Finally I have internet access again.

 

 

For the past seven days I have had no broadband internet access.  I have never been so frustrated with something so silly.  I always thought that I was a sensible person, but now I know different. 

The lack of internet was so debilitating for me.  I bank via the internet, I work on my university courses via the internet, even my recreation is partially internet based. 

It felt like someone had cut off my arms.  Oh I have a mobile smartphone, but even the data connection on that was playing up.

So in the end I took myself off to a friends home and borrowed some of hers. 

I could have spent this time productively, making cards or writing, but all I kept thinking about was the internet access problem, and the longer it was off, the more frustrated I got and the less concentration I had for anything else.

This morning a nice BT engineer came out, lifted the handset of my house phone, shook his head and said – this is a line fault not a broadband fault, they should have sent this job out last week.

Apparently I was luckier than a lot of people in the next village – Chapel St. Leonards.  They suffered a direct hit by lightening in the village and it travelled down both the telephone lines and the electricity cables.  So many homes have now got televisions that are useless, computers fried, laptops that were plugged in dead, the list goes on.   All that happened to my line was the resistors/connections up the pole and in the junction box were knocked out.  The problem was fixed within half an hour.

So guess who I’m writing to next?  BT are being told that they need to re-train their personnel in India, so that they don’t tell customers a pack of lies, can diagnose the correct fault and listen to customers when they give them information.  I am also not going to pay for the last weeks broadband and call package as I have not had the service.  Lets see how they feel about that one.

 

FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN 

EPISODE FOUR

EXT. FELTSTONE HALL. EARLY EVENING.

Thomas and Elizabeth are walking up the short drive of Feltstone Hall. In front of them at the top of the driveway stands a large Georgian manor house. Elizabeth is wearing a very modern evening dress of a soft blue colour, with a high, slightly draped cowl neckline and capped sleeves. The bodice is fitted with a gathered skirt that has yards of material and has an irregular hemline. She is carrying a black evening bag with a thin strap and has on new black T-strap shoes chosen to match the bag.

 

THOMAS:

Ready?

ELIZABETH:

No.

(beat)

Do I look okay? Is my dress right?

 

Thomas takes her hand and gently pats it.

 

THOMAS:

You look perfect. Stunning. How did I get so lucky?

ELIZABETH: (smiling)

Twit.

(beat)

(cont’d)

You’re sure it’s okay for me to come? I don’t want Sir James and Lady Marjorie to be embarrassed.

THOMAS:

How could you possibly embarrass them? You have perfect manners. Not something I can say about some who will be here tonight.

 

Thomas and Elizabeth are shown into the drawing room where maids are milling around serving drinks. Over by the fire the ladies have gathered, amongst them is Wallis Simpson talking to Lady Marjorie and Evaline Holte the hostess. Thomas walks Elizabeth over to his mother’s side and introduces her to the ladies.

 

THOMAS:

Evaline, ladies. May I introduce my friend Elizabeth?

LADY MARJORIE:

Elizabeth, it is so nice to see you again. How is your mother?

 

Thomas smiles at the ladies before walking away to join the men. He is greeted by his father and the prince, who looks over towards the ladies before slapping Thomas on the shoulder.

 

ELIZABETH:

She’s very well, thank you Lady Marjorie.

LADY MARJORIE:

Let me introduce you to everyone. This is Evaline Holte, our hostess, over there in the blue velvet is Florence Norman and of course I believe you know Mary Morris? Perhaps you already know Wallis Simpson?

ELIZABETH:

Good evening ladies. No, Not yet Lady Marjorie

(to Wallis)

So pleased to meet you.

WALLIS:

Nice to meet you Elizabeth. What a wonderful outfit, you simply must tell me where you got it.

LADY MARJORIE:

I believe from the cut and the workmanship that it is a Suranne Hearn original. I have several outfits by her too. She does such beautiful work.

ELIZABETH:

Yes, she is very talented. When Thomas asked me to accompany him I realized that I’d need something a little special. This was completed only this morning.

EVALINE: (snidely)

Well you wouldn’t have anything suitable would you? This is such a different experience for you, isn’t it?

LADY MARJORIE:

Why Evaline. Elizabeth has many beautiful dresses.

(to Elizabeth)

Only last week Thomas was telling his sisters about a stunning apricot number you wore to the park Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH:

Thank you Lady Marjorie.

