Final episode.

 

So today we draw this drama to a close.  I hope that you have liked reading it.  I will continue to post pieces of work I have done, but nothing can compare to this.

 

FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN, by Lorraine Horne.

 

It is now December 11^th 1936. Thomas and Elizabeth are married. It is the day of their daughters Christening. Both families have just arrived back at the farmhouse from the church. The ladies all make a fuss of the sleeping baby.

 

LADY MARJORIE:

Elizabeth, Mary was such an angel right up until the water touched her head. My what a pair of lungs she has. She certainly let us all know she doesn’t like water on her hair.

ELIZABETH:

I was afraid of just that. Mary really doesn’t like her head wet at all. Dad says she’ll be afraid of water.

 

In the sitting room Thomas puts on the radio. The men find somewhere to sit as they wait for the announcement everyone knows is coming.

 

THOMAS:

Do you think we’ve missed it Father?

SIR JAMES:

No. I think we’d have heard in the town had the announcement been made.

(pause)

I can’t believe he’s actually done it. To choose Wallis over his duty?

THOMAS:

He said he would marry the woman he loved. Obviously this is the only way that can happen.

(beat)

I just hope he can be happy in the knowledge of what it’s cost.

ELIZABETH:

I’m going to put Mary down in her crib. Has someone put the kettle on to boil?

THOMAS:

I think your mother was going to do it.

 

As the men sit around listening to the radio, waiting for news, the ladies fuss with drinks and the children. Elizabeth leaves the room with the baby just as SIR JOHN RAITH’s voice comes over the radio. Amberline turns up the volume and shushes the children.

 

SIR JOHN RAITH:

This is Windsor Castle. His Royal Highness Prince Edward.

DAVID:

At long last (beat) I am able to say a few words (beat) of my own.

(pause)

I have never wanted (beat) to withhold anything, (beat) but until now (beat) it has not been constitutionally possible (beat) for me to speak.

(pause)

 

Elizabeth comes back into the room, and walking over to Thomas’s chair sits on the arm and puts her hand on his shoulder. Thomas puts his hand on top of hers.

 

DAVID: (cont’d)

A few hours ago (beat) I discharged my last duty (beat) as King and Emperor,

(pause)

and now (beat) that I have been succeeded by my brother, (beat) the Duke of York, (beat) my first words (beat) must be to declare my allegiance to him.

(pause)

This I do (beat) with all my heart.

(pause)

You all know the reasons (beat) which have impelled me (beat) to renounce the throne.

(pause)

But I want you to understand (beat) that in making up my mind (beat) I did not forget (beat) the country or the empire, (beat) which, (beat) as Prince of Wales (beat) and lately as King,

(pause)

I have for twenty-five years (beat) tried to serve.

(pause)

But you must (beat) believe me (beat) when I tell you (beat) that I have found it impossible (beat) to carry the heavy burden of responsibility (beat) and to discharge my duties as King (beat) as I would wish to do (beat) without the help and support (beat) of the woman I love.

 

Thomas squeezes Elizabeth’s hand. Elizabeth has a tear falling down her cheek. She sniffs quietly. As the family continues to listen to the radio, Elizabeth and Thomas slip out of the room.

 

ELIZABETH:

Oh Thomas. I feel so sorry for them. Wallis so wanted to be Queen. Do you think they will ever marry now?

THOMAS:

I bloody hope she marries him now he’s given up everything for her.

ELIZABETH:

I hope so too.

 

Elizabeth wraps her arms round her husband as their daughter starts to cry. They smile at each other and walk arm in arm back into the farmhouse.

 

FADE OUT.

 

© L J Horne. 2014.

FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN.

 

There are just two more episodes of this drama left.  Here is the first of those two.

 

FADE IN

April 1935

INT. ROSEDALE HALL. SIR JAMES STUDY. EARLY AFTERNOON.

The study is a typical gentleman’s study. Filled with dark furniture including a large desk, behind which Sir James is sitting. Thomas is pacing the room.

 

SIR JAMES:

Elizabeth is a nice young woman, she has conducted herself very well but she is still not of the right breeding to be your wife.

THOMAS:

And if I choose to marry her anyway?

SIR JAMES:

If you insist on being so foolish then you’ll support yourself.

THOMAS:

You think that threatening to cut me off will change how I feel about her? I love her. I won’t spend my life without her.

SIR JAMES:

Thomas, see sense boy. Nothing good can come of you marrying below your station. Elizabeth knows nothing of our world. It will overwhelm her. I admire her spirit and her courage, but this can never be her world. You should finish this now and give her the chance to find someone else.

THOMAS:

I thought you liked her? Mother said you found her wonderful company?

