AUBREY | Unless, of course ... He goes upstage, gets a distinctive, slim leather-bound volume
|
| AUBREY | ... unless you want the very best ? Hm ? La creme de la creme, so to speak. There we are. I think you'll find this fits the bill. Take it ... a little present.
|
|
| EMILY | Thank you.
|
| AUBREY | ... I'll get your cloak.
|
| | (AUBREY exits.
|
| EMILY | begins to read and Lights change as the Book begins to cast its spell - she becomes progressively captivated, circling her way upstage, and finally sitting in her Rocking Chair
The Chair rocks and the Cold Wind rises. EMILY lowersthe Book, ponders)
|
| EMILY | ... a month, a little month ?
|
| |
(She considers this, returns to her Book. Lights begin to change when CRESSIDA enters
Now free of funereal black, she hums a sweet song, showing off a new evening dress)
|
|
| CRESSIDA | Well ? Do you like it ? Emily ... ?
|
| EMILY | A beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer.
|
| CRESSIDA | What ? What did you say ?
|
| EMILY | ... wormwood ...
|
| CRESSIDA | Don't you like it ?
|
| EMILY | Widow Wormwood.
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily ... ?
|
| EMILY | Emily's gone. Emily's dead.
|
| CRESSIDA | Dead ? Whatever do you mean, dead ?
|
| |
(The Cold Wind disappears)
|
|
| EMILY | It's because he's coming, isn't it ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Who ? Mr Harker ?
|
| EMILY | That's why you're so happy.
|
| CRESSIDA | It'll be nice to see him of course, but he was always your father's friend, not mine. What are you reading ? May I see?
|
| |
(EMILY contorts her body, protecting her Book)
|
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily - I should like to see your book.
|
| |
(EMILY complies. CRESSIDA opens it, smiles ...)
|
|
| CRESSIDA | Ah - Shakespeare ... very good. There now. Was that so terribly difficult (returning it) You see - there's no need to be so secretive.
|
| EMILY | It's because he's coming, isn't it ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Who ? You mean Mr Harker ?
|
| EMILY | Can't you see ? He's put a spell on you.
|
| CRESSIDA | ... a spell ?
|
| EMILY | You're bewitched.
|
| CRESSIDA | (amused) Am I indeed ? Well, what if I am ?
|
| EMILY | You admit it ?
|
| CRESSIDA | I like him well enough. I rather thought you did too ... ?
|
| EMILY | I hate him.
|
| CRESSIDA | Don't be silly.
|
| EMILY | I am not being silly ! Repent ! Mother, you must repent !
|
| CRESSIDA | ... what ?
|
| EMILY | Confess yourself to Heaven, repent what's past or you'll burn in hell! You'll burn in hell for all -
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily ...
|
| EMILY | Your soul is in mortal danger !
|
| CRESSIDA | I won't ... I won't have you spoiling things, I won't.
|
| EMILY | Pray, mother, pray. Pray God will -
|
| |
(Cressida slaps her face.
She stands stunned and full of remorse ...
Blackout
A Carriage Clock tinkles Seven - Lights rise on Richard as Mrs Hodge enters)
|
|
| RICHARD | Any chance of a drop of Scotch, Mrs Hodge ?
|
| MRS HODGE | 'Fraid not, sir. Lady Isobel doesn't think it proper.
|
| RICHARD | ... oh ...
|
| MRS HODGE | I could get you a cup of tea ?
|
| RICHARD | No ... no, thank you.
|
| MRS HODGE | Glass of hot milk ? That'll warm you.
|
| RICHARD | Not quite the same, is it ?
|
| MRS HODGE | I wouldn't know, sir.
|
|
| CRESSIDA | Richard ...
|
| RICHARD | My, my ... what a boobydazzler !
|
| CRESSIDA | You don't think it's too - ?
|
| RICHARD | You're a sight for sore eyes, believe me.
|
| CRESSIDA | Thank you.
|
| |
(Pause - Mrs Hodge arranges Chairs ...)
|
|
| RICHARD | So, er ... so how are you keeping ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Fine. I'm fine. And you ?
|
| RICHARD | Oh, not so bad. Busy. Keeping busy.
|
| CRESSIDA | Mrs Hodge ... ?
|
| MRS HODGE | Yes, ma'am ?
|
| CRESSIDA | There are some fresh playing cards on my dressing table. Would you kindly fetch them?
|
| MRS HODGE | ... yes, ma'am ...
|
|
| RICHARD | What's wrong ? Something's wrong ...
|
| CRESSIDA | Nothing's wrong.
|
| RICHARD | Cressida ...
