Black Widow

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 ...

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.

The MOURNERS group around an imaginary open grave

RECTOR : Behold, I show you a Mystery ...

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

RECTOR : We shall not all Sleep. But we shall be Changed.

EMILY : ... into what ? Changed into what ?

CRESSIDA : Quiet.

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.

CRESSIDA steps forward, takes a handful of imaginary earth

RECTOR : We therefore commit his body to the ground. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes ...

CRESSIDA releases earth into the Grave

RECTOR : ... dust to dust.

CRESSIDA : Emily.

Emily is staring into the Grave, her fist closed tight

RECTOR : In the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection

CRESSIDA : Emily, please.

RECTOR : Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

MOURNERS : Amen.

EMILY : Will this happen to me ?

ISOBEL : For heaven's sake !

EMILY : Will it, Mama ? Will it happen to me ?

ISOBEL : Questions, questions, even now.

CRESSIDA : Isobel, you are not being helpful. (to Emily) Please, you promised. You promised.

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

DOCTOR : My dear Cressida. what can I say ? Poor Toby - a tragedy, no other word, a terrible, terrible tragedy.

Mrs HODGE rushes up, bobs a curtsey, fighting back her tears

MRS HODGE : Oh, ma'am ... all his life. I knew him all his life.

DOCTOR : Never forget (smoothing her hand) if there's anything I can do, anything at all ...

MRS HODGE : It seems like only yesterday we was - I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't help it.

CRESSIDA : (rescuing her hand) Thank you, Doctor. Hadn't you better be getting back, Mrs Hodge?

MRS HODGE: (bobbing) Of course, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am.

MRS HODGE hurries off. ISOBEL begins to approach, escorted by RICHARD, painfully picking their way with her stick ...

ISOBEL : You seem to have made an excellent recovery ?

RICHARD : Yes, I'm much better, your Ladyship.

ISOBEL : With Toby being somewhat older, I suppose he-

She pauses, rests on her stick

ISOBEL : Don't worry, sometimes I get a little breathless.

AUBREY approaches CRESSIDA & EMILY, sighs ...

AUBREY : Dear oh dear, life can seem so cruel. At least now it's all behind you.

EMILY : Will he be there yet ?

AUBREY : ... beg pardon ?

EMILY : Papa. Will he be in Heaven now ?

AUBREY : I dare say. Having a good old chin-wag, I shouldn't wonder. Don't you think, Cressida ?

CRESSIDA : Yes, I expect so.

EMILY : But only if he's judged worthy, only if God finds him worthy.

CRESSIDA : Emily ...

EMILY : Isn't that right, Uncle Aubrey ?

AUBREY : Your father was the most righteous of men, I'm sure God -

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.

CRESSIDA : Emily Arlington, that is quite enough.

EMILY : Yes, Mama.

RICHARD approaches with ISOBEL. He nods, stands awkward, fumbling his hat

RICHARD : Your Ladyship.

CRESSIDA : Mr Harker.

RICHARD : I don't quite know what to say.

CRESSIDA : Then perhaps it's best you say nothing.

RICHARD : I wasn't even sure I should come.

CRESSIDA : My husband considered you a friend, Mr Harker.

RICHARD : What I meant was -

CRESSIDA : I know what you meant. No-one blames you, least of all me, please don't torment yourself. Toby wouldn't want that.

RICHARD : No. No, he wouldn't.

ISOBEL shivers against the cold

ISOBEL : It's no use, the blood's too thin. Mr Harker - would you be so kind as to see me to my carriage ?

RICHARD : Of course, your Ladyship.

As he leads ISOBEL off-stage ...

AUBREY : Poor fellow, must be dreadful.

DOROTHY & MABEL bustle up

MABEL : You don't remember us, do you ?

AUBREY : (escaping) See you back at the house, Cressida.

MABEL : Mabel and Dorothy. I'm Mabel ...

DOROTHY : ... and I'm Dorothy.

