Duel Intents June 2011

8/6/2019 Duel Intents June 2011

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DUEL INTENTS

byLarry Nehring

Sixth DraftL. Nehring, June 2011

Larry Nehring1342 Beach Pkwy.Apt. #1Lakewood, OH [email protected]


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DUEL INTENTS

Character Descriptions (4 F, 8+ M):

SABINE (F)- 25-35 yrs old , Leading actress of Jean-Baptiste'scompany in Paris. She was an engenue, but is growing insecureabout the younger actresses entering the company. She was born toa merchant family of very little means and as a child stumbledinto work with a commedia troupe. Her education and career wereproducts of her hard work and creativity. She is married toReginald, and the lover of Claudette.

CLAUDETTE (F)- 20 yrs old, She is a distant cousin to the FrenchKing (Louis XIV, the Sun King). While not closely related enoughto have influence, her branch of the family, headed by her greataunt Mathilde, still is held in high esteem. Claudette has neverhad to labor at anything and quite enjoys that privilege. She is

in love with Sabine, but has married Phillippe.

REGINALD (M)- 35 yrs old, He is a second cousin to King Louis XIVand the grandson of Mathilde. He is a free spirit, and avoidedmarriage through hard work and grace. He is in love with Phillippeand has married Sabine.

PHILLIPPE (M)- 30 yrs old, The fencing master to King Louis XIVand son of the previous master. While he lives amongst the royalfamilies, he is still a tradesman. Exceptional skill with thesword has allowed his father, and now Phillippe, an estate andannual income. He the lover of Reginald and has married Claudette.

MATHILDE (F)- 60-70 yrs old, The Grand Dame of the family. She isa direct cousin of the King and is the matriarch of her limb ofthe family tree. Reginald is her grandson and Claudette is hergrand-niece.

ISABELLE (F)- 16 yrs old, She is a maid in the household of Sabineand Reginald. She is a bit flighty but has a romantic spirit.

LUC (M)- 20 yrs old, he is apprentice to Jean-Baptiste. He isoverflowing with enthusiasm and creativity.

JEAN-BATISTE (M)- 40-45 yrs old, famous, and scandalous playwrightof Paris. Loosely based on Moliere. Despite his age he has some

health issues which weaken his body, but never his mind.

LECHEVRE and GASCOYNE (M) 30s-50s Two small time thieves who havefled Paris after inadvertently crossing Theobald and his gang.They are trying to earn their living stealing from travelers inthe woods near Reginald's estate.

THEOBALD, JULES, and two footmen (M) 20s-50s these are thugs andcriminals hired from the streets of Paris by Cardinal DuBois towork for Mathilde.


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DUEL INTENTS

SETTING & TIME

The time is early autumn, 1663 at a large, family estate ofReginald not far from Paris

SCENE BREAKDOWN

Act I-Scene 1: The salon of Reginald's estate, noon, (p1)

Scene 2: The salon of Reginald's estate, two days later, (p39)

Scene 3: A clearing in the nearby forest, four days later,minutes before dawn, (p57)

Act II-Scene 1: The salon of Reginald's estate, four days later, (p74)

Scene 2: The salon of Reginald's estate, hours later and wellafter midnight, (p110)

Scene 3: A clearing in the nearby forest, hours later and thedawn approaches (p123)


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ACT I

I-1: THE SALON

The salon, charming and spacious and

elegantly decorated with flowers andvases and family portraits. The housemaid, Isabelle, is cleaning the room,whistling softly to herself. She dancesas she cleans, and holds anconversation with an imaginary suitor.

ISABELLEMonsieur LaBret, it is such a surprise to see you thisevening. Why thank you, this gown is one of my favorites. Ibought it when last I visited Paris. Do you find itflattering? Monsieur, you are too forward, but I will grantyou one dance, if you promise to behave.

She takes him in her arms and begins todance around the room.

ISABELLE (contd)Edmond-- Monsieur LeBret, you dance like a dream! I feellight as a feather in your arms.

She spins close to a vase of flowersand pauses, taking one flower andhanding it to herself.

ISABELLE (contd)How did you know that these are my favorite flowers in theentire world? My gardens at home are filled with no otherflowers than this... Oh, must you leave so soon? You break myheart, Monsieur... Very well, Edmond. I will allow you onekiss to wish you bon voyage.

She leans forward for a kiss, her eyesclosed.

SABINE(off) Imbecile!

CLAUDETTE(off) Fool!

The double doors burst open and twoladies enter in the midst of a furioussword fight. Isabelle screams insurprise and dives behind somefurniture. The fight continues causingsome obvious damage to the furnitureand decorations in the room.


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Isabelle peeks out at the fightwhenever possible, unseen.

SABINEThats the worst you have?

CLAUDETTEWhore!

SABINEAfter I caught you with my husband last night!

CLAUDETTEYou cannot distract me! *

SABINEYou will make a mistake.

CLAUDETTEI havent yet.

SABINEIt is only a matter of time.

CLAUDETTEI learned from the best.

SABINEYour teacher was too soft on you. Softer even than yourhusband.

CLAUDETTEDo not speak of my Phillippe! *

Sabine takes advantage of Claudettesmomentary distraction to disarm her.

SABINEYield.

CLAUDETTENever!

Sabine launches a strike and Claudetteimprovises an counterstrike which endswith Sabine on the floor and Sabinessword in Claudettes hand.

SABINEHow did you--

CLAUDETTEYield!

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SABINENever!

Sabine kicks at Claudette, causing herto stumble. Sabine rolls and snatches

up Claudettes sword and the fightresumes.

CLAUDETTEYour rapier is heavier than mine.

SABINEAnd yours is like a childs toy. No striking power at all.

CLAUDETTEVery well. Hand it back.

SABINESuch pride. Just as Phillippe observed.

CLAUDETTEHe never!

SABINEWhy just last night, as he held me in his arms--

CLAUDETTENonsense!

SABINE

He will be here any minute. We have plans to dine together.

CLAUDETTEWe shall see!

SABINEPoor dear. Breathing as hard as you were last night in the *garden.

CLAUDETTEYou over reacted!

SABINE

I caught him up your skirts! You are practically siblings.

CLAUDETTEYou slapped me!

SABINEI had no choice.

CLAUDETTEIn full view of Lady Moreau!

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SABINEIt will be the talk of Paris.

CLAUDETTEShut up!

SABINEThe actress slapped the Kings cousin! But who could blameme? Then again--

CLAUDETTENot another word!

SABINEThe French royal family is nearly as inbred as the English. *

CLAUDETTEI could kill you!

ISABELLENo!

As Claudette lunges for Sabine, Sabinesidesteps and catches her in a lethalposition. The fight is over andClaudette is a heartbeat away fromdeath.

SABINEIsabelle!

CLAUDETTELet go of me!

Before a word can be spoken the doorsopen and Phillippe and Reginald enter.Isabelle hides again.

REGINALDIt was a ghastly moment, but what could I do? She hoisted herskirts and I went in just as Sabine turned the corner.

PHILLIPPE

Good god! Has she no sense?

After a moments shock, Sabine andClaudette hide the weaponsbehind/beneath Sabines skirts. *

REGINALDShe never has, but Sabine, at least, had the good sense toslap her.

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PHILLIPPEClaudette, why on earth would you do that in public? Yourelucky it was just Sabine who caught you.

SABINE

And Lady Moreau.

REGINALDAnd her entire entourage.

CLAUDETTEI was being attacked by a bee or a wasp and it hurt!

PHILLIPPEAnd Reginald? Why would you kneel under her skirts? Did younot consider you might be seen?

REGINALDShe said there was a wasp, so I tried to help.

PHILLIPPEYour grandmother will be livid.

REGINALDOh please, we were bathed together by our nanny.

PHILLIPPEWhich makes this perfectly acceptable as adults.

REGINALD

Why are you two so flushed?

PHILLIPPEAnd have cast off your corsets. *

REGINALDFlagrante delicto at this time of day?

PHILLIPPEYet another scandal. Have none of you any self control?

SABINEWhat else is there to do in the country? It is dreadfully

boring and I do so long to return to Paris.

REGINALDMy dear, we shall return just as soon as I have finished withthese damned family matters. I know that my grandmothersestate is a nuisance to your socializing, but she needs me tohelp her plan her last will and testament. As her only livinggrandson it is my duty to be sure that she is happy.

PHILLIPPEAnd her happiness ensures your inheritance.

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REGINALDYou might display a little more respect for the dear, oldsainted woman.

SABINE

She is the most miserable old puritan I have ever seen.

REGINALDSabine.

SABINEShe is. You have never seen the way she glares at me likesome kind of staring viper. With a rosary. Makes my skincrawl.

CLAUDETTEThe rosary?

REGINALDShe is my grandmother.

SABINEWell she is not mine! Why do I have to be here with you?

REGINALDYou, here at hand, is proof of your devotion. *

CLAUDETTEAunt Mathilde believes that?

REGINALDOf course not, but she can hardly call her absence inquestion if she is not absent, can she?

PHILLIPPEYou should count your blessings that you are one step removed *from those politics, my dear.

CLAUDETTEOh yes. It was such a blessing after my parents died to betold I was now the ward of Aunt Mathilde. Under her thumb butstill unworthy of it.

REGINALDAfter the Fronde des nobles we are lucky to have any livingrelations left. *

CLAUDETTEHow lucky I should feel. My parents chose to side with those *who wanted young Louis to be given the crown. And he makes a *pact with the other side. Didnt keep them from the Bastille, *did it?

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REGINALDGrandmother tried to sway Mazarin. *

CLAUDETTEThey were executed in quite a hurry. *

REGINALDWhat purpose would it serve her to have her family look bad *to the King?

CLAUDETTEYou didnt see them taken away in chains. It was horrible.

SABINEIt was a long time ago, my love. The King has, thankfully,not held you guilty of their transgressions.

REGINALDBecause you were under the care of Grandmother.