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily's being difficult, that's all.
|
| RICHARD | Nothing else ?
|
| CRESSIDA | No.
|
| RICHARD | You're sure ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Everything's fine ... relax.
|
| RICHARD | ... relax ? I've hardly slept a wink. And when I do finally get off, all I dream of is dummies and no-trumps and -
|
| CRESSIDA | You mean you don't dream of me ?
|
| RICHARD | I'm glad you find it so amusing. Whatever possessed you ? Couldn't you have suggested Whist or ... or poker or something ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Courage, mon brave.
|
| RICHARD | For heaven's sake, woman - you can't learn Bridge just from a book.
|
| CRESSIDA | You can do anything. Now shush and let me look at you ... oh, yes, very elegant, very - distinguished. Every inch the gentleman. In fact, quite the aristocrat.
|
| RICHARD | Just because I ape my betters, doesn't mean I approve of them.
|
| CRESSIDA | (kissing him) But you do approve of me ?
|
| RICHARD | Does the fly approve of the spider ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Aren't we the clever one ? Next time I shall wrap you in my web and gobble you up ... gobble, gobble, gobble. Would you like that ? Hm ? Would you like - ?
|
| RICHARD | ... careful !
|
| |
(The door opens and Isobel enters. Richard goes to her ...)
|
|
| RICHARD | Lady Isobel ... how very kind of you to -
|
| ISOBEL | One moment, Mr Harker. Cressida - do you really think that dress to be appropriate ?
|
| CRESSIDA | I didn't think it unsuitable, no.
|
| ISOBEL | (picking her way to the table) It is altogether too colourful.
|
| RICHARD | I'm sure Toby wouldn't -
|
| ISOBEL | This does not concern you, Mr Harker.
|
| CRESSIDA | Would you like me to change ?
|
| ISOBEL | I should like you to be a little more sensitive. (sitting) Mr Harker, in the circumstances you may call me Isobel and I shall call you Richard - is that agreeable ?
|
| RICHARD | Yes, most ... most agreeable.
|
| |
(Mrs Hodge enters, announces ...)
|
|
| MRS HODGE | Inspector Dachett ...
|
| |
(Aubrey enters, rubbing life into his cold hands)
|
|
| AUBREY | Not late, am I ? Such a clear night, thought I'd walk. (kissing her) Cressida, my dear, you look stunning, absolutely stunning.
|
| CRESSIDA | Thank you, Aubrey.
|
| AUBREY | (shaking hands) Richard ...
|
| RICHARD | ... you're frozen.
|
| AUBREY | Yes, it's damn cold. Begging your pardon, Isobel. (kissing her) So how are you, old girl ? Don't you think Cressida looks a picture ?
|
| ISOBEL | We don't seem to have any cards.
|
| CRESSIDA | Mrs Hodge is fetching some.
|
| AUBREY | I say, you'll never guess what I've just found - a doll. Emily's, isn't it? Gertrude, or Charlotte, or something ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Cassandra ... her favourite. Where did you find it ?
|
| AUBREY | That's the thing, most peculiar. I was walking along by the edge of the forest, thinking about my final chapter - the one I told you about, Richard. The Basingstoke Strangler. Proving to be a bit of a pig, I don't mind telling you -
|
| ISOBEL | Get on with it, man.
|
| AUBREY | ... hm ? Oh, yes - sorry. Anyway, there I was, musing away, when I noticed something decidedly strange. I know moonlight plays tricks, but it seemed as if it were floating ...
|
| CRESSIDA | You mean, the doll ... the doll was - ?
|
| AUBREY | Yes - floating. Or so it seemed. However, on closer inspection, I discovered it nailed to a tree ...
|
| ISOBEL | ... nailed ?
|
| AUBREY | Look - you can still see the hole ... right through the heart.
|
| RICHARD | I don't think we need an autopsy, Aubrey.
|
| CRESSIDA | I expect it's just another of her games.
|
| ISOBEL | What kind of game is that ?
|
| CRESSIDA | It's a doll, it's only a doll.
|
| |
(Mrs Hodge enters - places Cards on the Table ...)