MABEL : We're cousins ...

DOROTHY : Cousins of Toby.

MABEL : Twice removed. From Bridlington.

DOROTHY : Bridlington.

MABEL : You came to Sunday tea seven years ago.

DOROTHY : August, late August.

MABEL : Only it rained and the Summer house leaked. Uncle George was there.

DOROTHY : You must remember Uncle George?

MABEL : No matter, my dear, I'm sure it'll come back. And this must be Emily? My, my ... how she's grown.

DOROTHY : Hasn't she grown?

MABEL : Quite the young lady, and how are you, my dear?

DOROTHY : Yes, how are you ?

EMILY : We 've just buried Father. How do you suppose I am ?

DOROTHY : ... oh ...

CRESSIDA : Emily !

EMILY : Well really, Mama - what a silly question.

DOROTHY : What I meant, what we meant, that is to say-

MABEL : Do be quiet, Dorothy. Well said, Emily. Plain speaking and plain living, these are Arlington virtues, are they not ?

Distant thunder. CRESSIDA raises her eyes to the darkening sky

MABEL : Wouldn't you agree, Cressida ?

CRESSIDA : It's going to rain.

MABEL : Poor dear, you look exhausted.

CRESSIDA : It's been a difficult time.

MABEL : You must be brave.

DOROTHY : Oh yes,...yes, do be brave, you must be brave.

MABEL : You won't always feel like this.

DOROTHY : Oh no, not at all. Time, time can be a great -

CRESSIDA : You're both very kind, but I think I should like to be alone now.

MABEL : Of course, my dear. Dorothy ! And you Emily ...

CRESSIDA moves upstage as MABEL ushers them off

MABEL : Now, now - come along. Mama needs to be alone with her grief.

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

ISOBEL : ... gone, all gone ... all gone, dead and gone.

A Man laughs in the Dark

Lights slowly rise as ISOBEL looks behind and calls to her dead son

ISOBEL : Toby ? Toby ... ?

DOCTOR Shawcross laughs again ...

The SHADOWY FIGURES upstage assume the identity of the MOURNERS

MRS HODGE weaves between them, serving sherry from a silver tray

EMILY approaches ISOBEL ...

EMILY : ... Gran ? Gran ... ?

ISOBEL : Toby ... ?

EMILY : It's me - Emily.

AUBREY : ... revenge, passion, murder ...

ISOBEL : I thought ... for a moment I thought ...

AUBREY : ... it's all there ...

ISOBEL : Your father.

AUBREY : ... sure to be a roaring success.

RICHARD : ... I'm sorry ?

ISOBEL : I was remembering your father.

AUBREY : My memoirs, dear boy. I was rather hoping you might help with a publisher ?

RICHARD : Aubrey, I run a village bookshop, I stack books and I dust shelves, what possible influence - ?

AUBREY : I was rather depending on you.

MRS HODGE approaches CRESSIDA & the RECTOR, bobs

MRS HODGE : Beggin' your pardon, Ma'am. Cook wants to know how many for dinner ?

EMILY : Wasn't it horrible ?

ISOBEL : Horrible ?

EMILY : I didn't realise it would be so horrible.

ISOBEL : What's horrible ?

EMILY : Being buried, being left to rot. You're old. You'll be dead soon. Doesn't it scare you ?

ISOBEL : ... what !

EMILY : Doesn't it frighten you ? ISOBEL : Wretched girl ! There you go again !

EMILY : It frightens me.

ISOBEL : Why can't you think before you speak ?

EMILY : But I do. Gran, I always do.

ISOBEL : Get out of my sight ! Go on ... get away, get away !

EMILY retreats, wanders between the MOURNERS eavesdropping

MABEL : And are you a married man, Doctor ?

DOCTOR : A widower these past five years.

MABEL : ... indeed ? I'm so sorry.

DOROTHY : We're so sorry.

MABEL : I'm sure there must be times when you find it very lonely?