PHILLIPPEFamily was a better choice than an orphanage.

CLAUDETTEPerhaps. I expect the nuns would have been more lenient.

REGINALDNonetheless, we are all that remains of the family and I mustensure that the family fortunes are carefully bestowed.

SABINEWhy? Is her death imminent? Such welcome news.

REGINALDNo, but for some reason she has taken it into her head thather worldly affairs must be in order with haste.

PHILLIPPEThe Cardinal?

REGINALDHer constant companion. She has invited herself to lunch withme today and I hope I may address some of my concerns.

CLAUDETTEToday?! Are the servants prepared?

SABINEAre you trying to get me killed?

PHILLIPPEDont over react.

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SABINEIm not.

PHILLIPPENot you. My wife.

CLAUDETTEIt is fine for you to play the host, but she will judge *Sabine on everything she sees. The pantry might not bestocked for her tastes.

REGINALDI sorted it out with Henri this morning. By the time she getshere he will have a perfect luncheon assembled for her.

CLAUDETTEI must go get dressed.

REGINALDYes. Your undergarments are far too casual for Mother.

Claudette runs from the room.

SABINEA little warning would have been nice.

REGINALDI am the man of this house.

SABINE

Yet I wear the breeches.

REGINALDTrue.

SABINEWhy must you insist on making plans without consulting us? Weare your confidants. Thoughtless runs in your family. Youll *get someone killed if you are not more careful.

REGINALDYou act as though I am inept, when in fact I have matters *well in hand, as always.

PHILLIPPEReginald, I know that your grandmother is... your grandmother *and you owe her all the respect--

SABINEBlah dee blah dee blah.

PHILLIPPEBut why bring her here? Why risk her outrage?

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REGINALDI am trying to assure her of our domestic bliss.

PHILLIPPEWe should not be here, in that case. *

SABINEI should not. Thats certain.

REGINALDYou must all be here. She needs to see that the family willbe left in good hands when she meets the sweet hereafter. Ifthe Cardinal has convinced her that her mortal soul is inperil, she must be reassured.

PHILLIPPE[She certainly prays more than the Cardinal does. *

SABINEShe also has more money than he and he aims to remedy that.

REGINALDExactly my dilemma.] Before she decides to leave everything *to the church, I must convince her that the family is as shedesires it to be. *

PHILLIPPEChildless?

REGINALD

Help me, Phillippe, with that. You are my only hope.

PHILLIPPEI have tried repeatedly, but you, my dear Reginald, seem tobe barren.

SABINEIf only the King knew your preferences. You might be even *more popular in court.

REGINALDI am in love with the Kings pet. *

PHILLIPPEMind your tongue.

REGINALDYou dont mind it.

SABINEYou are both impossible.

REGINALDJealousy becomes her.

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SABINEJean-Baptiste should write me a play with just that title.

REGINALDPerhaps he will. Wish me luck, my love.

PHILLIPPEDo you need a good luck?

SABINEOh, go calm your cousin.

REGINALDI dont know if I can trust you two alone. You know what therumors are.

PHILLIPPEBegone, foul sprite. Trouble us no longer.

Reginald exits.

PHILLIPPE (contd)Exciting day for you.

SABINEHow do you mean?

PHILLIPPE *Sabine, give me the rapiers. *

SABINE *Rapiers? *

PHILLIPPE *I am not a fool. Although there are times when I must smile *and appear vapid, as a fencing master I am trained to see * more in the blink of an eye than the most careful observer *might with a good, long study. *

SABINE *I cannot hide anything from you. *

PHILLIPPE

Isabelle, could you please come out from hiding?

SABINEOh, goodness.

Isabelle emerges from hiding.

PHILLIPPEIt is all right, child. Look at you, white as a sheet.

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ISABELLEMonsieur, I was cleaning when--

PHILLIPPEWhy were you hiding?

ISABELLEI was-- and he asked me to dance-- and then he gave me aflower. But when he offered to kiss me the door burst open--

SABINEChild you must calm yourself. Why dont you run to thekitchen and have Henri pour you a brandy. *

ISABELLEI didnt see--

SABINEHush, now. Go.

Sabine points Isabelle towards thedoor.

ISABELLEI promise you--

SABINEGo now. Have the brandy and a lie down in your chamber. At *once. And Isabelle, tell Henri to send young Luc to me whenhe arrives.

ISABELLEWho?

SABINELuc. No one you have met. He will have a manuscript for mefrom Paris.

ISABELLEParis?

SABINEYes, now go have your brandy.

Isabelle exits, closing the door.

SABINE (contd)What a high strung child.

PHILLIPPEShe shares your flair for the dramatic.

SABINENonsense.

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PHILLIPPE *Sabine. *

SABINE *You must remain calm.

PHILLIPPEWhat you have been doing could ruin me!

SABINEThat is not calm.

PHILLIPPEAnd in full view of Isabelle! She is too young and flighty tohold too many secrets. We have always been so careful aroundher. But if this should ever be spoken of outside this houseno one would believe that you were teaching Claudette how tofence. All eyes would be on me. I am the fencing master tothe King! I may teach only him, and I certainly must not besuspected of teaching a woman. It is unthinkable! It would bean outrage in court and I would be lucky to escape theBastille.

SABINEWe were idle and in need of distraction and there were swordsat hand.

PHILLIPPEHow many months?

SABINEToday was the first.

PHILLIPPEDo not lie to me!

SABINETwice, perhaps three times--

PHILLIPPEIt must have been at least a year! When I walked in you werepoised in The Adders Grasp. No novice could perform that,especially since it only exists in sketch form, in my papers!

Do you realize what you have done?

SABINEYou knew I was skilled with a sword when you married me!

PHILLIPPEFor the stage! Stage combat is a clever use of a few actualtechniques to simulate real sword fighting. You have taught alady of the court to fence! If she tells anyone--

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SABINEShe is not that foolish.

PHILLIPPELast night she was caught with her skirts over her head in

Lady Moreaus garden!

SABINEThat was different.

PHILLIPPEShe pays no attention to who can see or hear her. If she evenslips and mentions something to you--

SABINEShe barely even speaks to me out in public. Everyone thinkswe hate each other. Which has certainly scored her pointswith my grandmother-in-law.

PHILLIPPEWhy did neither of you tell me of this?

SABINEWhat would you have said?

PHILLIPPEI would have told you to stop at once!

SABINEYou answer your own question. At first it was a lark. She

wanted something physical to do.

PHILLIPPESex wasnt enough?

SABINEPlease. There is only so much sex one person can have. Helpme tighten my corset.

PHILLIPPEI doubt your husband would agree with you.

SABINE

I wouldnt know. I taught her a few parries, then a fewattacks, but we grew bored. You always talk about the manualyou are writing and we thought it might be interesting toperuse.

PHILLIPPEThose are family secrets!

SABINEAnd we are family, remember? Besides, no one takes Claudetteseriously.

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She is far too pretty for deep thinking and she has nevertaken an interest in education or politics. She would neverbe so outgoing as to create a scandal.

PHILLIPPE

And yet she fell in love with a common actress and marriedme.

SABINEI am no common actress! And we cannot help who we areattracted to, you of all people should know that. What ismore common than for a beautiful young thing to take a rich,old goat for a husband? You see? You are both perfectprincesses.

PHILLIPPEI beg your pardon?

SABINEAs you are so fond of saying, Touche. You worry too much.Besides, she is quite good.

PHILLIPPEYou wont stop, will you?

SABINEShe is remarkably inventive.

PHILLIPPESabine?

SABINEOne cannot unlearn something.

PHILLIPPEThen I must insist on one thing.

SABINEYes?

PHILLIPPEKeep your back straight. If you bend even slightly at thewaist, The Adders Grasp can quickly become The Chinamans

Toss.

SABINEI dont remember seeing that one.

PHILLIPPEBecause I havent written it yet! I need to meet with thatdamned trader before he goes back to the East.

SABINEDoes that mean you will teach us?

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SABINE (cont'd)


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PHILLIPPEOnly if you promise never to touch a weapon outside mypresence.

SABINE

Fear not, my hands will stay far away-- *

The doors open and Mathilde enters.

SABINE (contd)Grandmother Mathilde!

MATHILDEWhat kind of a household are you running? No servants to walkme to my luncheon and the mistress of the house paradesaround undressed!

SABINEIt is such a delight you can dine with us today. I was led tobelieve you would not arrive for another hour, at the least.

MATHILDEYou, obviously, were misinformed, or you might at least bewearing a dress. Maestro deValmorin, it is indeed an honor tobe in the presence of the most skilled swordsman in France. Itrust those swords were not part of my welcome.

SABINEI wish.

MATHILDEI beg your pardon?

PHILLIPPEMadame deMaynes, Sabine wished to help me polish my swords.Part of my daily maintenance. I cannot trust a servant to beas exacting as my father taught me. And, once again I mustremind you that the King, himself, is the greatest swordsman. *I am but his humble tutor, humbled even further by the graceof your radiant beauty.

MATHILDEI am not so young as to believe such flattery, nor so old to

not appreciate it. Perhaps you could teach such manners tosome of my relations? *

PHILLIPPEI am, as always, at your bidding.

SABINEGrandmother Mathilde, would you care to make yourselfcomfortable while I send for some refreshments?

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MATHILDEAddress me as Madame deMaynes, I am not to be held remotelyresponsible for your birth. I would sit in this chair but thedust it carries speaks volumes about your lack of goodservants.

SABINEReginald and I prefer to keep very few servants. It ensures atranquility rarely enjoyed by households today.

MATHILDEA silence filled entirely by the sound of sneezes. (Pause) My *refreshment?

SABINEOf course. Right away.

Sabine rings the bell.

PHILLIPPEPerhaps you would be more at ease in the music room? I knowthat Reginald always prefers to receive company there if forno other reason than it gives him a opportunity to play thepianoforte.

MATHILDEI love my grandson with all my heart, but his greatest faultis his choice of musical entertainment.