|
|
| MRS HODGE | ... the cards, ma'am.
|
| CRESSIDA | Thank you.
|
| AUBREY | Thought it rather symbolic myself, death of childhood and all that, what Freud might have -
|
| ISOBEL | Freud be damned ! Your grandfather may have been a monkey but mine certainly wasn't !
|
| AUBREY | I think you mean Darwin.
|
| ISOBEL | Do I ? Well they're as bad as each other - one's an atheist, the other's a heathen. We shall take supper at nine.
|
| MRS HODGE | Very good, ma'am.
|
| ISOBEL | And throw that thing on the fire.
|
| MRS HODGE | She loves that doll, ma'am.
|
| CRESSIDA | Mrs Hodge - I asked you to burn it.
|
| MRS HODGE | Very well, ma'am.
|
| ISOBEL | Shall we cut for partners ?
|
|
| ISOBEL | You and I, Richard. Splendid ! Cressida tells me you're something of an expert ?
|
| RICHARD | Oh, I wouldn't quite -
|
| ISOBEL | Now, now, don't be modest. It flatters a woman, but ill becomes a man. Shall we get on ?
|
| |
(Cross Fade to ...
... Emily, sits in her Rocking Chair, reading. A clock ticks....)
|
|
| EMILY | ... remember, remember, must I remember ? Why, she would hang on him ... hang on him ...
|
|
| EMILY | Aye, old mole ... canst thou hear me ?
|
| |
(The Clock suddenly stops ticking. Then ...
... a Man sobs - at first almost imperceptible, but quickly rising to evoke a surreal and profound sadness ...)
|
|
| EMILY | ... Poppa ? Poppa ... ?
|
| |
(The Cold Wind swells ...)
|
|
| VOICE | I am thy father's spirit.
|
| EMILY | Poppa ...
|
| VOICE | Revenge. Revenge this most foul and unnatural murder. Revenge thy father ...
|
| EMILY | Poppa ...
|
| VOICE | ... remember me ... remember me ...
|
| |
(The Voice fades and the Clock begins to tick. Emily echoes ...)
|
|
| EMILY | ... remember me, remember me ...
|
| |
(The Wind dissipates into laughter from the Bridge game below ...)
|
|
| AUBREY | ... how to tell the good from the bad, they certainly seemed respectable, but I knew ...
|
| RICHARD | Two hearts.
|
| AUBREY | ... knew beyond the slightest doubt ...
|
| CRESSIDA | Two spades.
|
| AUBREY | ... that one of them was a murderer, a mean and squalid soul - cold, ruthless, calculating, capable of any -
|
| ISOBEL | For heaven's sake - do you mind ?
|
| AUBREY | ... hm ? What ?
|
| ISOBEL | I am finding your constant preoccupation with murder and all things gruesome extremely distracting. Three hearts.
|
| AUBREY | You did ask ...
|
| ISOBEL | I was merely being polite - I did not anticipate a twenty minute lecture.
|
| AUBREY | Suppose I do go on. Comes with living on one's own. Only this morning I found myself conversing with the frying pan. There I was -
|
| ISOBEL | Before you embark on yet another sea of prattle, perhaps we might trouble you for a bid?
|
| AUBREY | Three spades.
|
| ISOBEL | And high time too.
|
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily, what are you - ?
|
| |
(Cressida urgently goes to her ...)
Darling, what is it ?
|
|
| EMILY | I've seen Poppa. Poppa's ghost.
|
| AUBREY | ... ghost ?
|
| EMILY | My father's spirit.
|
| ISOBEL | God in heaven ...
|
| CRESSIDA | Poor darling ... it was a dream, only a -
|
| EMILY | It was real.
|
| CRESSIDA | No, no, it was -
|
| EMILY | It was Poppa. He was crying.
|
| ISOBEL | ... crying ?
|
| EMILY | ... crying and crying ...
|
| ISOBEL | You mean Toby ... Toby was actually - ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Isobel ! Darling, that must have been awful, but it was only -
|
| ISOBEL | ... my poor boy ... my poor, dear -
|
| CRESSIDA | Oh, shut up, you stupid woman ! Can't you see ? You're making her worse !
|
| ISOBEL | (rising) How dare you !
|
| AUBREY | Isobel ...
|
| ISOBEL | Never in all my days ...
|
| AUBREY | Steady on, old girl. We're all a bit -
|
| ISOBEL | How dare she speak to me like that ! I'll not have it, Aubrey, I won't!
|
| EMILY | Poppa wants revenge ...
|
| CRESSIDA | ... revenge ?
|
| RICHARD | You mean he spoke ?
|
| EMILY | He said you were a stinging serpent.
|
| RICHARD | He said what ?
|
| EMILY | He said you were horrible, horrible, most horrible.