(to Evaline)

I’m very fortunate to have several beautiful dresses. Most of which are Suranne originals. Of course, I’ve been to dinner parties before, not with such a distinguished guest admittedly. (looking across to the gathered men)

WALLIS:

One of you must introduce me to this wonderful artiste. I need to get a new outfit for the races next month. Do you think she would have the time to do something for me?

 

Lady Marjorie walks away to talk to Florence and Mary. Wallis leads Elizabeth off to the side where they sit down. Evaline Holte is left standing alone.

 

WALLIS:

I’m so glad you’re here dear. Takes some of the attention from me.

(beat)

Is someone bringing you a drink over?

ELIZABETH:

No, I haven’t asked for one yet. To be honest I don’t know what I should ask for. I usually drink just gin.

WALLIS:

Gin and tonic then.

 

Wallis catches the eye of a passing maid and orders a small gin and tonic for Elizabeth and a whiskey and soda for herself.

 

WALLIS:

Now, how can I get in touch with your dressmaker?

ELIZABETH: (smiling)

I can ask her for you tomorrow if you’d like me to.

WALLIS:

If you don’t mind. Are you sure you have the time?

 

At the other side of the room the gentlemen are preparing to go into the dining room. Thomas and the prince are laughing together. Thomas is finishing his drink and cigarette, whilst the prince stands with his hand on Thomas shoulder head dipped towards him conspiratorially.

 

DAVID:

Very pretty, old boy. Is she a keeper?

 

Thomas looks across to Elizabeth and Wallis. A smile creases his eyes and curves his lips.

 

THOMAS:

Oh yes. Nevertheless, I worry she’ll let the others goad her into saying too much. She’s very outspoken.

DAVID:

Let her have her head boy. She must find her own way. Wallis may well be helpful to her tonight.

(pause)

Looks like we’re going in for dinner, shall we join our ladies?

 

The ladies and gentlemen all leave the drawing room and make their way across to the dining room. Left behind the maids collect dirty glasses and tidy the room.

 

FADE OUT.

© L J Horne. 2014

 

The weather here in Lincolnshire is beautiful, thank goodness  Tomorrow we collect my son’s two wonderful children from their mum and they get to stay with us for eleven days.  It’s going to be great, days spent down the park with a picnic, playing on the beach, and of course the ‘diddle’ems’. 

Don’t know what they are? 

Well many years ago when my own kids were little their daddy told them that the penny arcades were called the diddle’ems.  When asked why he just said ‘the noise the machines make’.  Of course the kids were still infants and they believed him.   The real reason was because he believed that they were rigged to ‘diddle’ or con people out of their money, especially small children.  He was probably right.  So the kids have always called them diddle’ems and now so do my grandkids.

Last year Ty and Ruby were bought up to Skegness by their mum and her partner with their baby brother for a long weekend.  We got a phone call from ‘Daddy Luke’ asking where the shop called Diddle’ems was because the kids wanted to go there.   

When they later came to stay with us for the rest of their school holiday all they could remember from their time at Butlins holiday park with mummy, daddy Luke and baby Joey was their time at the diddle’ems.

Aren’t children, especially the under fives wonderful?

Have a great day.  If I get time I will post the next episode of ‘For the love of a woman’ tomorrow after we get back from the Midlands with the children.

Third episode of ‘For the love of a woman’

 

 

April 1934

INTERIOR OF A CAR. EARLY EVENING.

Sir James, Lady Marjorie and Thomas are being driven into Feltstone on their way to Feltstone Hall. Thomas and Sir James are having a heated discussion, Lady Marjorie looks on quietly.

 

SIR JAMES:

Why do you persist in this folly boy? Can’t you see how you’re embarrassing your family? Doesn't it concern you how the town is gossiping about Elizabeth? You’re hurting Elizabeth and she won’t forgive you for it.

THOMAS: (voice raised)

Why would I hurt her? Bess is not some passing fling father. She’s intelligent, caring and funny. Please, just give her a chance.

SIR JAMES:

She may well be all of those things, but you can never change the fact that she’s a commoner. Look at her parents for God’s sake.

(beat)

Not exactly our sort. No Thomas, this just cannot be allowed.

 

Thomas turns to his mother.

 

LADY MARJORIE:

Oh Thomas. Listen to your father. Try to consider how it looks. Finish this silliness before it’s too late and you break her heart.

(beat)

Or worse.