SABINE

He does tend to prefer the bawdy, comical ditty over theminuet.

MATHILDEI correct myself. His second greatest fault.

The doors burst open and Luc enters.

LUCMadame Sabine! I am sorry that I was delayed, but the masterkept rewriting the pages and ordered me to wait until theywere perfect, which they never are, to him.

SABINEMy dear boy--

LUCThen when he had finished he beat me out of the chamber forleaving so late and I rode through the night, which in thesewoods is a very frightening experience and one that I wouldnot wish to repeat, so I hope that you will allow me totravel back by daylight.

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MATHILDEHe hasnt even brought any refreshment.

SABINELuc, please sit down. You must catch your breath.

LUCI dont think I am able.

PHILLIPPEHe is a messenger from her theatre, not a servant.

MATHILDEHe must not sit on the furniture like a guest!

SABINEPerhaps you would be more comfortable in the music room,Madame deMaynes? *

MATHILDEWhat is your obsession with the music room?

LUCI left my horse with the stable boy but I dont know if I can *trust him because its the masters and I must be sure not to *lose another horse. You remember how furious he was when Imisplaced the last one?

SABINEI do. Now breathe.

LUCBut I--

SABINEBreathe. Look me in the eye. The eye. My eyes are up here.

LUCI beg your pardon! I didnt mean--

SABINEOf course not. They are on display for just such a reaction.

MATHILDEIt is disgrace enough to receive guests in your undergarmentsbut to publicly admit to advertising your wares is beyond--

SABINEGrandmother Mathilde!

MATHILDEMaestro deValmorin, take me to this music room! *

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PHILLIPPEBut of course, Madame deMaynes.

Phillippe and Mathilde exit.

LUCI hope I have not--

SABINEYou have done nothing wrong. Breasts are nothing to beashamed of. Mine helped make become me a famous actress, *after all. Eyes. Up here.

LUCSorry.

SABINEClose your eyes and take a deep breath. And another. Good,now a third.

She steps around behind him.

SABINE (contd)Now open your eyes. There, are you more calm?

LUCI am. Thank you.

SABINEWhere is my present?

LUCPresent?

SABINEMy gift of words? My pages? The manuscript?

LUCOh! Of course! Here it is. It has not left my hands.

Phillippe reenters as Luc hands her amanuscript, which she promptly beginsto read.

SABINEI can see that.

PHILLIPPEBrandy for the boy?

SABINEPerhaps. Back so soon?

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Phillippe picks up a bell from thetable and opens the door. He rings thebell and replaces it.

PHILLIPPE

We met your husband in the corridor.

SABINEI try my best, but the old buzzard always seems to enter one *scene too early.

Phillippe rings again.

SABINE (contd)Isabelle was sent to her room, remember?

PHILLIPPEAnd Henri is busily preparing luncheon. Shall I fetch it *myself?

SABINEDo. And fetch me a dress from my chambers? *

Isabelle enters with a large snifter ofbrandy and the decanter as well. She isalready a bit tipsy.

ISABELLE *I heard the bell? *

PHILLIPPEIsabelle. We thought you went to your quarters. *

ISABELLEI believe so. I did not-- this brandy is a wonderful tonic-- *yet. *

PHILLIPPEThat it is. You read my mind.

Phillippe takes the brandy snifter anddecanter. He hands the snifter to Luc.

ISABELLEMy tonic.

PHILLIPPEHere you are, my boy. Sip it lightly. Swirl it around, enjoythe aroma.

SABINEThis is delightful!

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LUCAnd very strong.

ISABELLEMy tonic.

Phillippe sets the decanter down.

PHILLIPPEI fear we shall need more glasses.

SABINEYes, yes. Delightful. *

Isabelle walks closer to Luc, whohasnt noticed her yet.

PHILLIPPEShall I fetch them myself?

SABINEThat dispenses with the exposition. *

PHILLIPPE *You arent hearing me, are you? *

SABINE *Very clever. *

ISABELLE *

My tonic. *

Phillippe exits.

ISABELLE (contd)That is very good, isnt it? *

LUCYes. I have never tasted anything like it.

ISABELLEMay I have another taste?

LUCBut he gave it to me.

ISABELLEIt was mine when I left the kitchen.

LUCThen this is yours?

He turns to give it to her and theireyes meet.

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ISABELLEWe could share it.

LUCI-- we could-- here--

He hands it to her.

ISABELLEThank you.

She takes a sip.

LUCYou are very beautiful.

ISABELLEMe? No. I am a serving girl. Madame Sabine is the radiantbeauty of the house.

SABINEOf course.

LUCBut she cannot compare to the luster of your eyes. I seefields of lavender under a clear blue sky.

ISABELLEOh, my. *

LUCAnd your voice is like the sweet song of the seraphim.

ISABELLEHave some more.

LUCThank you.

He takes a sip, and she takes back theglass.

ISABELLE

Tell me some more.

LUCI am without words--

ISABELLEThen no more for you.

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LUCBecause you have drawn all the poetry from the world withyour breath, to exhale it anew unto a desperate world, whose *only hope of salvation comes from your lips as you bid me tospeak again.

ISABELLEOh, speak again.

LUCBright angel, you are a muse to inspire a nation to go to *war. Every painting that ever was or ever shall be was madeto win your heart. No music was ever played but first themelody danced across your breast and the harmonies flew aboutyour fell of hair before alighting to the treetops.

ISABELLEYou have earned another sip.

LUCI must know one thing.

ISABELLEAnything.

SABINEBrilliant! Jean-Baptiste has outdone himself! The first scene *alone will bring the entire audience to breathless laughter.Luc!

LUCMadame?

ISABELLELuc.

SABINERun to the kitchens and tell Henri to make you the mostdelicious meal you have ever eaten! *

Sabine grabs Luc and plants acelebratory kiss on his lips.

ISABELLENot a kiss.

Sabine turns and takes the brandy fromIsabelle.

SABINEIsabelle, remember today, for this is the day that I began toprepare the greatest role of my illustrious career. Next weekwe begin work on... Untitled?

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LUCMadame?

SABINELuc, has he no title?

LUCHis play is called Jealousy Becomes Her.

SABINEThe bulk of these pages are wordless. Where is the rest? *

LUCI have handed you the wrong pages, madame! Those are my own *scribblings. Please, here are the real pages.

SABINEYou wrote these lines, Luc?

LUCI did, but they are hardly worth the reading as yet.

SABINEMy boy, listen to me with care. Who did I think was theauthor?

LUCMy master, but I didnt-- *

SABINE

My high praise is deserved by you.

LUCMadame?

SABINEThis play, finished, shall make a name for you in Paris. You *heard it from my lips first.

LUCThank you, madame.

SABINE

But, of course, it will be a complete failure if I am not *your leading lady. Now go to the kitchens. You have earned a *feast.

Sabine ushers Luc to the door.

SABINE (contd)Jean-Baptiste might fawn over you, his young apprentice, butI doubt he will ever feed you better. Go. Eat and be *gluttonous. Isabelle go upstairs and draw a hot bath and *prepare a guest room for our wordsmith. *

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LUCIsabelle.

SABINEYou shall sleep here tonight and in the morning ride back to

Paris baring a letter for your master. *

ISABELLE *Luc. *

LUCIsabelle.

SABINEHow sweet. To the kitchens. To the baths. Go. *

Sabine pushes Luc out the door andcloses it behind him then crosses past *Isabelle and the girl tries *halfheartedly to catch the brandy *snifter. *

ISABELLEMy tonic. My Luc.

SABINEStill here? Go, and use the masters salts in Lucs bath. *This young man deserves the best.

ISABELLE

Of course, right away.

Isabelle curtseys and exits the room. *

Sabine refills the snifter and readsfrom the script.

SABINEThe curtains open revealing a salon, charming and spacious *and elegantly decorated with flowers and vases and familyportraits. The house maid, Colombina, is cleaning the room,whistling softly to herself. She dances as she cleans, andholds an conversation with an imaginary suitor. Monsieur

Velonges, it is such a surprise to see you this evening. Whythank you, this gown is one of my favorites. I bought it whenlast I visited Paris. Do you find it flattering? Monsieur,you are too forward, but I will grant you one dance, if youpromise to behave. She takes him in her arms and begins todance around the room.

Sabine dances around the room, as ifher brandy is her partner.

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Claudette enters. She stops and watchesSabine dance. Sabine stops and leansforward to give an imaginary kiss toher dancing partner.

CLAUDETTEAt least someone is enjoying themselves.

SABINEI have always adored that dress.

CLAUDETTEGive me that.

She takes the brandy snifter fromSabine. Claudette crosses to the *decanter. *

SABINEWhat happened?

CLAUDETTEI went to the music room and Aunt Mathilde ordered me torelocate here and to be sure that she could speak with mealone when she was done with Reginald.

SABINEWhat was she telling him?

CLAUDETTE

I did not hear more than a few words through the door as Iapproached. But your name was mentioned loudly.

SABINECurse her rotting bones.

CLAUDETTEHe was seated at his pianoforte.

SABINEThe fool!

CLAUDETTE

She does dislike the frivolous.

SABINEShe wont stay here long.

CLAUDETTEWhy are you not dressed?

SABINEI sent someone for my dress. Isabelle, I think.

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CLAUDETTEWhere the devil is she then?

SABINERunning a bath.

CLAUDETTEGood, I shall need one but I need more brandy.

Phillippe enters with a dress forSabine.

SABINEAs if on cue.

PHILLIPPEHave I missed something?

SABINEClaudette was ordered here to await further instructions.

PHILLIPPEVery ominous indeed.

CLAUDETTEI adore Brandy.

Claudette refills her snifter.

PHILLIPPE

Where are the children?

CLAUDETTELuc went to the kitchens and Isabelle is drawing him a bathand preparing him a room.

PHILLIPPEExcellent.

CLAUDETTEYou have to leave, now!