EMILY moves on ...

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 ?

CRESSIDA : He held strong views, Rector. And frequently expressed them.

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 ...

CRESSIDA : Say hello to the Rector, Emily.

RECTOR : Perhaps we're feeling a little shy, are we ? ... hm ?

EMILY : Do you really think it fitting for a man of of the cloth to drink alcohol?

RECTOR : (laughing) ... oh, I say.

CRESSIDA : Emily !

EMILY : Papa always said you were far too liberal.

RECTOR : Did he indeed ?

CRESSIDA : Emily !

RECTOR : No, no, please - not on my account.

EMILY wanders away ...

RECTOR : Mind you, she's certainly her father's child.

AUBREY : The Basingstoke Strangler. Now that was my true moment of glory. I was in all the papers. Oh yes. Pictures and everything.

DOCTOR : Aye well, ladies ...

AUBREY : National hero, no less.

DOCTOR : ... never forget, it come to us all.

MABEL : (sourly) ... indeed ...

DOCTOR : When your time's up, your time's up.

MABEL : ... quite ...

DOCTOR : None of us are immune.

DOROTHY : ... none of us.

DOCTOR : Yet so few are prepared.

MABEL : Indeed, quite so, Doctor. But do tell - what exactly happened ?

RECTOR : I was wondering therefore if we might usefully consider some kind of tribute to his memory ? The refurbishment of the organ, perhaps?

MABEL : We are cousins of the deceased, Doctor Shawcross. We have travelled a great distance.

DOROTHY : Yes, a great, a very great -

MABEL : Surely we have a right to know ?

SHAWCROSS relents, huddles them together ...

RECTOR : As I recall our greatest poet once said, and I myself entirely agree - Music ... music is -

MABEL : ... poison !

DOROTHY : ... poison ?

DOCTOR : ... no, no - food poisoning !

A sudden lull - all eyes turn to SHAWCROSS

DOCTOR : Corned beef, a corned beef -

SHAWCROSS discovers he's at the centre of the sudden silence. He smiles woodenly. Conversation politely continues ...

RECTOR : ... suitably inscribed, of course. Nothing vulgar, ostentatious. Something plain and simple. A tasteful brass plaque, perhaps - "In loving memory of a dear, departed - "

CRESSIDA laughs sadly

CRESSIDA : Forgive me ... my ... my husband rarely approved of music.

RECTOR : What ? Not even in Church ?

CRESSIDA : He'd have considered an organ far too frivolous.

RECTOR : ... frivolous ?

CRESSIDA : (leaving) Will you excuse me ?

MABEL : (whispering) ... corned beef ?

DOCTOR : ... a sandwich ... a corned beef sandwich.

SHAWCROSS chews with relish as MABEL & DOROTHY scrutinise their sandwiches

MABEL : ... good gracious ...

DOROTHY : ... how awful ...

Seeing CRESSIDA, they smile and bravely eat. RICHARD escapes AUBREY

RICHARD : Will you excuse me ...

Before he can reach CRESSIDA he's confronted by MABEL & DOROTHY

MABEL : We understand you're the gentleman who poisoned cousin Toby ?

DOROTHY : ... poisoned cousin Toby.

RICHARD : Well, I ... I wouldn't quite put it like that.

MABEL : We hoped you might tell us about the Inquest.

DOROTHY : Oh yes, the Inquest. If it's not -

MABEL : If it's not too painful.

RICHARD : I'm sorry ladies, but I'd really rather -

MABEL : Young man, we have travelled all the way from Bridlington.

DOROTHY : ... Bridlington.

MABEL : A considerable distance.

RICHARD : Yes, well - I do hope you have a pleasant journey back. Now if you'll please excuse me, I should like to-

ISOBEL thumps her Stick ...

ISOBEL : Cressida - a word, if you please.

CRESSIDA obeys

AUBREY : But for me ... for me, you see, it was always a question of psychology - I assume you're familiar with Freud ?