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily !
|
| EMILY | And that soon ... soon you'll burn in Hell !
|
| CRESSIDA | There are no such things as ghosts, and I'll hear no more of these ridiculous fantasies.
|
| EMILY | He killed Poppa.
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily, please ... this is entirely unacceptable. Richard, I'm ... I'm so sorry.
|
| AUBREY | Listen to me, young lady - what happened was an accident. Yes, Emily - an accident. Don't you think the poor fellow's suffered enough ?
|
| RICHARD | Your father was my friend, I wouldn't hurt him for the -
|
| EMILY | Liar !
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily !
|
| EMILY | See how the serpent smiles !
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily Arlington - you will go to bed at once !
|
| EMILY | Don't you touch me, you whore ... whore ... filthy, filthy whore! That's why, that's why he was crying, that's why -
|
| |
(Isobel smashes down her Stick across the Table ...)
|
|
| ISOBEL | Not another word or God help me I'll beat this madness out of you !
|
| CRESSIDA | Don't you dare !
|
| ISOBEL | One more word and I shall have her sent to the asylum !
|
| |
(Terrified, Emily covers her mouth with crossed hands)
|
|
| CRESSIDA | Don't say that ! Don't you ever - !
|
| ISOBEL | A whore ! She called you a whore ! Is that normal? Is that sane ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Emily - go to your room. Go to your room and stay there.
|
| ISOBEL | Aren't you going to beat her ?
|
| CRESSIDA | There'll be no more of that.
|
|
| RICHARD | I, er ... I think I'll take a breath of air. Anyone care to join me ?
|
| |
(Blackout
The Garden - a Peacock screams in the night.)
|
|
| CRESSIDA | ... is it any wonder ? I could cheerfully strangle her myself. She's as twisted as her son, and that's saying something. Oh Richard, everything was going so well ...
|
| CRESSIDA | ... is it possible ? Is it possible that somehow ... somehow his spirit, his spirit has -
|
| RICHARD | A dream, it was a dream. You said yourself.
|
| CRESSIDA | She knows. Somehow she knows. And how could she possibly know from a dream ?
|
| RICHARD | Cressida - the dead are dead and the dead stay dead.
|
| CRESSIDA | You don't have to live in the damn place !
|
| RICHARD | No. And nor do you.
|
| CRESSIDA | And do what ? Take in washing ?
|
| RICHARD | We'd manage.
|
| CRESSIDA | ... manage.
|
| RICHARD | (kissing her, whispering) Come live with me and be my love and we will all the pleasures prove.
|
| CRESSIDA | ... in two dingy rooms above a bookshop ?
|
| RICHARD | Then, you leave me no choice - I shall have to live with you. I'm asking you to marry me. I see - good enough to eat, but not to wed ... ?
|
| |
(She slaps his face. After a pause)
|
|
| CRESSIDA | I love you.
|
| RICHARD | Then marry me
|
| |
(Bring up pulsing blood ...)
|
|
| RICHARD | .... what's wrong ?
|
| |
(Fade up the deep and laboured Breathing of a dying man ...)
|
|
| RICHARD | .. Cressida ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Don't you hear it ?
|
| |
(The Breathing becomes erratic and distressed ...)
|
|
| RICHARD | Hear what ?
|
| |
(CRESSIDA stares at Richard. She tries to touch his face, but suddenly recoils horrified
The Breathing abruptly stops. Distressed, CRESSIDA runs off leaving RICHARD bemused
Blackout
Lights rise as Cressida & Dr Shawcross approach Emily's Rocking Chair ...)
|
|
| DOCTOR | Hello, Emily ...
|
| |
(No response - the Chair continues to rock)
|
|
| DOCTOR | Emily - do you know who I am ? You do ? So tell me. Tell me who I am. Dear oh dear, hasn't this gone on long enough? You have your poor mother worried sick. Emily - why won't you speak ? Perhaps if I had a wee word with her on my own ?
|
| CRESSIDA | If you really think it necessary.
|
| DOCTOR | It might help.
|
| CRESSIDA | (leaving) Very well ... I shall be in the Conservatory.
|
| DOCTOR | Now will you talk ? Emily - I have no magic wand, I'm only a simple country doctor. But if you'll trust me, whatever it is, I promise I'll try and help. You can't keep it bottled up. That's not healthy, not at all ...