PHILLIPPE

Me?

CLAUDETTEBoth of you. Aunt Mathilde ordered me to be alone.

SABINEBut this is my house.

PHILLIPPEWe should go.

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SABINEBut this is my house!

PHILLIPPEAnd you so love to entertain Madame deMaynes.

SABINELet us retire to the garden.

PHILLIPPEAn excellent strategy. Will you be safe alone, my dear?

CLAUDETTEI doubt she would harm me. She wouldnt, would she?

SABINEOf course not. You are far too lovely for her to deface. Sendfor us when she departs.

CLAUDETTEOf course. A parting kiss?

SABINEA quick one, my love.

Sabine kisses Claudette and exits intothe garden.

PHILLIPPEIll dress you in the garden. *

CLAUDETTENow hurry. *

Phillippe exits into the garden.Claudette drains her snifter. She goesto the decanter and refills it. After amoment the door opens from the hall andMathilde strides in followed byReginald.

MATHILDEYou are trying my patience!

REGINALDGrandmother, when have I ever done anything that was againstyour wishes?

MATHILDEMy dear, dear child.

REGINALDYou see? Have I not always been loyal and adoring?

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MATHILDEYou have always appeared so.

REGINALDAppeared so? I, alone, of all your grandchildren have been

the most attentive.

MATHILDEYou are my only grandchild. *

REGINALD[You see? Even after you took in Claudette, I still retain *the title. And now,] I am with the love of my life and you *insist I get a divorce?

MATHILDEI have yet to see any offspring from you. How can I beexpected to leave the family fortunes to you if you refuse tocreate an heir? It would be irresponsible of me!

REGINALDWe shall try harder.

MATHILDENonsense. If you have not been successful after five years it *proves she is a barren field and no seeds will take purchase.A wise farmer would begin plowing a new field.

REGINALDI am uncomfortable with that image.

MATHILDEReginald, my sweet, sweet, young man, you are already in your *thirties. I have given you all the time I can. I have waited *patiently and now I must insist. End your marriage and find afertile young woman from the court. You have three days or Ishall remove you from my will.

CLAUDETTEAunt Mathilde!

MATHILDEI am not ready for you yet, child. Sit yourself down. And put

that brandy away. You know I condemn the consumption ofalcohol!

CLAUDETTEIt was-- I thought-- Sabine might--

MATHILDESabine! You see what a horrid influence that actress you havefoisted upon this family is on your cousin? Drinking alcohol!

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I cannot imagine what other vices she has taught such afeeble minded girl. She cannot think for herself. Claudette, *I said sit down!

Claudette sits.

REGINALDGrandmother, for years you pestered me to take a wife and, *out of devotion to you, I did. *

MATHILDEYou betrayed that devotion and brought humiliation upon this *family! Sneaking off to marry a common actress! Theatre is *but one step above whoredom! Still worse, her womb is without *the ability to produce even a single child. Of what good isshe to me? Keep her in a side chamber to slake your lust ifyou must, but I must have an heir from you!

REGINALDI will not leave my wife!

MATHILDEYou disappoint me more than I can express. The Cardinal wasright. Leave me.

REGINALDBut this is my house!

MATHILDEWhich I gave you.

There is a long pause.

REGINALDGrandmother--

MATHILDELeave me before I am completely unwilling to consider yourforgiveness.

Reginald bows, takes Claudettes brandy *from her, and exits. *

MATHILDE (contd)Now, Claudette, I feared it would come to this. He isunwilling to remove the problem so it falls to you.

CLAUDETTEMe, Aunt Mathilde?

MATHILDEYou must remove the canker from the family bloom.

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CLAUDETTECanker?

MATHILDEThere is a blemish and you must excise it.

CLAUDETTEExcise?

MATHILDEYou cannot be as insipid as you portray yourself! (Pause) *Perhaps you are. The Cardinal was kind enough to point outyour unique position. You are married to the greatestswordsman in France. You will use that connection to scareaway the vermin.

CLAUDETTEPhillippe?

MATHILDEYou... married to Phillippe... confront Sabine... she fearsfor her life... runs away. You see?

CLAUDETTENo.

MATHILDETell her you are a master of the sword, having learned fromyour husband.

CLAUDETTEMe? Learn to fence? I could never!

MATHILDEI know that, but convince her otherwise.

CLAUDETTEDo you mean--

MATHILDEChallenge her to a duel.

CLAUDETTE

I cannot fight her.

MATHILDEThere is no need. All you must do is challenge her. She has *no honor and will run and hide behind her theatre curtains. *Reginald shall be free to find a fertile bride and you will *have earned a daughters share of the family estate.

CLAUDETTEBut Sabine--

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MATHILDEHas always made you look a fool in courtly soirees. The factthat she dared slap a cousin of the King shows that she hasno propriety and has no place in this family! There is nobetter choice than you.

CLAUDETTEBut my husband dares not teach me the sword! *

MATHILDENo more than a few token flourishes are needed, surely. If he *refuses I will tell the King that he already has beenteaching you.

CLAUDETTEAnd if I cannot?

MATHILDENeither you nor Reginald will get a single, solitary sou. Isee the way that the two of you spend your annual allowances. *Neither of you would survive long on the pittances your *spouses earn by plying their trades. (Pause) Now I must go. I *am meeting the Cardinal to discuss how much money would buy *my way into heaven. Perhaps he is right and the entiretyshould be at his disposal. That should earn me a place in theheavenly host, should it not? *

CLAUDETTE *But luncheon? *

MATHILDE *I have no desire to dine with vermin. Remember what I expect. *Do not presume to disappoint me.

Mathilde exits to the hallway. *Claudette heads to the garden door, *opens it, but says nothing and closes *it again. She crosses to the brandy *decanter. The garden door opens and *Sabine peeks her head inside.

SABINEIs she gone?

Claudette does not respond. Sabineenters.

SABINE (contd)Claudette! Are you all right? You are as white as milk. Saysomething.

Sabine runs to the garden door andcalls out. Claudette drinks directly *from the brandy decanter. *

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SABINE (contd)Phillippe, come here! She does not look well!

Sabine goes back to Claudette and takesaway the decanter.

SABINE (contd)My love, what is wrong?

Phillippe enters through the gardendoor.

PHILLIPPEGive her some brandy.

SABINEShe was drinking from the decanter.

Sabine hands the decanter to Phillippe *

Claudette crosses to a chair and sits. *Reginald enters from the hallway doorwith the brandy snifter. He immediatelyrefills it.

REGINALDHer carriage has left.

SABINEClaudette?

PHILLIPPEShh. Give her peace.

SABINEDont tell me what to do.

REGINALDBoth of you hush. How is she? *

CLAUDETTE *She is mad.

Phillippe grabs the snifter from *Reginald and refills it. He sips. *

SABINEThats the first sane thing anyone has ever said about yourmother.

REGINALDSabine!

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PHILLIPPE *Here. *

Phillippe hands the snifter to Sabine. *

CLAUDETTEI cant do it. *

SABINEWhat, sweetheart?

CLAUDETTEChallenge her. *

Sabine sips the brandy. *

PHILLIPPEWhat do you mean?

REGINALDGrandmother? Ridiculous.

Reginald takes the snifter from Sabine *ad sips. *

CLAUDETTE *Not her. I have no choice.

Reginald hands the snifter to *Claudette, who sips. *

SABINEYou are not making sense.

CLAUDETTESabine.

SABINEWhat, my love?

CLAUDETTEYou.

SABINEMe, what?

CLAUDETTEI must challenge you to a duel.

SABINEWhat?

PHILLIPPEThis is how it falls apart.

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CLAUDETTEI challenge you to duel. There, I said it.

Reginald hands the snifter to *Phillippe. *

REGINALDNonsense. Jokes in the wake of her visit? Hardly the time.

CLAUDETTENo, there is more to it. Gloves. These will do.

Claudette takes Reginalds gloves, *handing him the snifter.

REGINALDWhat are you talking about? *

Claudette slaps Sabine across the facewith the gloves.

CLAUDETTEI challenge you to a duel.

REGINALDMy gloves!

SABINEWhat in the hell are you doing?

CLAUDETTEI did what I was told to do.

PHILLIPPEA duel is no joke.

REGINALDAs if Claudette would even know which end of a sword to hold.

PHILLIPPEShe does.

SABINE

Was this what your Aunt wanted?

CLAUDETTEShe said that you would run away but you wont, will you?

REGINALDWhat in gods name are you all talking about?

SABINEGive me that brandy!

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Sabine takes the brandy snifter fromReginald and drinks.

PHILLIPPEThis wouldnt satisfy her.

CLAUDETTEAre you sure?

SABINEDont encourage her.

PHILLIPPEA challenge must be public. Very public. *

Phillippe takes the snifter from Sabineand drinks.

REGINALDWhat in hell happened while I was in the other room? *

CLAUDETTEShe told me that I needed to scare away Sabine, since you * would not divorce her. That if I challenged her it would be *over.

SABINEBecause I would run away like a coward? How dare she! *

REGINALD

A reasonable conclusion.

PHILLIPPEOnly if you dont know Sabine.

SABINEIll kill her!

REGINALDShe is my grandmother!

SABINEAnd my soon to be dead-in-law!

CLAUDETTEBut it didnt work, and we are undone.

SABINEDont be so dramatic.

PHILLIPPE[We need and end game. *

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REGINALDNot chess again. It bores me so.

SABINEMy blade, her heart, end of game. Works for me.] *

Sabine takes the snifter and drinks.

REGINALDShe is family!

SABINEShe wants me dead! *

CLAUDETTEShe doesnt care about that.

PHILLIPPEShe wants you gone and the marriage ended.

REGINALDThen I must marry someone fertile.

SABINEAnd start procreating.

REGINALDWhy cant you two give her a wretched baby? *

PHILLIPPE *

We face the same impasse. *

REGINALD *We have at least tried. *

SABINE *A few times. *

REGINALD *Might have to try again. *

Reginald takes the snifter and drinks.