DOCTOR : Away with you - me ? You've the wrong man, Inspector - I'm strictly potions and lotions.

AUBREY : Then you forfeit a whole world of discovery.

EMILY stands beside RICHARD

EMILY : Look at them ...

AUBREY : I've spent my entire life probing human nature ...

EMILY : ... drinking and smoking ...

AUBREY : ... albeit the darker side.

EMILY : ... laughing and joking ...

RICHARD : Hello, Emily.

EMILY : It's like a party. I thought we were supposed to be mourning the dead ?

RICHARD : Each in their own way, Emily. Don't be too ready to judge.

EMILY : They couldn't care a fig. The alcohol was Mama's idea. I think it's shameful.

EMILY begins to wander off again, RICHARD follows

RICHARD : Come now ... is it really such a sin ? A drop of sherry never -

EMILY : A drop can lead to an ocean, Mr Harker. And you well know how Papa felt. Mama's making her mark, you see.

She sits on a Step

EMILY : Gran's furious. They had a terrible row.

RICHARD sits beside her

RICHARD : Well, there are bound to be changes, and I'm sure once your mother-

EMILY : Everything changes. Everything dies. Don't you think that's cruel ?

RICHARD : It's not cruel, Emily, it's just life. It's the price we pay.

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.

CRESSIDA approaches ...

CRESSIDA : Have you tried the chocolate cake ? It's delicious. Emily?

EMILY : Why were you laughing ?

CRESSIDA : Laughing ? Was I ?

EMILY : You were laughing. I saw you. Have you no respect?

RICHARD : Now listen here, young lady, that's no way to -

CRESSIDA : I'll deal with this, Mr Harker. Darling, what is it ? You're being -

EMILY : Don't touch me !

CRESSIDA : I'm only trying to -

EMILY : (standing) Leave me alone ! Leave me alone! Hypocrites!

All eyes turn to EMILY. She points accusingly ...

EMILY : Hypocrites! All of you! Sinners!

She bolts off-stage, screaming ...

EMILY : Sinners! Sinners and hypocrites!

Pause

CRESSIDA : I'm ... I'm so sorry.

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 ...

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 -

CRESSIDA : (off) Emily ... Emily ...

Still lost in her private world, EMILY echoes tunefully ...

EMILY : ... emily, emily ... merrily, merrily ...

CRESSIDA : (closer) Emily ...

She suddenly looks round, panics, protectively grips her Doll

EMILY : ... punished ... I'll be punished ... no, no, please, no - hide, hide ... we must hide.

She scrambles into the upstage Shadows. CRESSIDA enters ...

CRESSIDA : Emily ... ?

More Thunder. CRESSIDA enters a little further, suddenly turns and sees...

... RICHARD

CRESSIDA : Oh, it's you. You gave me such a -

RICHARD : I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle. (pause) That was quite an outburst.

CRESSIDA : She's upset, she's been very upset. It's perfectly normal.

RICHARD : Of course. Of course it is. And what of you ? You seem to be coping remarkably well.

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.

RICHARD : You'll be fine.

A sudden gush of emotion - RICHARD holds and comforts her ...

CRESSIDA : I still can't believe it. He's dead. Richard, he's dead. The fat old pig's dead. Lock the door.

RICHARD : Cressida ...

CRESSIDA : Lock the door.

RICHARD : We can't, not today.

CRESSIDA : Today is the happiest day of my life. Now lock the door.

Pause. RICHARD smiles

RICHARD : You're incorrigible.

CRESSIDA : Isn't that what you like, hm ? Isn't it ?

Kissing him as he turns and locks the door

CRESSIDA : ... love you, love you, love you ...

EMILY edges into the half-light, observes ...

CRESSIDA : Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly. Well, my darling demon? Will you come?

RICHARD : Cressida ...

CRESSIDA : Will you come in my parlour?

As he kisses her, she gently pulls him to the floor ...