THOMAS:

It was too late weeks ago mother. I think I love her.

SIR JAMES:

Love, you are too young to know love. Love is something you get from respecting someone, from sharing with them. Not something you feel in your loins boy. Stop this now before she tries to trap you.

(pause)

I will not pay off another young woman who finds herself with child. One illegitimate brat out there is more than enough.

THOMAS:

Elizabeth has more respect for herself than to do that. She’s more lady than any you have paraded before me.

(silence)

Why do you persist in comparing me with John?

(pause)

Do you ever wonder what became of his child?

SIR JAMES:

No. Why would we. She was quick enough to take the money and leave. John was very lucky.

 

Sir James looks away from Thomas, staring out of the window. Lady Marjorie stares into space, a sad look on her face.

 

THOMAS:

I invited her to join us tonight for dinner. Mrs Holte said I could bring someone to make up the numbers.

(beat)

Please… I won’t have her made unwelcome. Everyone there will look to see how you treat her.

LADY MARJORIE:

We would never cause anyone embarrassment.

(beat)

Our hostess, unfortunately, may be a different matter.

 

Thomas turned to Sir James, who is still looking out of the window. He touches his shoulder.

 

THOMAS:

Father?

SIR JAMES:

I will show Elizabeth the same respect I show any guest at these things. I can’t imagine I’ll have a lot to say to her. Will she know to stay with the ladies after dinner?

 

Thomas taps the chauffeur on the shoulder.

 

THOMAS:

Pull over here; I can walk the rest of the way.

 

When the car stops, Thomas gets out. Before closing the door he turns back to his parents.

 

THOMAS: (cont’d)

We will be at Feltstone before you go into dinner.

 

FADE OUT.

© L J Horne. 2014

 

I hope you are enjoying reading this period drama.  For the next episode come back tomorrow. 

 

An eventful few days.

On Thursday we had some storms pass over, one of which caused a power failure.  I wasn’t home at the time, but my son tells me that the power was gone for quite a while to the whole village.  This meant that my broadband Wi-Fi router was off.  Friday when I came home I set up my craft room, and took out my computer to catch up on the previous nights events.  All seemed well for a while, until my router dropped out.  I reset it, as I have done many times before, but this time it only lasted a few minutes.  That set the pattern for the rest of the day, ten minutes online then hours offline.  By seven in the evening I had come close to throwing the router out into the fields with the wheat.  I didn’t though.  I had a program to watch on TV, so that’s what I did. 

Being in a lot of pain from the arthritis in my shoulders back knees and ankles to name just a few places, I went to bed around ten.  It was not a good nights sleep – too hot and sticky.  Saturday dawned nice and early, along with my son who was upgrading his mobile phone in the morning in town, so we had breakfast and were in town by 9.30am. 

I thought that the broadband would be back on by the time we got back, but no such luck, and now my mobile couldn’t get a data signal because of all the other people using their mobiles in the area. 

I rang BT to be told that the exchange had suffered a direct hit with the lightening on Thursday morning which had caused thousands of cascade failures since.  My phone line is almost unusable and my broadband none existent until they can get it sorted.  Making it worse is the fact that everyone in the area who has a telephone uses that exchange, and they are all in the same position. 

A phone call to my mobile carrier gave me more bad news.  because of BT’s problems, everyone has turned to their mobile data plans to access the internet, which has meant that the signal strength each of us is getting is less, and I am one of the unlucky ones who will be effected because all those lovely teenagers are now off school for the summer, so they want their entertainment, streaming music and games over the internet.

Today I managed half an hour online via my mobile data plan.  I chose a time when everyone was either just sitting down to Sunday lunch or nodding off after eating.

ON THE UP SIDE

I am making more cards, and loom bracelets because I have nothing else to do.  My most recent finished project is also my first attempt at decoupage. 

 

 

Please leave a comment.  It lets me know that someone is actually visiting my little blog. 

Have a great day and don’t forget to come back tomorrow for the next episode of For the love of a woman.

Serialisation of my film script.

 

FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN  by Lorraine Josephine Horne. (2014)

Please note I retain all copywrite to this play.

FADE IN.

A Week Later.

EXT. FELTSTONE PARK. LATE AFTERNOON.

Elizabeth and Thomas walk slowly through the local park, her hand is nestled on his arm, the hand of which is tucked into his trouser pocket. Every so often he touches her hand on his arm with his free hand. Behind them people are watching them, some smiling others with their head together gossiping.