SABINELet me just kill her. *

REGINALDNo!

PHILLIPPEWe have to plan for the challenge and a suitable response. *You might have to duel.

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CLAUDETTEIve never picked up a sword in my life.

PHILLIPPELiar. Sabine told me everything.

CLAUDETTEEverything?

PHILLIPPEYes.

CLAUDETTEEven--?

SABINENo, of course not that.

PHILLIPPENot what?

REGINALDWait a minute! You two have been teaching Claudette how tofence? Are you insane?

CLAUDETTEWhats wrong with that?

REGINALDId sooner give a musket to chimpanzee.

CLAUDETTEI will show you just how skilled I am! *

PHILLIPPEWe are losing focus! What if you fail?

CLAUDETTEI wont!

PHILLIPPEWhat will your Mathilde do?

CLAUDETTELeave us out of the will.

REGINALDBut Im her grandson.

CLAUDETTEAnd Sabine is still your wife.

PHILLIPPEThen we are at an impasse.

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SABINEPlease just let me kill her.

REGINALDNo! There must be a rational solution.

SABINEI thought you had things well in hand?

PHILLIPPEYou must challenge her publicly.

CLAUDETTEBut she wont run away.

SABINENever! *

PHILLIPPEThen you must duel.

CLAUDETTEHow?

PHILLIPPEWe will work that out soon enough. We must start in themorning.

REGINALDStart what?

PHILLIPPEFencing lessons in earnest. Give me that brandy.

End of scene.

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Act I

I-2: THE SALON, 2 DAYS LATER

Sabine and Claudette are being taught

by Phillippe.

PHILLIPPENo. Again.

SABINEEn garde in tierce?

PHILLIPPEOf course. When I say, again, I mean do the exact samething again. But this time do it correctly. [Sabine begins, *as I clap. Quarter tempo. Thrust center, and slip, palm slap,tar-get, repeat. And thrust, and slip, palm slap, tar-get. *Good. And thrust, slip, slap, target. Thrust, slip, slap, *target. And thrust, slip, slap, target. Thrust, slip, slap, *target.] Claudette you are slipping too soon. Wait for it. *

He continues to clap the rhythm andthey continue the drill. He pours *himself a glass of water from the nearempty pitcher. Unseen by the ladies heempties the pitcher into a plant orvase of flowers.

CLAUDETTE

I slip when I see it coming. *

PHILLIPPEI see that but I want you to let it get closer. *

CLAUDETTEFor gods sake!

PHILLIPPETrain your reflexes. Lest you panic.

SABINEThe thrusts are much closer than when we started.

PHILLIPPERegardless, it must be perfect at slow speeds. Half tempo!

CLAUDETTEThis will not be a real duel! And when will we stop doingdrills [and begin the playacting]? *

PHILLIPPEWhen I say you are ready.

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SABINEWe are ready [to begin that]. *

PHILLIPPENot both of you. Sabine switch out!

Phillippe and Sabine change placeswithout breaking rhythm. Now Claudetteand Phillippe are running the drill.

CLAUDETTEWhy does she get to rest?

PHILLIPPEBecause I need to see your technique. Add the cut and avoid *phrase before this.

SABINEYou finished the water!

PHILLIPPEI was thirsty.

SABINEYet we have been doing all the work.

PHILLIPPERing for Isabelle.

SABINE

She is at the market. Ill have to fetch it myself. If I *linger you will only make me work more.

CLAUDETTESabine, help me!

SABINEAs soon as I return. *

Sabine exits with the pitcher.

CLAUDETTEWhy in hell did I marry you, again?

PHILLIPPEYou fell in love. You are still reacting too soon!

CLAUDETTENot with you.

PHILLIPPENor I, you. I could never love someone so hard headed.

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CLAUDETTEYet you fell for Reginald.

PHILLIPPEStop playing the fool.

CLAUDETTEBite your tongue!

PHILLIPPEYou give half measures with Sabine.

CLAUDETTEI do not.

PHILLIPPEShe is gone. Show me your skills. *

CLAUDETTEI have.

PHILLIPPEShow me or I tell her how good you actually are. *

CLAUDETTEIf she knew--! *

PHILLIPPEThat you already surpass her-- *

CLAUDETTEShe would stop practicing with me!

PHILLIPPEAt speed!

Phillippe launches at Claudette at amuch faster tempo. Claudette is onlymomentarily shaken, but quickly matcheshim. Soon he breaks from the drill and *actually spars with her. This is muchmore technical than any fighting wehave seen. Claudette is pushed to the

limit, but does not falter. While notlong, it should leave them breathlessand in a corps-a-corps, face to face.In the heat of the moment they kiss,passionately.

There is a knock at the door.

SABINE(Off) A little help please? *

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Phillippe and Claudette immediatelyseparate and Phillippe heads to thedoor and opens it.

CLAUDETTE

And you have toyed with me enough for one day, husband! Imust rest before the Marquis ball this evening.

Sabine enters with a tray containing alarge pitcher of water, glasses withice, and a platter of cut fruits tosnack on.

SABINEI thought we deserved a treat.

PHILLIPPEYou cannot go out tonight.

CLAUDETTEI shall. What reason do I have to miss it?

SABINEWe have a duel to create.

CLAUDETTEI have no intention of wasting any more time with drills.Create the fight and teach it to me tomorrow. This has ceasedbeing enjoyable. I have done with it.

SABINEBe reasonable.

CLAUDETTEI am. This is my life, not my aunts. If you wish to fight tothe death with her, be my guest. She shall be at the Marquis *tonight. Perhaps you could lie in wait like a brigand and robher coach. With any luck my cousin has succeeded in gettingher to sign the will, which might minimize his grief at herdeath.

SABINEThat isnt funny! I have been training just as hard as you

and you dont hear me complaining.

PHILLIPPEMuch.

SABINEYou bite your tongue. Claudette, we are doing this for you.You are the weaker swordsman.

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CLAUDETTEEnough of this! I am weary. I will go tonight and dance with *my peers.

PHILLIPPE

Sabine?

SABINEI am afraid that I agree with Claudette. We are allexhausted. Fencing skills alone will not solve the problem.Let her go to the ball and we shall take the night to rest.

PHILLIPPEVery well, you may go.

CLAUDETTEI do not need your permission to attend. I am the Marquisfirst cousin on my mothers side and I am expected to bethere tonight. I have not been seen at court in days and mustappear or there will be discussion.

SABINEOh, good lord. Discussion.

CLAUDETTEYes, discussion. There is already talk of why I disappeared.Reginald tells me that the prevailing theory is that I was soupset by being slapped by a commoner that I have been bathingexclusively in water brought from Lourdes.

SABINEAnd how is that working for you?

CLAUDETTEQuite well, or so I am told. I shall be fresh and radiantwhen next I am amongst them.

PHILLIPPEThat must be a relief for both you and them. *

CLAUDETTEBest I greet them tonight than let the story begin to rot onthe vine. Phillippe, thank you for your patience. I do

appreciate what you are risking for me. And Sabine, you are *the dearest, sweetest friend I could have to put your life inmy hands.

SABINEHave no fear of that, my love. There is no possible way thatyou could touch me with your sword unless I allowed it.

CLAUDETTE[You think? *

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SABINEI know.] *

CLAUDETTETomorrow I might prove you wrong.

SABINEI look forward to wiping your tears.

The ladies kiss.

PHILLIPPEOh, good god, I will never get used to seeing you two dothat.

SABINEMost men of your age would be thrilled to see two attractivewomen in a passionate embrace within their reach.

PHILLIPPEThose men would, no doubt, hope you passion would soon engulfthem, but I have nothing but a disinterested observersattitude. If, however, you could convince two of your mostmen to take your place, my attention would be rapt.

CLAUDETTEHusband. Are you saying that the sight of me puckering mylips does not fill you with unbridled lust?

PHILLIPPE

It fills me with unbridled indifference.

CLAUDETTEWhatever shall I do? A poor distraught wife ignored.

PHILLIPPEI remember well your reaction on our wedding night.

CLAUDETTEYes, keep that thing away from me.

SABINEI simply adore your flirtations.

PHILLIPPEWe are shameless, are we not?

SABINEThat would not be my first choice of words.

CLAUDETTEWhere is Reginald? He is bringing me in his coach and I washoping he would have been able to extricate me from yoursordid fencing class.

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PHILLIPPESordid?

CLAUDETTEI generally find perspiration detestable. You know that.

PHILLIPPEYet you persisted for more than a year?

SABINEI told her to think of it as sex.

CLAUDETTEAnd that has made all the difference.

SABINEPerhaps the King would appreciate that approach?

PHILLIPPEEnough! Wife, get you to your bath so that I may speak toSabine about the business at hand.

SABINEMy imminent demise?

PHILLIPPEWhat else?

CLAUDETTE

Oh, very well.

They kiss again, and Claudette exits.

SABINEShe might be exasperating at times, but she does still thrillme.

PHILLIPPEShe confounds me.

SABINEThat is because you have no interest in the female sex. If

you did you would want her whenever you cross swords with *her.

PHILLIPPECan you imagine that?

SABINENever. Your loss. Perhaps we should abandon the whole idea.

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PHILLIPPEHow long do you think your husband could survive on theincome from your stage plays?

SABINE

I am the most celebrated actress in all of France.

PHILLIPPEAnd what that earns you in a year would barely pay for a pairof his favorite shoes.

SABINEHe would have to learn to wear them more than once.

PHILLIPPEGod forbid. They might get scuffed.

Reginald enters from the hallway.

REGINALDWhat might get scuffed?

PHILLIPPEYour shoes.

REGINALDNever! No greater crime exists than shoe-scuffing. There is aspecial circle of hell for shoe-scuffers. [Youll see soon *enough.

PHILLIPPEMe? *

REGINALDYes, you. I have heard it on the wind that you like to kissboys. That, my friend, is frowned on by the church.