SIR JAMES:

I do. She’s intelligent, polite. She understands the business world far better than you or your brothers. John Holte wishes he had more workers like her.

(beat)

And there’s the problem. She’s working class. Her roots are in the gutters of the town, not the lawns of the estate.

(pause)

No this could never work. She’ll be unhappy in your world, and you’ll be unhappy in hers. You’ll end up hating each other.

THOMAS:

How can you be so sure?

SIR JAMES:

I’ve seen it before. Your own Godparents came from different backgrounds. In the end their love died.

THOMAS:

That was a long time ago. Things were different then. Attitudes have changed since the war.

SIR JAMES:

That may be so, but it will still take many more years before we see any real benefit. Keep Elizabeth as your mistress if you must, but marriage is out of the question.

THOMAS:

My mistress. Never. Elizabeth is not the sort of girl one takes as a mistress. She’s not like most of the girls in town. She has respect for herself, and for her family. I won’t do that to her.

(beat)

No Father, I’ll marry her with or without your blessing.

SIR JAMES:

You’re not the young man I thought you to be. I was sure you’d give Elizabeth up at the first mention of being made to work for your own money.

(beat)

You’re sure you won’t just take Elizabeth as a mistress and choose a more suitable wife?

THOMAS:

Very sure. I would prefer to beg for work in town than give her up.

SIR JAMES:

Very well then. You have my blessing. If her father gives his permission, and Elizabeth agrees to be your wife, then you may marry her.

THOMAS:

One more thing Father.

(beat)

We’ll need somewhere to live.

SIR JAMES:

The farmhouse at Little Endsford has just become vacant. If you agree to oversee the farm labourers, you may have that to begin with. It will need a lot of work done before it’s fit to live in.

 

Thomas reaches the door and grabs the handle to open it. As he does so, Sir James calls to him.

 

(cont’d)

Just one more thing. I won’t pay for this wedding. If her parents can’t afford to pay then you must. I suggest you put some of that money you throw about the card table so easily to better use. Your grandmother left you a very generous stipend. It’s now time to use it for something other than fun and games.

THOMAS:

Thank you Father. Will you and Mother attend the wedding?

SIR JAMES:

But of course. Our son is getting married. That is a day for celebration.

(beat)

No matter whom he chooses to marry.

 

Thomas leaves the room. Sir James shakes his head sadly.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

The same afternoon.

INT. ELIZABETH’S HOME. MID AFTERNOON

Elizabeth and her father AMBERLINE are in the parlour of a small back-to-back yard house.  Everything is old and worn out, but clean and tidy.

 

ELIZABETH: (angrily)

That isn’t the point Dad. You had no right to give her my new shoes to wear. I hadn’t even worn them yet. I saved for weeks to get them. Just for once I wanted something that was mine.

 

Amberline and Elizabeth are now shouting at each other.

 

AMBERLINE:

Don’t you raise your voice to me girly. Unity needed them, I don’t have the money to go buying shoes, and there was a pair sitting there. You should be grateful your sister could go for a job, instead you gripe about ownership.

(beat)

You’re changing, and it’s not for the good. Soon we won’t be good enough for you. You’ll be ashamed of us. (shaking his head sadly)

I said no good would come of you mixing with them Toffs.

ELIZABETH:

You’d have enough to buy her a pair of shoes if you stayed out of the pub occasionally. It’s not as if you don’t have a good whack out of my money each week.

 

Elizabeth storms out of the parlour to the scullery.  As she does so there is a knock at the open door.  Thomas is standing there.

 

ELIZABETH:

Thomas. I thought you said tomorrow evening? Is something wrong?

THOMAS:

Tomorrow, - yes. No, nothing’s wrong; I just need to talk to your father…Alone.

 

Amberline has walked into the scullery.  He looks from Thomas to Elizabeth quizzically.  Elizabeth looks at him and shrugs her shoulders.

 

AMBERLINE:

You’d best come through to the parlour lad. Bess your Mam’ll be home soon, best put the pot on to boil.

 

Thomas follows Amberline through the scullery to the parlour and closes the door behind himself.  Amberline stands with his elbows on the fireside shelf.  Thomas faces him.

 

THOMAS:

You must be wondering why I’ve come to see you Sir?

AMBERLINE:

Suppose it’s cause you’ve gotten Bess in trouble?

THOMAS:

No Sir. I’ve come to ask for your permission to marry Elizabeth.

AMBERLINE: (surprised)

And she aint pregnant?

THOMAS:

No Sir. Why would you think she was?

AMBERLINE:

Well, I know all about your reputation with the young girls.