Elizabeth wears a simple plain handmade cotton dress coat in one of the latest designs; Thomas wears a typical gentleman’s day suit.

THOMAS:

You see, I told you no one would be staring at us.

ELIZABETH:

You see only what you want to see. Plenty are turning after we’ve passed by. You’ll be the talk of the town by tonight.

THOMAS:

Do you mind so much?

ELIZABETH: (laughs)

No, but somehow I don’t think Sir James and Lady Marjorie are going to be best pleased.

THOMAS:

You should give us more credit. Even the Royals are becoming more relaxed about these things. You saw Prince David with the American Wallis Simpson the other evening. That would never have been allowed a few years ago, but times are changing. Father and mother will change too.

ELIZABETH:

Oh Thomas. If you really think that’s going to happen you’re a few pennies short of a shilling. The King will soon stop that relationship.

THOMAS: (condescending)

And exactly how do you think the King will do that? David is an adult. Will he lock him up in the tower, banish Wallis from the country?

ELIZABETH:

Dad says the Prince will be sent off on another Royal tour abroad somewhere, and that Wallis will be bought off. He says her type is only after two things, money and fame.

THOMAS: (amused)

And your dad knows a lot of women like Wallis does he?

 

Elizabeth stops in the middle of the path, pulling away from Thomas. Thomas turns to look at her. She is visibly annoyed. Thomas is still amused.

 

ELIZABETH:

Don’t you dare make fun of us. Just ‘cause my dad didn’t have your fancy education, don’t mean he’s stupid.

THOMAS:

Well, you are quite the spitfire my dear.

(pause)

David did mention something about the possibility of another jaunt. Quite looking forward to it by all accounts, he tends to have such fun on these things. Lots of pretty girls to look at, plenty of time away from the pressure to marry the right woman.

 

Thomas and Elizabeth have come to the entrance to the park. It is almost dark and the streetlights are coming on. Thomas turns to Elizabeth. Around them people go about their daily lives. The church bell chimes the hour.

 

ELIZABETH:

Why do you think it hasn’t been mentioned in the papers?

THOMAS

I doubt they announce anything until the details are finalised. No good saying the Prince will be in Sydney when he is not going to Australia at all.

 

Elizabeth slaps Thomas on the arm gently.

 

ELIZABETH:

Not the Royal tour silly, the Prince and Wallis. Do you think they’re having an affair?

THOMAS: (sounds worried)

Not yet no. Mother put them in separate wings of the house. If there had been anything, the servants would have been gossiping by now. I would imagine it will happen soon though. David is never without for long.

ELIZABETH:

I hope Wallis has a thick skin, and a forgiving husband.  He’ll soon get bored as the novelty of her wears off, then he’ll move on to the next.

 

Thomas is thoughtful for a moment before shaking his head sadly.

 

THOMAS:

Not this time I fear. He’s in love with her you know? That is new for him. He was talking of settling down, of marriage.

(pause)

Can I see you again Bess?

ELIZABETH:

I don’t know Thomas. Where could this go? I like you, but I don’t think this can work.

THOMAS:

Give it a try; what do you have to lose? I’m good looking, have reasonably good manners. I …

ELIZABETH:

You’re a twit. (smiling)

Why is it so important to go out with me? Are you using me to prove something to Sir James?

(beat)(spiritedly)

I won’t be used and I won’t be made fun of, so if this is all part of an elaborate game then find someone else.

THOMAS:

I have no nefarious reason. I like you; you’re beautiful, funny, sassy, and very confident. I admit that irritating father is always fun, but I never use other people to do it.

(beat)

Let me walk you home and you can think about it.

 

Thomas and Elizabeth join arms again and walk through the town. As they go people turn and stare, some smile and walk on, others shake their heads and turn to talk. Small town life goes on.

 

FADE OUT.

(© L J Horne 2014)

 

I am going to post a new scene each morning now until the script is complete.  It will only take a few days.  I ask please that you leave me a comment below so that I can get some idea of how you feel about this piece. 

Thank you to Kath Thomson for the feedback I got yesterday via my Facebook page.  It was wonderful to read that you wanted to read more, but that you were willing to wait until it was shown on the BBC.  A real boost to my confidence. 

Now wouldn’t that be something – a 50 year old woman raised in the centre of England writing a drama for the BBC? 