PHILLIPPEIs it?

REGINALDYes. It is a pleasure reserved for the clergy.] *

[or these lines?: *

REGINALD (contd) *You are drenched and flushed. *

PHILLIPPE *I am. *

REGINALD *Just like last night.] *

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Reginald and Phillippe kiss.

SABINEIs this where I wail at the sight? Phillippe certainly does.Hello? Reginald? Did you succeed with your grandmother?

REGINALDYou had to bring up that foul woman. You have completelyruined my passion.

PHILLIPPEIgnore her. Think about last night.

REGINALDYou were such a brute.

They kiss again.

SABINEDont you have a party to prepare for?

REGINALDI am ready. Perhaps I shall put on a new pair of shoes,though.

SABINEWhat news have you for us?

REGINALDShe would not see me.

SABINEStill barred at the gates?

REGINALDYes. She means to go ahead with her plan. You go or we getnothing. I am sure the Cardinal is dancing a jig beneath hiscassock. Im told he will not leave her side.

PHILLIPPENot until after he administers a poisoned host.

SABINE

What must be done?

REGINALDI do not know. I wish I knew what her will says as of now.Has she changed it, or are we still the heirs? Who knows butshe herself?

PHILLIPPEI am sure that is why the Cardinal is at her side.

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REGINALDHe even has a servant to act as praegustator.

SABINEWhat?

PHILLIPPEFood taster? You think someone would try to poison her?

REGINALDNo, but he fears we might try to take him out and is takingno chances.

SABINEIs there no one to speak on your behalf?

REGINALDNone but the King, himself and I dare not approach him. *

PHILLIPPEPerhaps you should not attend the party tonight.

REGINALDI must. If I act as if this is a farce, then perhaps it shall *become so. *

PHILLIPPEA bit like one of your plays.

SABINE

Life imitates art? How droll. *

REGINALDWhat would Corneille do? *

SABINEIf this were one of his tragedies he would kill half the cast *and have the rest cry.

REGINALDAnd Jean-Baptistes satires? *

SABINE

A servant girl would come in and give a comic monologue. In *it would be the solution to our problems. She would probably *dress me in boys clothing and I would seduce your grandmotherand she would leave it all to me.

They all look expectantly at the door.No one enters.

SABINE (contd)Isabelle has missed her cue. Looks like we arent in acomedy.

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REGINALDAny other playwrights we could seek help from?

PHILLIPPEThe Greeks?

SABINEAristophanes? You want to prance around with a large leatherphallus?

REGINALDNot again.

PHILLIPPE[Made me laugh, at least.] *

REGINALD *Shakespeare! *

SABINE *He goes both ways. Trust me, There is nothing to be learned *from the theatre.

PHILLIPPEDon't let Jean-Baptiste hear that.

SABINEIn this situation.

REGINALD *

There must be something. You have been training with thesword for two days straight. *

SABINEWe continue as planned. Tomorrow we create a fight in which Itake a slight wound. Isabelle is the victor, and I retreat toParis. Simple, plausible, and guaranteed to satisfy the oldcrone.

REGINALDBut we would still be wed.

SABINE

So go get someone with child! That is what she wants. Createan heir and she will be content.

REGINALDDisgusting.

PHILLIPPEOr Claudette and I could try. *

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REGINALDPlease. I have seen the two of you together. It would takedraft horses to pull you together.

PHILLIPPE

It was merely a suggestion.

REGINALDAnd I appreciate the gesture. What do you say, wife? Will you *dress up like Phillippe and let me take you in the darktonight?

SABINEI fear there is not enough alcohol in France for to that. But *for the good of the family I shall begin to drinkimmediately.

REGINALDVery good. I shall make it a point to announce to all theguests tonight that I shall impregnate you and produce anheir forthwith.

SABINEWhat have I agreed to? I shall keep Isabelle busy until you *return refilling both my hot bath and my wine glass. *Phillippe?

PHILLIPPEI shall retire now to my chamber to compose your duel. One of *us should remain sober.

REGINALDDont be jealous if I fail to make an appearance in your *bedchamber tonight. My wife needs impregnating. Perhaps your *wife could use the same attention?

PHILLIPPEI am sure the moment she sees the two of you trying to *copulate she will come to me for reassurance. *

SABINEGod help us all.

PHILLIPPEYou are sure your blood bladders will work? *

SABINEIf they fool the audiences of Paris they will fool that old *goat.

REGINALDYou are speaking of my grandmother.

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SABINEApologies, that dear old goat.

REGINALDThank you.

SABINENow I must be off to my bath. *

REGINALDAnd I need a new pair of shoes. *

PHILLIPPEAnd I shall remain to plot your maiming. *

SABINEKiss kiss.

Sabine exits.

REGINALDAm I a fool? *

PHILLIPPENo more than any of us.

They kiss and Reginald exits.

PHILLIPPE (contd)Perhaps far less than I, my love. *

Claudette appears, ready for the party.

CLAUDETTEHow do I look?

PHILLIPPERavishing.

CLAUDETTE *Where are the others? *

PHILLIPPE *

Reginald is changing his shoes and Sabine is preparing to be *impregnated. *

CLAUDETTEOh. Why did you do that to me? *

PHILLIPPEYou kissed me first. *

CLAUDETTE *I did not! *

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PHILLIPPE *It happened *

CLAUDETTEIt was the swords.

PHILLIPPEIt had to have been.

CLAUDETTE[Are we in love? *

PHILLIPPEWith them.

CLAUDETTEOf course, but] there is no time to deal with this now. *

PHILLIPPEEnjoy the Marquis ball. *

CLAUDETTEWe shall discuss this when I return. *

PHILLIPPEI shall be in my chamber.

CLAUDETTEAnd Reginald? *

PHILLIPPEHe has announced plans to impregnate Sabine.

CLAUDETTEYou were serious? *

PHILLIPPETonight.

CLAUDETTETonight. Find Reginald for me? We must leave for the party. *

PHILLIPPE

Of course.

Phillippe exits.

Claudette takes one of the rapiers andbegins to wield it in an impressiveflourish, despite being fully dressedin a gown with tight corset.

Mathilde enters, watching Claudette fora moment before she speaks.

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MATHILDEYou have gained some skill with the sword, I see.

Startled, Claudette spins and putsMathilde on point.


MATHILDEYou greet me with the point of a sword? Am I not welcomeanymore in this house?

CLAUDETTEYou have ostracized Reginald. Refused his entreaties.

MATHILDEHe refused a simple request from his grandmother. Whatrecourse did I have? Is he here?

CLAUDETTEHe shall be down at any moment.

MATHILDEBut where is he?

CLAUDETTEI do not know.

MATHILDE

And the trollop he chose over his familys wealth?

CLAUDETTEI... do not know.

MATHILDEWhat, pray, do you know? Where is your own husband? His steedis in the stable yard.

CLAUDETTESomewhere.

MATHILDE

Of course he is somewhere, that is a physical certainty. Hecannot be nowhere and thus he must be somewhere, but where ishe? You had best hope he hasnt been lured into some chamberby that harlot.

CLAUDETTECertainly not! *

MATHILDEYou are so sure? Men have but two thoughts, women and sex.

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CLAUDETTEIs that not one thought?

MATHILDEOnly in an unwise man. It is of no matter at this juncture. I

have words for you alone, and only moments to instruct you *before I leave for Paris. Sit down. *

CLAUDETTEYou wont be with the Marquis tonight? *

MATHILDEObviously not! Use your brain. I am standing here ordering *you to sit yourself down and listen. The Cardinal is not a *patient man.

CLAUDETTEHe is in your carriage?

MATHILDEOf course, and I am straining propriety, but I assured the *conniving pederast that I would only be a moment.

CLAUDETTEAunt Mathilde, such language!

MATHILDEI am not foolish enough to believe that his advice to me ispurely liturgical, but I can ill afford to take chances withthe hereafter. However, my first priority is my family.

CLAUDETTEThat is a relief for us all.

MATHILDEWhich is why you must kill that harlot by weeks end or Ishall have to take matters in hand myself.

CLAUDETTEI plan to challenge--

MATHILDEYes, yes, but do it soon. Kill her, maim her, I care not.

Just get her out of the family. If you do not, then I shall.

CLAUDETTEHow?

MATHILDEThe Cardinal assures me he knows of an entire class ofruffians who can be very persuasive. For a price.


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MATHILDEWhat good is enormous wealth if it cannot ease my daily ills? *I shall return in three days with newly hired footmen.Dispose of her before the week passes. If I must send my *footmen to this house at night, rest assured that the

Cardinal will be happier for it. Three days.

Mathilde heads for the door.

MATHILDE (contd)No farewell for your Aunt?

CLAUDETTEIt was, as always, a deep honor to receive you, AuntMathilde. I shall keep your words close to my heart and tellmy cousin of your visit.

MATHILDEDo not. This meeting was for your ears only. Do as you aretold and you might still have a chance at wealth and *happiness. Good day.

Mathilde exits.

CLAUDETTEOh God, I need a drink.

Claudette goes to decanter and pours aglass of wine for herself. She drinksit in one gulp, the pours another.

Reginald enters.

REGINALDThere you are, Claudette. So much to tell you as we ride tothe party. Have you heard? I plan to impregnate my wife thisvery night!

CLAUDETTEI have three days.

REGINALDTrust me, Phillippe doesnt have it in him to do the same for

you, poor thing. Shall we? *

CLAUDETTEWhat choice do I have? *

REGINALDTrue. Come, we are late for the party. *

Reginald grabs her hand and pulls herout of the room.

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End of scene.

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Act I

I-3 THE WOODS, FOUR DAYS LATER, MINUTES BEFORE DAWN

Two brigands are sorting what they have

stolen through the evening.

LECHEVRESuns coming up soon.

GASCOYNEVery true.

LECHEVRENot a bad catch for one night.

GASCOYNECould have been worse.