You've seen him again, haven't you ? You have, haven't you ? I know you have - it's written all over your face. What did he say ? What did he tell you ? Emily - what did he tell you ?
|
| |
(The Chair begins to rock faster and faster and a Cold Wind rises ...
Blackout
Silence
Then singing of the Guests drifts closer as they enter with CRESSIDA & RICHARD)
|
|
| GUESTS |
... for they are jolly good fellows
For they are jolly good fellows
For they are jolly good fell ... ows
Which nobody can deny
Which nobody can deny
For they are jolly good fell ... ows
Which nobody can ... nobody can ... nobody can ...
|
| |
(EMILY stands in a spot of light. AUBREY approaches, kneels)
|
|
| AUBREY | ... Emily ?
|
| GUESTS | ... nobody, nobody ... nobody, nobody ...
|
| AUBREY | Emily ...
|
| GUESTS | ... nobody can deny !
|
| |
(A spot rises downstage on ISABEL, sitting grim & furious
GUESTS cheer & applaud)
|
|
| AUBREY | He really is an excellent fellow, you know. And he'd make a fine father, if only you'd give him half a chance. Please, Emily ... won't you even -
|
| |
(Off - Isobel pounds her stick on the floor ...)
|
|
| ISOBEL | And why was I not consulted ? (rising, confronting CRESSIDA) I said, why - ?
|
| CRESSIDA | Because we didn't think for one moment you'd agree.
|
| RICHARD | Lady Isobel, try and understand, we're in love and we -
|
| ISOBEL | Your affection is not at issue. My concern is your suitability. I should have known you had ambitions far above your station. Well it won't do, sir, it won't do at all.
|
| AUBREY | Now Isobel, don't you think -
|
| ISOBEL | Don't you Isobel me. I detect your hand in this, Aubrey, and don't you deny it. You have long been a valued friend but that does not give you the right to meddle. Yes, Aubrey - meddle. It's as clear as day. And as for you pair of ninnies - have you lost leave of your senses ? How dare you applaud this travesty.
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| MABEL | Whatever do you mean ? We naturally assumed Mr Harker -
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| ISOBEL | Harker has neither money not position.
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| MABEL | Oh.
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| DOROTHY | ... oh, dear ...
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| ISOBEL | His people are pig-farmers.
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| MABEL | Oh.
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| DOROTHY | ... oh, dear ...
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| ISOBEL | Precisely. He insinuates himself into the very bosom of our family and you howl your thanks like the mob at the guillotine ? Yes, Dorothy - the guillotine. You may well tremble. God gave us each a place on this Earth. Some He placed high, some He placed low and it is surely not for any of us to go against His holy Will. That is the work of the Devil. That leads to War and Pestilence.
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| RICHARD | Where do you get such ideas ?
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| ISOBEL | Do you deny the word of God ?
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| RICHARD | I deny bigotry and self-interest.
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| ISOBEL | There will be no Wedding. I forbid it.
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| CRESSIDA | Have you quite finished ?
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| RICHARD | I shall speak to you later.
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| CRESSIDA | You'll speak to me now.
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| RICHARD | Cressida, perhaps we should -
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| CRESSIDA | No, Richard - how dare she ! Sixteen years I've lived in this house. Sixteen years living with this old dragon and her foul son. Sixteen years of sheer bloody misery
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| ISOBEL | ... what ?
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| CRESSIDA | And now I've had enough.
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| ISOBEL | God forgive you !
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| CRESSIDA | Richard is good and kind and I love him. And soon ... very soon, I shall marry him. And nothing. Nothing and no-one is going to stop me. Is that understood ? Well, that seems to have cleared the air rather.
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| |
(Off, a Dinner Gong sounds)
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| CRESSIDA | Should any of you feel disgraced by our happiness, I suggest you leave now. If, however, you would like to be our guests for turkey and Christmas pudding, you will be most welcome. Richard ... shall we lead the way ?
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(As they leave, the Guests chatter in hushed whispers. Shawcross approaches Mabel & Dorothy ...)