THOMAS:

I’ve enjoyed my fair share of the girls in town, I agree, but Elizabeth is different. I love her.

AMBERLINE:

And you’ve told your father of this? What does he have to say? Not best pleased with a peasant’s daughter joining your ranks I’ll wager.

THOMAS:

He has his doubts about it, I admit, but he’s given his blessing.

AMBERLINE:

I see… She won’t be expected to skivvy for no one?

THOMAS:

I have a job overseeing my father’s farms in Little Endsford. We’ll have a home there. Elizabeth won’t need to work for anyone. If she chooses to occupy her time with something, then that’s something we can discuss.

(pause)

So Sir, do I have your permission to ask Elizabeth to marry me?

AMBERLINE:

It’s not my permission you need lad, it’s hers.

 

Amberline walks to the door and opens it, calling out as he does so.

 

AMBERLINE: (cont’d)

Bess, a word girly.

 

Elizabeth is heard putting something down on the table, and then walking towards the parlour.  Amberline waits for her to appear before leaving the room and closing the door.

 

ELIZABETH:

Thomas. What’s going on?

 

Thomas takes Elizabeth by the hand.

 

THOMAS:

Elizabeth, I’ve asked your father, and now I’m asking you. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?

ELIZABETH:

Don’t be daft. As if Sir James is going to let you marry the likes of me. (laughs) There you go being a twit again.

THOMAS:

On the contrary. He’s given his blessing. Your father says that it’s up to you.

ELIZABETH:

Just like that? Where will we live? There isn’t room here.

 

Elizabeth pulls her hand from Thomas’ and walks over to the chair by the window.  She sits down heavily into it.  A mouse runs along the edge of the wall under the window, disturbed by the sudden movement in the chair.

 

THOMAS:

We’ll have a farmhouse in Little Endsford. I’ll oversee the farm labourers. You can make a home for us.

ELIZABETH:

What about the people who live there now? What will they do?

THOMAS:

The farm is newly vacant. Father had to let the farm manager go. He had an interesting accounting system it seems.

(beat)

So. You still haven’t answered my question yet Bess?

ELIZABETH:

No. I haven’t, have I?

(pause)

I don’t know Thomas. Can this really work?

THOMAS:

I love you. And I believe you love me?

ELIZABETH:

Yes, but you know that already.

THOMAS:

It’s as David once said. ‘Love is the only reason to marry’. More importantly, it’s the best reason to marry.

ELIZABETH:

There are many who would disagree with you. Wallis once believed that security in the form of wealth and position were just as important, and lasted longer. I think she may have changed her mind recently.

THOMAS:

David will marry her as soon as he’s able. Her divorce is under discussion. Let’s hope that all goes well for them. David is used to getting everything he wants, and he wants Wallis.

ELIZABETH:

He’s been spoiled, just like you. No wonder you two are friends, you both have an eye for the ladies and you love gambling. That will have to change, you know?

(beat)

I won’t have you spending all your money on card games and loose women. If you marry me, you will have no other women.

(pause)

Is that possible Thomas? Can you be satisfied with just me?

THOMAS:

From the day you agreed to go out with me there’s been no one else, Elizabeth. You stole my heart. I need only you.

ELIZABETH:

Pretty words.

(beat)

And the gambling?

THOMAS:

I can only promise to try. It will be difficult. Card games are a part of my social life.

ELIZABETH:

Promise me Thomas. I won’t agree to marry you without your word on this.

THOMAS:

I promise you that I’ll love only you.

(beat) (cheekily)

And my mother of course.

ELIZABETH: (serious)

And the gambling?

THOMAS:

Oh dear. You really mean it.

(pause)

Very well. I promise that I’ll do my best to avoid gambling. I can’t make any other promise than that.

 

Elizabeth rises from the chair and stands before Thomas.   She smiles at him and takes his hand in hers.

 

ELIZABETH:

Then Thomas. My answer is yes.

(beat)

Yes, I’ll marry you.

 

FADE OUT.

 

© L J Horne. 2014.

 

I hope you are enjoying reading this piece.  It took a long time to get round to finally writing this piece, nearly twenty years in fact.  Many things kept me from writing it before now, and I will tell you about those things once the last episode has been posted, and you have had time to wonder what happened next.  Perhaps one day I will write that up too.

hectic week.

Well I’ve had a very hectic week here with my grandchildren.  We have been down to the seafront, with their daddy and aunty Beki who came to see them.  I got to sit on the prom with a cup of tea whilst they went down to the sea for a paddle.  This was last Saturday.  Everyday we took them out, to the park, or the seafront, and nearly every day they went to the arcades.  Nanna had the job of keeping them supplied with drinks, sun cream and money.  Unfortunately, on Thursday whilst playing football at the park with his daddy my grandson Ty who is five, broke his wrist, so went home to mummy and her partner on Friday in a cast.  The cast will remain on until 28th August, just four days before he goes back to school.  They are back with me again in 13 days until the 30th. 