LECHEVRENot as many coins as last night. *

GASCOYNECould have been better.

LECHEVREBut these pearls are nice. And so many rings!

GASCOYNECould have been worse.

LECHEVRETrue. That young lord was pretty quick with his blade. I hatewhen they hide daggers.

GASCOYNENo honor there.

LECHEVRETrue. Not right to search them, though.

GASCOYNENot according to our code.

LECHEVREOne must have rules.

GASCOYNEThats the code.

LECHEVREKeeps us from being savages.

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GASCOYNEDon't want that.

LECHEVREOf course not.

GASCOYNEOf course not. I could have broken his arm for you.

LECHEVRETrue, but you didn't have to.

GASCOYNEI was afraid I would have to.

LECHEVREIf he hadn't let go you would have had to.

GASCOYNEI watch your back.

LECHEVREYou do that well.

GASCOYNEI do that well.

LECHEVREYou do. You hit that guard last week.

GASCOYNEHe tried to kill you.

LECHEVREAnd you stopped him.

GASCOYNEI stopped him.

LECHEVREYou are a true friend. So, not a bad haul tonight.

GASCOYNE

Could have been worse.

LECHEVRENothing to be done.

GASCOYNEYep.

LECHEVREOf course, it does make it more exciting when they fight us.

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GASCOYNETrue.

LECHEVREBut I like the easy ones best.

GASCOYNEThe ones who are nice.

LECHEVREAnd cooperative.

GASCOYNEAnd pretty.

LECHEVREPretty is very nice.

GASCOYNEWhy don't we only go after the pretty ones then?

LECHEVREBecause the pretty ones are young and the young rarely havegreat wealth. *

GASCOYNEThese pearls are pretty.

LECHEVREYou have impeccable logic.

GASCOYNESuns coming up soon.

LECHEVREStill true.

GASCOYNEWhen can we go back to Paris?

LECHEVRESoon. Almost have enough to afford living there.

GASCOYNEI miss the city.

LECHEVREI know you do, but remember why we left?

GASCOYNEToo expensive and so few thieves have any class.

LECHEVREA whole lot of mean and ugly.

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GASCOYNETheobald.

LECHEVRETrue enough. Both mean and ugly. *

GASCOYNE *And no honor. *

LECHEVRE *Why he would single us out, I have no idea. *

GASCOYNE *Because we knew him-- *

LECHEVRE *Back in St. Kitts. *

GASCOYNEWhats that? *

LECHEVRE *Ah, Saint Christophe Island. Remember Tortuga? The seas? *

GASCOYNE *The noise. Two horses on the road.

LECHEVREWe should go.

GASCOYNEWhat about all this?

LECHEVREPut it back in the tree while I take a look.

LeChevre sneaks to look offstage whileGASCOYNE gathers the valuables andhides them in the hollow of a tree.

GASCOYNE(Whispers) What do you see?

LECHEVRE(Whispers) Two horses. Theyve stopped. Are you almost done?

GASCOYNE(Whispers) Two more bags.

LECHEVRE(Whispers) Theyre dismounting.

GASCOYNE(Whispers) Done. Why are they here?

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LECHEVRE(Whispers) I cant read minds-- theyre coming!

GASCOYNE(Whispers) Do we take them, too?

LECHEVREWell see. Hide in the bushes. Follow my lead.

They hide in the bushes as SABINE andPHILLIPPE enter.

PHILLIPPEAre you ready for this?

SABINEOf course.

PHILLIPPEYou barely slept.

SABINEI worry about Claudette.

PHILLIPPEHave no fear for her.

The brigands emerge from hiding.

LECHEVRE

Good morning, sir and/or madame. My associate and I are hereto ensure the free exchange of wealth from your possession toours. As you can see, our possessions are little more thanthese two very dangerous looking swords, which, while notbeing the most fashionable of weapons are rusty enough that asingle cut could cause a nasty wound. *

GASCOYNEOr death.

LECHEVREOr death, as my associate notes.

SABINEWe dont have time for this.

LECHEVREThis neednt be time consuming. Just hand over all of your--

Sabine and Phillippe draw their swords.

SABINEThis man is the fencing master to the King and I am his starpupil.

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GASCOYNEIts her.

LECHEVREWho?

GASCOYNEI cant believe this.

LECHEVREThis is hardly the time.

SABINEYou know me?

GASCOYNEYou are the greatest actress I have ever seen.

LECHEVREI would never have recognized you. We loved your Isabelle.

SABINEReally? I am flattered.

PHILLIPPEThey know Isabelle?

SABINESchool for Husbands. My role.

LECHEVREA triumph!

GASCOYNETour de force!

SABINEPlease, you make me blush.

PHILLIPPEThis is hardly the time.

SABINE

True. Do you yield?

GASCOYNEWe could never steal from The Sabine.

LECHEVREIt would betray our devotion.

PHILLIPPEThey will soon be here. You must leave and never return.

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LECHEVREWe were just discussing that.

GASCOYNEBut a few days--

PHILLIPPEGo now or I shall bring the guards myself.

SABINEPhillippe, they are my fans.

PHILLIPPEAnd you have a duel to fight.

LECHEVREWe could help.

GASCOYNEWe can be very effective.

PHILLIPPENo.

SABINEBut that is very sweet.

PHILLIPPEWe have it well in hand but you really must leave.

GASCOYNEOf course. Anything for Madame Sabine.

LECHEVREThe new play?

SABINEJealousy Becomes Her begins rehearsals in two weeks.

LECHEVREWonderful!

SABINE

And a new play is being written for me which all Paris willadore.

GASCOYNETell us more.

PHILLIPPESabine!

SABINEYou will have to wait and see. Now you must go at once.

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LECHEVREIt was an honor.

GASCOYNEFarewell.

LeChevre and Gascoyne exit.

PHILLIPPEWhat was that?

SABINEI thought it was cute.

PHILLIPPEIt would have been a shame for them to see you get runthrough because you lost your focus.

SABINEI am an actor. I never lose my focus.

PHILLIPPEAre you ready?

SABINEAs I ever was. How do I look? *

PHILLIPPEReginald did a good job sewing in the blood bladder.

SABINECan barely tell its there. I hope I can keep it intact.

PHILLIPPEIf I see any red I will call first blood. You both have thecorsets loose enough to breathe, right? *

SABINEAs loose as is proper with the Mother Superior present. IfClaudette trips up I will cover.

PHILLIPPEOne more time through it?

SABINENo. Lets decide placement.

PHILLIPPEFighters here and here, spectators there, and me, here.

The sounds of a carriage approaching.

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SABINEPerfect. They have arrived. I need a few moments to get incharacter. Meet them at the road?

PHILLIPPE

Of course. You will both be fine.

SABINEThank you. Go.

PHILLIPPE exits towards the road. Thetwo brigands silently peek from thebushes. SABINE draws her sword andexecutes an impressive sword form. Thebrigands retreat back into the bushes,impressed.

[The brigands reappear and applaud *quietly. *

SABINE (contd) *(Softly) Thank you. Now go! *

The brigands disappear again.] *

MATHILDE(Off) This is a god-forsaken place!

CLAUDETTE(Off) Aunt Mathilde, please.

MATHILDE(Off) Who will stay with the carriage?

PHILLIPPE(Off) Leave your footmen to keep it safe. We shall not needany with us.

MATHILDE(Off) Absurd. Andre and Jules, stay here. Theobald, come withme. Where are we going?

PHILLIPPE

(Off) This way.

Phillippe enters, followed byClaudette, Mathilde and one verythuggish footman, Theobald, who wearshis livery with great discomfort.

MATHILDEWhat a detestable location.

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SABINEThe trees are lush and we are surrounded by the morning mist.

MATHILDEAs I said. Detestable. Let us waste no more time. I do not

wish to catch my death from the chill.

SABINEMy blade could warm you up.

MATHILDEPhillippe, begin.

CLAUDETTEAunt Mathilde --

MATHILDEStop pleading like some orphan on the streets. Phillippe? *

PHILLIPPEFirst, we must each be in our proper places. Sabine to thisside and Claudette to the other. Madame, you and your manmust stand to that side to be witnesses.

Everyone moves to their places.

MATHILDEThis ground is damp.

PHILLIPPE

And?

MATHILDEI will not stand here and soak my feet. I shall watch fromhere.

PHILLIPPEWe may not begin until all are in their proper places.

There is a long pause. At lengthMathilde relents and moves.

MATHILDE

This is most ridiculous.

PHILLIPPEMy apologies, but as we spoke last night, I have a sacredduty to perform in presiding over a duel.

MATHILDEI have watched my share of duels from a respectable distanceand never been forced to stand in mud.

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PHILLIPPEThe mud is irrelevant. You must observe from the opposite *side to ensure that there will be no subterfuge. I shallwatch from this side. I rely on your keen observation.

SABINEShe is a judge? I am relieved to have such impartial eyes.

PHILLIPPEMadame, can you maintain your equanimity?

MATHILDEOf course.

SABINEI protest.

PHILLIPPEOver ruled. En garde!

The ladies take their positions.

PHILLIPPE (contd)Salute!

They do so.

PHILLIPPE (contd)We have discussed at length the rules of engagement and bothof you have agreed to honor them. The eyes of God and man are

upon you. Do nothing to bring dishonor upon yourselves. Mydecision will be made at the first sign of blood.

MATHILDEBlood? This should be to the death.

PHILLIPPEMadame, please.

MATHILDEThey always end in death. That is the purpose of a duel.

PHILLIPPE

Madame, they will be attacking each other with three feet ofrazor sharp steel in a completely unsterile environment.

SABINEAgain I offer you my blade, if you need verification.

PHILLIPPESabine!

SABINEMaestro.

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PHILLIPPEIn all likelihood death is the only option but it isconsidered uncouth to mention so grim an inevitability in themoments before the fight.

MATHILDEMy apologies. Proceed.