Another course passed.

 

My results from my fifth module towards my BA Honours Open Degree arrived last Thursday.  Have to say I was over the moon.  I got a Grade two pass, which means that on my last module starting in October, ‘The Art of English’.  I need to get a Grade three or more to get my 2:1.

The exam piece for my last module was a film script.  It is a period piece, set between 1933 and 1936 and follows the developing relationship between two young people from very different backgrounds. 

This is the beginning of a thirty two minute piece.

FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN

A FILM SCRIPT

By

Lorraine Horne

Characters.

Prince Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, - Prince of Wales

39. Known as David. Well educated, playboy.  Gambler and ladies’ man.

Wallis Simpson.

37. Married American Socialite having an affair with the prince. Baltimore/East Coast American accent.

Elizabeth (Bess) Hearn.

20. Bess is a factory worker. Lower class. Basic education, local accent to North Warwickshire

Thomas Stratford-Ellis.

25. Third eldest son. Gambler and ladies’ man.Well educated, well spoken.

Sir James Stratford-Ellis.

52. Family has owned Rosedale Hall and the surrounding lands for over 600 years.

Lady Marjorie Stratford-Ellis.

50. Old money well educated,

John Holte.

Late 50’s. Factory owner, self-made man. Friend of Sir James. Arrogant, overbearing. Owns Feltstone Hall. Midland’s accent, slight Birmingham hints

Frederick Morris.

Hat factory owner, old money.

Ernest Wrigley

The butler, who also acts as the dealer and banker in the card games

Amberline Hearn.

50’s. Settled Gypsy turned miner. Elizabeth’s father.

Sir John Raith

BBC Director General. Announcer of the abdication speech

Other characters

Evaline Holte. Mid 50’s. New money, married to John.

Samuel Norman. Dinner guest. Local landowner.

Florence Norman. Wife of Samuel.

Mary Morris. Wife of Frederick.

SETTING

The film begins in November 1933. There are rumours going round the fashionable upper class parties that Prince David, the Prince of Wales has begun another affair with a married woman. This time it is believed to be an American socialite already on her second husband.

David is a regular houseguest of Sir James Stratford-Ellis and his wife at Rosedale Hall. During his visits, the Prince gets together with friend Thomas Stratford-Ellis, son of Sir James, who is several years younger, but has a very similar personality.

Dinner parties are always a feature of the Prince’s stay, combined with at least two card games held in either Feltstone Hall a large Georgian ‘Manor’ house on the northern edge of Feltstone, behind the imposing St Mary’s Church, owned by Sir James friend John Holte, or at Rosedale Hall. Designed by the architect Edward Blore in 1837 as an extension and refurbishment of Rosedale Manor house which sits within its now castle like complex. Rosedale Hall is to the south east of Feltstone town overlooking the beautiful wooded grounds that run down to the town.

FADE IN.

November 1933

INT. ROSEDALE HALL. CENTRAL HALLWAY. EARLY EVENING.

The central hall has a grand staircase going up to the gallery landing above. Several doors lead off in different directions into the rest of the house. At the back of the hallway it is darker, being in shadow under the gallery above. Here there are two doors. One opens onto a long corridor that leads to the servant’s area, kitchens and back of the house. The other is to a lavatory.

Coming through the door from the corridor is ELIZABETH HEARN.

Elizabeth is carrying a large tray, she is about to collect the last of the dirty glasses from the dining room.

THOMAS STRATFORD-ELLIS is approaching from the other side of the hallway.

THOMAS:

Hello again. Still here I see.

ELIZABETH:

Well it certainly looks that way doesn’t it?

(beat)

Excuse me Sir, I need to get on.

THOMAS:

Do you work here now?

(beat)

Shouldn’t you be wearing one of those little black dresses with a white pinny thing? 

 

Thomas smiles and winks. Elizabeth doesn’t smile back.

 

ELIZABETH:

And shouldn’t you be with the other guests in the games room?

THOMAS:

In a minute, yes. You never answered my question.

ELIZABETH:

No I didn’t did I?

 

Elizabeth walks around Thomas and grabs the handle of the dining room door. As she turns the handle, Thomas takes her free hand.

 

THOMAS:

So, do you work here?

(beat)

I could always just ask Mother I suppose.

ELIZABETH:

Ask away. While you’re doing it I can get on. I still have to walk home this evening.