So at long last here is the next episode of FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN.

 

FADE IN.

INT. FELTSTONE DINING ROOM. LATE EVENING.

The meal has just finished and the gentlemen are sitting enjoying a cigar and drink. Elizabeth is sitting between Sir James and John Holte, with Thomas on the opposite side of the table between Wallis and Florence Norman. As the cigars are lit the ladies rise and make their way out of the dining room.

 

SIR JAMES:

Well that went well Thomas. Elizabeth was a pleasure to be around. I begin to see why you have become besotted.

JOHN:

Indeed, she has a great deal of knowledge considering her education. I hate to admit, I am surprised. I was quite prepared to be annoyed by her. I could never sit through a meal with my Emily; she is all ‘Bitsy said this and Bitsy said that’, with no substance to her conversation. How we shall find her a suitable willing husband I don’t know.

THOMAS:

Emily will make a good wife for the right man, John. Many men wait for the right time to show their hand. Your trouble may be weeding out the ones who are there not for your daughter, but for your factory.

JOHN:

We need to ensure that we can marry her to a man who could benefit the family as well as make a good husband.

(pause)

This Bitsy Fitzroy is a bit of a wild thing. Do you know she actually allowed the shoulder of her robe to fall as we passed in the corridor the other day? Such brazen behaviour.

THOMAS:

We know Bitsy. She’s a little loud and wild for my taste. Her parents tried to make a marriage for her with Cyril Norman. Of course, Samuel and Florence were not impressed. Cyril courted her for a few weeks, but she was too loud for him.

SIR JAMES:

I would imagine her parents are getting quite concerned that they’ll make a match for her. She shows no intentions of making her own match. I heard just last week that she was caught leaving the room of a young pilot at the Dorchester.

DAVID: (to Thomas)

I think I may know the young lady you mean. Tall, long legs, blonde hair? Was with Billy Latimer last week at Henry’s bash?

THOMAS:

That’s the one.

 

In the drawing room the ladies are talking. Evaline is mingling amongst her guests. The ladies have separated into two groups; Wallis and Elizabeth are talking with Mary Morris by the piano, whilst Lady Marjorie and Florence Norman are over by the fireplace with other ladies.

 

WALLIS:

Just ignore them, I do.

 

Both women look across towards their hostess and Lady Marjorie.

 

ELIZABETH:

Oh, I’m used to it. My family has been the subject of gossip all my life. I just don’t want Lady Marjorie embarrassed by it.

WALLIS:

I really don’t think she is.

(beat)

So you’re just keeping up a family tradition. Do tell.

ELIZABETH: (laughing)

Stay around here long enough and you’ll hear it all. Suranne is my mum.

WALLIS:

Oh, lucky you. So can she fit me in do you think? I’m free tomorrow morning.

 

Elizabeth looks unsure how to answer.

 

WALLIS: (cont’d)

I’ve put you on the spot. I’m so sorry Honey. I really do like your dress though. Very fashionable and up to date. The cloth is just divine.

MARY:

Don’t worry so Elizabeth. Marjorie can handle a little gossip.

(beat)

Just remember that your mother worked hard for everything she has. She refused to take anything she had not earned, even when faced with the workhouse. You can be proud of her, no matter what the gossips say.

ELIZABETH:

Thank you Mrs Morris. I’m proud of her, we all are.

MARY:

Good, now do either of you play? (taps the piano)

I’m afraid I was not a very musical student.

WALLIS:

Oh yes I love to play. Now do you think the others would enjoy a spot of Mozart?

MARY:

I’m sure they will, unless of course you’re tone deaf.

 

Evaline is talking to the ladies in the other group. When Wallis begins to play she looks across to the piano, before returning her attention to the conversation.

 

LADY MARJORIE:

The weather was very pleasant. John and Emilie are settling in now and of course their French staff are very good, which helps a great deal.

EVALINE:

Well, I would never have thought Wallis would play the piano, and so beautifully too.

LADY MARJORIE:

Evaline you are showing your prejudice again. I’m told Wallis attended Oldfield’s school in Baltimore. One of the best on the American east coast. I would imagine learning the piano is considered a useful talent for young ladies, just as it is in our own private girl’s schools. Which one did you attend Evaline?

 

Evaline looks uncomfortable as Lady Marjorie and Florence continue their conversation. Mary and Elizabeth stand by the piano talking to Wallis as she plays Mozart.