PHILLIPPEThe sun has already shown itself over the horizon, and thuswe must begin. En garde.

SABINEClaudette.

CLAUDETTESabine.

PHILLIPPEBegin!

They begin their fight. Claudette istentative at first, responding toSabine's attacks.

MATHILDEClaudette, stop retreating and attack!

CLAUDETTEI am trying!

SABINEPerhaps you should use your familys wealth to buy a lighter *sword or a substitute fighter. Such a pampered flower is *unused to such heavy work. *

CLAUDETTEBe quiet!

SABINEOh, did wittoo itty Kwaudette get hew feewings huwt? Call thenanny.

CLAUDETTEEnough! Ill run you through!

SABINEAt this rate you will only retreat back to your residence.

CLAUDETTEBe quiet!

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SABINEYour detestable Aunt should have challenged me. She, atleast, might prove a challenge.

MATHILDE

Silence her!

CLAUDETTEShut up, you bitch!

Claudette now takes the offensive,pushing Sabine back.

The final phrase is a fast flurry ofattacks ending with Claudettes swordpoint (apparently) lodged in Sabineship. Blood appears on her dress.

PHILLIPPEIt is done.

MATHILDEStrike her again! Finish it!

PHILLIPPEIt is done. Sabine bleeds--

SABINEBut I struck her! I felt the contact!

CLAUDETTENonsense! Yield!

PHILLIPPEClaudette!

SABINE falls to the ground.

MATHILDEShe only bleeds. Claudette end this and we can depart.Quickly, child. We have my will to sign. Sabine, pray you are *dead by sunset.

PHILLIPPEI must look to her wound. There is a lot of blood. Footman,help me get her to the carriage.

MATHILDELeave her! She arrived on horseback, she can depart the sameway.

PHILLIPPEShe is too hurt to ride.

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MATHILDEI care not. Claudette, now!

A whistle is heard off stage.

MATHILDE (contd)What in Gods name is that?

THEOBALDSoldiers.

PHILLIPPEHow many?

THEOBALDTwo.

Another whistle is heard.

THEOBALD (contd)Six.

PHILLIPPEWe must leave. Sabine, can you ride?

MATHILDEThe harlot cannot even stand. Claudette, finish this!

SABINECome within my reach, you hag, I will finish you!

MATHILDEYou will be dead soon enough. If I have to do it myself.

PHILLIPPEI will not allow any more violence. Get to the carriage. Thesoldiers must not suspect a duel.

MATHILDETheobald!

THEOBALDMadame?

MATHILDEYou know what to do.

THEOBALDMadame.

Before Theobald can draw his knife,Phillippes blade is drawn and in hisface.

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PHILLIPPEIt is over.

MATHILDEDeValmorin, do not cross me.

PHILLIPPEI have the honor of the King to uphold. Would you cross himso directly?

There is another whistle from offstage.

THEOBALDThey are very near.

MATHILDEGet my niece to the carriage. I am most displeased,deValmorin.

PHILLIPPEAs am I. A duel is the height of civility, not a means forpetty revenge. Wife?

CLAUDETTEI am well. Theobald, Aunt Mathilde, we should hurry.

PHILLIPPEGo, my love. I will tell the soldiers she was thrown from herhorse.

They kiss and Claudette runs off stage,followed by Theobald and Mathilde.

SABINEI will not flee! Let the soldiers find me! I care not!

PHILLIPPEKeep your voice down!

While Sabine shouts her next speech,Phillippe sneaks a look off stage asthe sounds of the carriage departingare heard.

SABINEBring her back! Both of them! I shall kill them both whilstleaning against a tree! They have stuck me like a sucklingpig! Bring on the soldiers! I shall tell the King what youhave done! You cant kill me so easily! I shall limp acrossthe stage and denounce your entire degenerate family! TheKing will not be so pleased to find his favorite actress hasbeen injured! He will have your heads! Come back and face me!

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The sounds of the horses and carriagesfade. Phillippe enters and tries tosilence Sabine.

SABINE (contd)

Look at all the blood! You butcher! Oh, I am sped! A horse, ahorse, my kingdom for a horse! A plague on both your houses!(Whispers) Are they gone?

PHILLIPPELong gone. Be quiet. *

Sabine jumps to her feet. Phillippetosses her a saddle bag. As they speakshe removes the bloody outer clothesand changes into fresh ones.

SABINEThen why let me keep yelling?

PHILLIPPEYou are like charging horses. The soldiers are near. *

They hide on stage as the sounds of the *soldiers riding close, stopping to *investigate, then ride off after the *carriage. Sabine and Phillippe emerge *from hiding. *

SABINE

That was rather fun, wasnt it?

PHILLIPPEI suppose.

SABINEDo you think it worked?

PHILLIPPEI have my doubts.

SABINEShall we adjourn to the tavern?

PHILLIPPEA little water clears us of this deed?

SABINEShakespeare? I am impressed. *

PHILLIPPEOur work is not yet finished.

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SABINEOf course. I must send word to Jean-Baptiste. My publicawaits word of my maiming.

PHILLIPPE

Lady, may I guide you to your horse? *

SABINEIt would be my honor.

They exit. The brigands enter again asthe sounds of horses riding off areheard.

End of scene.

End of Act I.

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ACT II

II-1: THE SALON, FOUR DAYS LATER

Reginald is pacing and drinking. He

finishes his wine and opens the door.

REGINALDIsabelle! I need more wine!

SABINE(Off) I just sent her for a bottle. *

Sabine enters.

REGINALDHow did you know I would need it?

SABINEYou are my husband. Besides, I wanted that one for myself. *

REGINALDAnd sign of Claudette?

SABINENo, but she sent word that they were in Paris to meet withthe Cardinal.

REGINALDAnd thats not bad news?

SABINEIt was to be expected. Perhaps she will do what you couldnot. Get the will repaired to save you both.

REGINALD *You are in a foul mood. *

SABINE *I should be. *

REGINALD *Oh, lord. Not today. *

SABINE *Today or tomorrow. I am amazed you dont have it marked in *your social calendar. *

REGINALD *In red ink. *

SABINE *Thats rather indelicate. *

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REGINALD *I dont need to write it down. Cadette always warns us in *advance. *

SABINE *

Does she? *

REGINALD *Do you blame her? *

SABINE *She should know, she shares the same foul moods. *

REGINALD *Not nearly. *

SABINE *True. She does not get the same pains that I do. *

REGINALD *Pleasant. *

SABINE *In truth, I expected them by now but the weeks stress seems *to have affected us both. *

REGINALDI dont like this whole idea of Claudette alone with the *Cardinal and my Grandmother.

SABINENo defending her?

REGINALDEvery other time I have been reasonably certain of where Istood. I knew the politics of her good graces and couldnavigate that dance floor without bumping into anyone. I amhelpless here and Claudette hasnt the experience.

SABINEPhillippe is with the King. He should learn something.

REGINALD

And if he does not?

SABINEYou think your grandmother will do something to Claudette?She has what she demanded.

REGINALDShe does not. You still breathe. Who knows what she could doto that beautiful but vapid child?

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SABINEShe is not a child.

REGINALDBut she is rarely the brightest candle in the room. Without

me there she might say the wrong thing, sign the wrongdocument, or even eat something the Cardinal has made forher.

SABINEGive her come credit.

REGINALDI am. She will spell her name correctly and beautifully whenshe gives away my share of the inheritance to the Cardinal!

SABINEEven so, your grandmother will not leave her with nothing.

REGINALDUnless she keeps the family tradition of using the Bastille. *

SABINEWhat do you mean?

REGINALDNothing. Phillippe will have some success. The King must know *something.

SABINE

Do not evade me. What did you mean about the Bastille?

REGINALDMy grandmother has never had much fondness for Claudetteslimb of the family tree. You are well aware of that. But ifyou breathe a word of what I tell you all our lives will be *in grave danger. I have never told Claudette, and I doubtgrandmother is aware of what I know. She never spoke in *defense of her own niece and nephew. She was the one who hadthem arrested.

SABINEClaudettes parents?

REGINALDYes. I was barely sixteen and having a brief kissing session *with this absolute dream of a footman she had. We were in the *servants passage behind the library-- a room she rarely *enters. There was a commotion and we saw a dozen royal guards *approaching. Pierre fled, thinking they were there for him *but I stayed to watch. I heard her summon them into the *library to arrest my own aunt and uncle who were with her. *They were dragged away in chains and executed quietly days *later. No trial, no appeal, no mercy. *

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SABINEHow could you ever defend that woman after that? *

REGINALDI was her ward! She denounced them as traitors. How was I to *

know that she was lying? My own parents were long dead. [I *have no doubt she was involved in that, as well, but] I was a *boy! She scared me as she does you. More, in fact! But know *this, if you breathe a word of this to anyone I will divorce *and denounce you, myself. I will not have Claudette hurt in *this way. I was all that Claudette has had since that day. *

SABINEUntil she met me.

REGINALDTrue enough, but that secret I shall to carry to my grave.

SABINEThat is too great a burden to bear by yourself.

REGINALDAnd now we share it. And neither of us shall any lighter. *

SABINEWith every word I regret not killing her when I had the *chance.

REGINALDI am beginning to wonder if it was wise to have prevented

you.

SABINEYou all second guess my instincts and they are rarely wrong.

Isabelle enters with wine and a platter *of food. *

REGINALDI hate this waiting! *

ISABELLE *I am sorry to have been delayed, but Henri insisted that I

also bring you something to eat. He told me to inform you *that it is unwise to drink so much wine empty stomachs.

REGINALDI wish we were working towards a drunken bliss, but thistension is preventing even the merest hint of calm.

ISABELLEI spilled some water just outside. I shall need to clean thatup.

77.


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SABINEThank you, Isabelle. No one has come to the gates?

REGINALDReminds me of Salzburg.

ISABELLENo, maam.

SABINEWhen

Duel Intents June 2011

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Transcript of Duel Intents June 2011