CRESSIDA : ... that's better ... much better ...

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 ...

EMILY : Why did you marry Papa ?

The Hairbrush pauses ...

CRESSIDA : What a question.

EMILY : Did you love him ?

CRESSIDA : Darling, I really don't think -

EMILY : Did you ? Did you truly ? Did you really truly love him ?

CRESSIDA : Emily, please - I'm very tired.

EMILY : Papa always said the devil was beautiful.

CRESSIDA : What ?

EMILY : The devil, the darling devil.

CRESSIDA : What on earth are you talking about ?

EMILY : The seducer of Eve. He who brings sin and corruption into the world.

CRESSIDA : That's your father talking.

EMILY : Father's dead.

CRESSIDA : What I meant was -

EMILY : How did he die ?

CRESSIDA : I hardly think it an appropriate -

EMILY : How, Mother ? I know it was food poisoning, but how ?

Pause

CRESSIDA : ... corned beef. Silly, isn't it ? A tin of corned beef. Your father and Mr Harker always shared sandwiches when they went fishing.

EMILY : If they shared, why didn't they both die ?

CRESSIDA : I don't know.

EMILY : Don't you think it strange ?

CRESSIDA : Strange ? Why strange ?

EMILY : I think it's strange.

CRESSIDA : Don't be silly.

EMILY : I am not silly !

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.

She fumbles the Hairbrush

CRESSIDA : Oh, that'll do. Kiss me goodnight. Emily ... ?

EMILY : (looking away) I shall pray for you.

CRESSIDA : And I ... I shall pray for you.

Fade to Black

Mrs HODGE enters with an Oil-lamp, aiding ISOBEL to a downstage chair. ISOBEL now wears a nightdress & gown

ISOBEL : Thank you, Mrs Hodge.

MRS HODGE : Shall I not be helping you to bed ?

ISOBEL : Let me sit awhile.

MRS HODGE : I'll get you some hot milk. A little brandy, maybe.

ISOBEL : Brandy ?

MRS HODGE : Just to help you sleep.

ISOBEL : Very well, if you insist. But I shan't sleep tonight.

MRS HODGE : Now, now - you mustn't be too hard on her.

ISOBEL : Isn't that for me to judge ?

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 -

ISOBEL : She has disgraced us all. Is it any wonder no decent school will have her ?

MRS HODGE : Yes, ma'am, only -

ISOBEL : Thank you, Mrs Hodge. You may go.

MRS HODGE : (bobbing) Yes, ma'am.

As she leaves, CRESSIDA enters ...

CRESSIDA : I've come to say goodnight.

ISOBEL : Well ? Did you beat her ? I thought as much.

CRESSIDA : There's been enough of that.

ISOBEL : Spare the rod and spoil the child. Is that what you want?

CRESSIDA : Please ... let's not quarrel.

ISOBEL : That outburst was unforgivable. Toby must be turning in his grave.

CRESSIDA : Isobel - she's very distressed.

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 ?

CRESSIDA : I think we all have.

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.

CRESSIDA : There's nothing to forgive.

ISOBEL : I do so admire your fortitude.

CRESSIDA : We each grieve in our own way.

After a pause ...

CRESSIDA : I was wondering if next week you might care to play a little bridge ?

ISOBEL : ... bridge ?

CRESSIDA : I suppose it is rather soon. Only I know how much you enjoy it.

ISOBEL : Next week, you say ?

CRESSIDA : Or the week after, if you -

ISOBEL : No, no. I'm sure Bridge and a cold supper wouldn't be considered too excessive. But no alcohol ... on that I insist.

CRESSIDA : Agreed. I'll invite Aubrey then, shall I ?

ISOBEL : Provided he doesn't prattle endlessly about his blessed book.

CRESSIDA : We will of course need a fourth. Isobel...?

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.

Kissing his cheek ...

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 lowers the 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.

The Play runs about 2 hours

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