THOMAS:

It would be quicker if you told me. Do you have a boyfriend or husband waiting for you?

ELIZABETH:

Now that’s none of your business.

(beat)

My name is Bess. No, I don’t work here; I’m doing a favour for Cook.

 

Elizabeth smiles cheekily at Thomas then pushes open the door and goes into the dining room. Just as she closes the door, Thomas says.

 

THOMAS:

Oh, I know your name.

 

Thomas steps up to the lavatory door with a smile on his face.

 

FADE OUT.

FADE IN.

INT. ROSEDALE HALL. GAMES ROOM. LATE EVENING

Typical 1930’s stately home games room.  Around the large roaring coal fire are several armchairs occupied by the ladies.  Behind the ladies stands a full size snooker table.  As the ladies quietly gossip, at the opposite end of the room sit six well-dressed gentlemen round the card table, WRIGLEY is standing at the head of the table, cards in hand ready to deal.

 

SIR JAMES:

Let’s make this our last hand tonight then gentlemen.

DAVID:

What’s up old boy, losing too much this evening?

SIR JAMES:

Well the two of you do seem to have taken an awful lot off the rest of us this evening Sir.

 

DAVID turns to address THOMAS who is sitting on his left hand side.

 

DAVID:

Won fair and square, wouldn’t you say Thomas?

THOMAS:

Definitely so David. Risks were taken and rewards won.

(beat)

Now, time for me to take some more, I think.

 

Wrigley deals out the cards face down to each player. Before they lift them and look at their cards, they each add ten shillings to the centre of the table, buying into the game.

Over by the fire, a maid collects dirty cups and glasses and places them onto a tray before carrying them out of the room. Another maid waits to serve the ladies fresh drinks. Wrigley nods to her to indicate that she bring fresh drinks for the gentlemen at the table.

 

LADY MARJORIE:

Another drink Wallis?

WALLIS SIMPSON:

G and T I think this time please, but I’ll make it my last tonight, then it will be tea for me.           No point getting tipsy and embarrassing myself is there?

(beat)

Wouldn’t want you all talking about me at the next gathering would I?

 

Turning to the maid SARAH, Lady Marjorie orders drinks.

 

LADY MARJORIE:

Sarah, can we have two more Gin and Tonics and then fetch a tea tray for four?

 

Back over at the card table the game continues.

 

WRIGLEY:

The cards are with you Mr Holte. Sir.

JOHN HOLTE:

Two please.

 

He throws two cards onto the table towards Wrigley, who deals him two more. The game continues around the table.

 

JOHN:

You are right, marriage is all about alliances. If my Stanley took it into his head to marry one of the factory girls, then he’d have to earn his own living. I have no intention of paying for his folly. The girl would be a money grabber for certain. If he chooses to shirk his family duty then he can go it alone.

SAMUEL NORMAN:

Three.

 

Elizabeth and Sarah quietly enter the room carrying trays and Elizabeth begins to collect up the dirty glasses and cups. Thomas watches Elizabeth, who now wears a pinny, for a short time, and then turns his attention back to the conversation.

 

FREDERICK MORRIS:

None for me Wrigley.

(beat)

I’ve seen what it can do when one falls in love with someone outside our circle. Nothing good came from it.

 

Discarding three cards Thomas looks directly at his father.

 

THOMAS:

Well, I intend to marry for love.

(beat)

What is the point in spending one’s life in a marriage with someone without love? I will not be tied to someone just because it’s expected of me.

DAVID:

I have to agree Thomas.

 

David looks quickly across towards Wallis, then back to his cards. Throwing down one card, he picks up the card dealt to him and looks at his hand, putting it face down in front of him. The pot in the centre of the table has grown considerably. It now contains around a hundred pounds made up from five and ten pound notes.

 

DAVID:

I’ll marry the woman I choose, not one the King and the government feels would make the best alliance. I want the kind of marriage that Albert has with Elizabeth.

 

Sir James changes one card.

 

DAVID: (cont’d):

Thomas, seems I’ve overstretched myself old man, would you stand me ten pounds and I’ll repay it from the winnings?

THOMAS:

Let’s say you’ve put it in there shall we, and Holte here shall be witness.

 

Everyone but Samuel bets again. Samuel throws his cards to Wrigley and excuses himself from the table.

 

SIR JAMES:

Elizabeth has breeding; she comes from the right family. Your brother is not going to be King, Sir, you are. Surely it’s important to you that you choose the right Queen?