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| DOCTOR | Now then - may I escort you two bonnie lassies to dinner ?
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| MABEL | (giggling) Doctor Shawcross ... you ought to be ashamed.
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| DOROTHY | ... ashamed ...
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| MABEL | But, well ... the son of a pig-farmer, I really don't know. I mean one must have standards.
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| DOCTOR | Come now ... it's Christmas.
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| DOROTHY | Yes, Mabel - Christmas.
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| DOCTOR | And here's me taking you for a romantic.
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| MABEL | You did ? You do ? Well, if you ... if you really think -
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| DOCTOR | I most certainly do. Aren't you coming through, Emily ?
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| |
(As they leave, Mabel discreetly whispers ...)
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| MABEL | Tell me, Doctor - what exactly's wrong with her ?
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| DOCTOR | I only wish I knew
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(As the other Guests follow, Aubrey approaches Isobel ...)
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| AUBREY | Is it really such a calamity ?
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| ISOBEL | Go away.
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| AUBREY | Isobel, they're in love ...
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| ISOBEL | Don't be sentimental. The man's an upstart, and there's an end of it. But as for her ... as for her. Poor Toby ... scarcely a year, scarcely a year and all but forgotten.
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| AUBREY | They were never happy and well you know it.
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| ISOBEL | Happy or not, he made her a Lady - a woman of character and distinction. Or so I thought.
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| AUBREY | These days even the best of families - damn it, woman, if he makes her happy what else matters ?
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| ISOBEL | If only she'd given him a son, instead of that ... imbecile.
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| AUBREY | Emily needs a father and you need to let a light into your life before it's too damn late.
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| ISOBEL | ... what ?
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| AUBREY | You heard. Too much religion, too little love, that's the trouble with you Arlingtons. Now come on, up you get. Let me take you to dinner
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| ISOBEL | I'd sooner starve.
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| AUBREY | (leaving) Sometimes you make me so angry !
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| ISOBEL | ... oh dear ...
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| ISOBEL | Oh, it's you. Been spying again, have we ? Hm ? Up to your old tricks? Mind you, dumb as you are, you were certainly right about -
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| EMILY | Listen ...
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| ISOBEL | Oh ... finally decided to speak have we ? Well let me tell you, young lady -
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| EMILY | Listen. This time listen ...
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(Emily whispers indistinctly ...)
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| ISOBEL | What's that ? What did you - ? Funeral ... ?
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| EMILY | ... the funeral ... the day of my father's funeral ...
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| |
(More indistinct whispers, then -)
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| ISOBEL | ... fornicated !
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| EMILY | ... ssh !
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| ISOBEL | ... the Library ?
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| EMILY | Now do you understand ?
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| ISOBEL | In the Library !
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| |
(The Guests return, each carrying a candle, singing ...)
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| GUESTS | Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
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| EMILY | It's true. Gran, I swear it's true.
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| |
(The Guests gather round Isobel)
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| GUESTS |
See yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in -
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| ISOBEL | God in Heaven ... how could you !
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| CRESSIDA | What's wrong ?
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| ISOBEL | How could you ?
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| CRESSIDA | I thought you'd be pleased.
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| ISOBEL | ... pleased ?
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| CRESSIDA | Silent Night - it's your favourite.
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| ISOBEL | It's the most disgusting, the most vile, disgusting -
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| |
(... she suddenly falters)
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| AUBREY | Steady on, old girl.
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| RICHARD | We did hope you might do us the honour of -
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| ISOBEL | And as for you ... as for you ...
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(A series of convulsions jerk her body)
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| AUBREY | Isobel ...
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(Mabel & Dorothy scream as Doctor Shawcross urgently approaches)
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| DOCTOR | ... out the way, mind out the way !
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| MABEL | Oh, my dear, my dear !
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(Bring up pulsing blood as we share Emily's mind ...)
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| EMILY | Woe is me to have seen what I have seen.
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| DOCTOR | Hold her head, support her head.
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| EMILY | I am dead, sick at heart, forbid to tell the secrets of my prison house. A father killed, a mother stained, and now ... now this croaking raven doth bellow for revenge.
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| CRESSIDA | What is it, Doctor ?
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| DOCTOR | ... a stroke. And a bad one.
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| |
(The Cold Wind rises ... lights fade to Black) |
End of Act One
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see the "Black Widow" information page.
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