 

MARY:

I’ll leave you ladies to talk and go over and rescue Evaline. She’s very good at saying the wrong thing. It looks very much as if she’s done it again. Excuse me.

 

Mary leaves the piano and joins Evaline, drawing her away from the other group of ladies.

 

ELIZABETH:

You play beautifully Wallis. I would love to play but my education didn’t include music.

WALLIS:

I was taught as a young child by my beloved uncle. Of course, it helped that I love music. It has helped me a great deal through the years. When I was sent to a private girl’s school I had to work hard to be accepted. Being able to play the piano helped.

ELIZABETH:

You come from money though don’t you?

WALLIS: (laughs)

Oh no dear. I was the poor relation. My uncle paid for my education hoping I could make a good marriage because of it. After father died when I was a baby, mother had nothing. We went from one relative to another for years.

ELIZABETH:

We have a lot more in common than I thought. You have so much confidence, something I put on. Inside I’m so unsure, frightened that I’ll say the wrong thing, do something to embarrass Thomas.

WALLIS:

So, Thomas? He’s a very handsome young man. I have to ask Elizabeth, is this relationship about his status, or about the man?

ELIZABETH:

Well, that was direct and to the point. (smiles) I like that. No one has even thought to ask me that.

(pause)

I like him, a lot. He’s such fun to be with, so cheeky, and handsome, but there’s something else. He puts on a good front, but underneath, I think he’s frightened.

 

Wallis finishes the Mozart piece and closes the lid of the piano. She lead Elizabeth across to the seating and signals to a maid to bring fresh drinks.

 

WALLIS:

Sounds to me as if you’re falling for him. They get you that way. You start out wanting a bit of fun, perhaps a few nice gifts, being taken to nice places, and then before you know it, you’re in deep.

ELIZABETH:

And is that how it is for you with the prince?

WALLIS:

Good grief no!

 

Wallis laughs and draws the attention of a few of the other people in the room. The maid places two fresh glasses beside them and leaves.

 

WALLIS: (cont’d)

I like him. He gives me beautiful gifts, asks my opinion and listens to me. He’s very handsome and very rich. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I intend to be the wife of the King, but love has nothing to do with it.

(silence)

Oh now I’ve shocked you.

ELIZABETH:

Yes, I suppose you have.

(beat)

I realise not all marriages happen for love. Not many do even in the lower classes. I just thought from the way you treat each other that there was love on both sides.

WALLIS:

David is like a puppy. He is besotted with me, and I like the attention. As I get older my looks are fading. To have a very handsome, charming man like David think I am special is wonderful. If love does develop that will be even better. Being the wife of the King will mean I never have to worry about where the money is coming from for my beauty treatments, the fine clothes, good food, and of course the jewels.

(pause)

Remember just one thing, if nothing else that I tell you. Accept all the jewels you are offered. In old age they can turn a saggy old woman into a beautiful picture. They take the eye away from the skin. And if you ever fall on hard times, they can be sold.

ELIZABETH:

Thomas hasn’t given me any jewellery, and I wouldn’t take it if he tried.

WALLIS:

You’re young. You’ll learn soon enough. Grab every opportunity that comes your way and hang on. Fight for the things you want, not just the things you need. You’re a beautiful young woman; you deserve the best in life.

(pause)

Our hostess is talking about us again, I think. Shall we make our way over and comment on her lack of manners?

ELIZABETH: (smiling)

Wallis, you’re terrible.

(beat)

Oh, go on then. I’m fed up with being looked down on. I’m as good as she is.

 

As Wallis and Elizabeth take their drinks and cross the room to join their hostess, the gentlemen enter the room. Elizabeth’s attention is immediately drawn to Thomas and the prince. Sir James crosses to Lady Marjorie. Thomas and David wait for Elizabeth and Wallis to join the group before nodding to the maid for drinks. When Elizabeth reaches Thomas, he puts his arm around her waist for a brief moment. Wallis smiles at the prince then winks at Elizabeth.

 

WALLIS:

I was just telling Elizabeth what an asset a good jeweller is. Every lady benefits from a good wardrobe and fine jewels. Don’t you agree Thomas?

THOMAS:

I am sure they do Wallis, but Elizabeth is too beautiful to adorn.

DAVID:

Thomas, you’ll soon learn that even the most beautiful rose is transformed when it wears an adornment of a drop of dew. Giving Elizabeth a diamond or sapphire will highlight the gifts Mother Nature adorned her with at birth.

 

 

The evening draws to a close. The guests finish their drinks and take their leave.

FADE OUT.

 

© L J Horne. 2014

 

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