DAVID:

When I choose, she will be the right Queen for me. Someone I can be happy with, someone who makes me a better person. This whole playboy thing is getting stale.

(beat)

Now to finish this game so I can pay my debt.

 

Thomas takes a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes his brow. As the cards are turned over Thomas reveals three queens and a pair of tens.

 

THOMAS:

Full house, old chap, I win.

DAVID:

Well it seems I’m in your debt Thomas.

 

Both men get up from the table, David slaps Thomas on the back. While Wrigley starts to gather the cards together, Sir James picks up the money and brings it to Thomas. The three men walk over to join the others in front of the fire for a final drink before retiring for the evening.

FADE OUT.

**********************

The play is about Thomas and ELizabeth, and their friendship with Edward and Wallis.  It ends three years later on the day of the abdication.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these first two scenes.

 

What I have been doing this week.

I have been playing with a digi stamp by Mo Manning.  You can see more of her work at http://www.digitalpenciltoo.blogspot.com/  or her web shop at http://www.http://mosdigitalpencil.com/

This is called The Reader.

The story of my weekend.

 

Saturday 5th July 2014

I love my cats - I must do. Early night last night. I got to sleep around midnight. Call of nature roused me at around 2.30am accompanied by the oh so familiar sound of a mouse squealing for it's little life. Both David and I were alerted to the fact that once again my two indoor cats had found an interactive toy and it was giving them a good run for it's money.
The sight of David and me searching for a mouse under the kids toys in the craft room, in and under all my card trays, and ink pads, in the shoe pile and under the stairs would have been laughable.
Where were Solliewoli and Billybob? In the conservatory by now, one under a dining chair and the other sitting on his cat sofa. Sparkie was standing just looking into them, - shaking his head.
Ten minutes we were looking for that mouse and where was it? In Solliewoli's mouth all the time. It had gone quiet because he had suffocated it. He sat growling at us all, - no one was taking his toy from him.
I had to leave them in the conservatory all night with the doors closed as I knew what came next - a half eaten mouse on my sleeping face.
I cleaned away the remains of the mouse this morning while he was eating his breakfast, but he will not be pleased with me when he finds out.

Sunday 6th July 2014

Woken abruptly yet again this morning by my eagle eared Havana Solliewoli. He sleeps in my bed, snuggled into the crook of my arm. He woke me by launching himself at a hundred miles an hour from the bed and off he went. Dazed I lay still, wondering what had happened. Within seconds I could hear the unmistakeable squeak of a small furry interactive toy, and the sound of my craft room being demolished. I got up and went down on my stairlift to make sure the cats took their 'toy' outside. I could do without putting my hand into my ink draw and being bitten by a scared mouse or shrew.
By now the cats had it cornered under the table, it was a little worse for wear, but still alive. After another ten minutes I got bored watching them sit and wait for it to move so I got a cardboard box from the kitchen bin and herded the animal into it. I took it outside and put it on the grass, where it just sat looking at me. Sparkie was already at the top of the garden with a huge rat in his mouth, which he proudly showed me, but as he walked up to me the shrew saw him and squeaked and ran. Sparkie dropped his rat and pounced. He killed it with one swift bite and bought it back adding it to his pile, then off he went. I have just put all the dead off the night into the dustbin. Five in total, three rats, a thrush and the shrew.

Think I need to block the cat flap into the cat pen up at night, the lock is gone, smashed out by Billybob one day when it started to rain and he wanted to get in before he got wet.
So back to bed I went, with not much chance of getting back to sleep, my foot looked like a balloon with tiny sausages sticking from it, it hurt like holy hell, the skin stretched so tight it had split and was itching. From my knee to my ankle the leg wasn’t swollen but it was bright red, looked almost sunburnt.
Wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn’t been going to a Ford car show and shine at 11 in the morning.  By 10 it was raining though so we didn’t go, the swelling in my foot went down and I got to make a couple of the designs for cards I have been thinking about.

Monday 7th July 2014

Finally had a decent nights sleep. However I woke up in a lot of pain - my neck and shoulder seem frozen, - but that's because I'm afraid to move them as the pain when I do is intense.
The cats didn't have any interactive toys last night, so for now it's going to be a case of the conservatory staying shut up at night, and the boys being without access to their outdoor run.
Solliewoli is finally friends with me again, but it took patience and a lot of soft talk and smiles Saturday and yesterday to win him back round. He really was annoyed with me wasn't he? It was his first kill. Just hope it doesn't happen again - well in the house anyway because that would mean the little creatures are still getting in somehow.
So today I have to make a couple of phone calls, sort out my next University course and finish off a card I started yesterday. I think it is going to be quite nice - not my best work, but nice enough. Pictures of the cards from this weekend, neither is completed yet, blue one needs a sentiment inside on the mirror card and the other one needs an insert..

 

Hello again. I’m back, lol

Hello again.  It’s been a long time since I have updated my blog.  Not that I haven’t been doing plenty.  I started another Creative Writing course with the Open University last October, this one saw me taking a different route with my writing.  I really enjoyed doing some film script writing, which I may share a piece of later in the year once it has been cleared off the Open University site.  I am waiting – rather impatiently for my course result which is due any day.  I will then have just one more course to complete to get my BA Honours Degree. 

Green With Envy.  A Drag Racer.

A beautiful topless E-Type Jaguar, she was British racing green with a Jaguar 3.8 litre straight six engine, and a full roll cage in black. Low to the ground and sleek, she ran on unleaded petrol and nitrous oxide. This volatile combination meant she could run the quarter mile in just over nine seconds. Running those times would have meant adding a parachute to the back to slow her at the finish. Not wanting to spoil her looks, she joined a slower race class, running as close to 10.90 seconds as possible. Any quicker meant breaking out and losing the race.
Purring like the cat she was named after, a low, steady, throaty growl, she would spring from the start line. With a burst of speed she covered the ground running down her prey before flying over the finish line victorious.
Drag racers can’t run in the rain, slick tyres are used on them. This means that the rubber is smooth, the rear tyres are huge, fourteen inches across, and need heat to get grip. The heat is achieved by a burnout, the most wonderful sight. While the car is stationary, the rear tyres are spun up in a patch of water. As the heat from the spinning tyres evaporates the water, smoke begins to billow out, white clouds form to obscure the car.
The smell of burning rubber stays in the air, catching your nostrils. Standing close and breathing it in, you get a head rush, breath in too much and you go dizzy. Stay around the start line too long and addiction follows, craving the smell of burnt rubber, spiced with the tang of fuel. It’s an aroma that stays in your head long after it’s washed out of your clothes. Some days you will stop in your tracks like a wolf catching the smell of food. A familiar, longed for hint on the breeze transports you back to the trackside.
As the cloud of smoke fills the air, suddenly the driver will take his foot off the brake and the car jumps forward. Getting grip on the now dry tarmac, the tyres are hot and sticky, at the point of melting.    

Copywrite:  Lorraine J Horne.
 
Latest hobby.
While I wait I have been keeping busy with a new hobby.  Making cards. 
Here are just a few of the ones I have made recently, including a few for Christmas. 
This one is all hand done.  Each petal hand cut, and coloured with Derwent Water colour pencils, with black permanent marker pen lines drawn by hand.  I can’t take credit for the design however as it was inspired by a picture I saw on the internet.  It reminded me of Zentangle, which became my starting point.  All of the card stock I used came from my local craft shop just up the road in Ingodmells, Lincolnshire – Cutting Edge Crafts – www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk.

Freebie birdcage stamp from a magazine embossed in antique gold embossing powder printed onto watercolour paper.  Mounted onto teal card then brown card, again from my local craft shop.  Finished with embellishments of ribbon and brads with a sentiment from the same free stamp set matt and layered onto teal card.  This is one of my favourites so far.
 
This one looks far better in ‘the flesh’ than it does in the picture.  The reindeer is from a Christmas Stamps set from Hobbycraft – http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk.  It is actually a line stamp, but I wanted a silhouette so filled the stamped image in with black marker pen, used smaller tree stamps from the set and again filled them.  This was printed onto a winter background scene created using Derwent watercolour crayons and glitter glue.  Matt and layered onto a copper mirror card which was then stamped over with more trees to continue the background scene to the edge of the card.  The ribbon of mirror card was punched out with a Hobbycraft edge punch from their Wedding range.  Cardstock is from Hobbycraft and the local market.

My latest Christmas cards have been made using the cracker shape.  I actually made the template myself, but again not my own design.  It is a design I saw on Create and Craft TV, so probably not the same size as the one sold there.