Mrs Fillingham: (In a flustered voice) I don’t know what Mrs Drabber was thinking, an entire new staff! And right at the beginning of summer too. I don’t see why she and her husband couldn’t.

Mr Fillingham: Mr and Mrs Drabber are nearly seventy now my dear. We did say to her last year that she and her husband would retire this year. We gave them the servants cottage on the edge of the western field close to the road, you remember?

Mrs Fillingham: Yes well…that daughter of hers could have…

Mr Fillingham: Lizzy is married to Mr Coventry now, the blacksmith from town…They’re expecting a child next spring.

Mrs Fillingham: But strangers…in our house James! Over the summer, the busiest time of the year. You know what I’m like over the summer.

Mr Fillingham: Oh yes dear, I know.

Mrs Fillingham: James! I do wish you wouldn’t talk to me so…it is so vulgar.

Mr Fillingham: My dear, it is such vulgarity that lead to the creation of the children you are so fond of.

Mrs Fillingham: James you really are…(A knock is heard) That will be the new servants.

(Mrs Fillingham walks towards the door.)

Mr Fillingham: You’d best calm yourself dear…you don’t want to appear flushed in front of the new servants.

(Mrs Fillingham narrows her eyes at her husband before flouncing out of the room. She returns moments later followed by Mr & Mrs Murphy and Katherine.)

Mrs Fillingham: (As she enters the room) Here we are, this is the main room where most of the social events of the summer take place (she leads the company further into the room) And this is my husband Mr
Fillingham. (Glancing at her husband) James…(Mr Fillingham continues reading, upon noticing Mr Fillingham repeats with a little more heat in her voice) James! (James looks up) This is the new staff for the summer.

(Mr Fillingham gets to his feet.)

Mr Fillingham: Pleasure to meet you all. I do hope my wife’s incessant cheery banter hasn’t scared you away.

Mrs Fillingham: (Laughing in an embarrassed way) James…please!

(Mr Fillingham shakes Mr Murphy by the hand.)

Mr Murphy: I’m Samuel sir, your driver.

Mr Fillingham: Pleasure Samuel.

(Mr Fillingham moves onto take Mrs Murphy’s hand.)

Mr Fillingham: You must be Mrs Murphy madam.

Mrs Murphy: Penny sir, your cook.

Mr Fillingham: Enchanted Penny, I do look forward to sampling your cuisine. The food in London is so awfully bland, like the people I suppose.

Mrs Murphy: (giggling slightly) Indeed sir.

Mrs Fillingham: (quickly interrupting) My husband has such an opinionated sense of humour it is hard to persuade him not to constantly say what he thinks.

Mr Fillingham: Only way to have things my dear (Moving to take Katherine’s hand) And you my dear are?

Katherine: Katherine sir, your house maid.

Mr Fillingham: Delighted Katherine (looking at them all) It has indeed been a pleasure but now if you’ll excuse me, my wife will bore you with the details.

(Mr Fillingham leaves the room.)

Mrs Fillingham: My husband never understood the importance of a well kept house but then again I guess it’s a woman’s prerogative, wouldn’t you say Penny?

Mrs Murphy: Oh indeed madam.

Mrs Fillingham: Well, were there any other questions before we continue the tour?

Mrs Murphy: Oh yes there was one madam.

Mrs Fillingham: Yes?

Mrs Murphy: My young son Jack, he’s currently staying with my sister and well I was wondering if he could reside with us in the servant’s quarters. He’s too young to do his own share but he wouldn’t be a bother I assure you.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh of course Mrs Murphy, it would be quite refreshing to have a child in the house again, send for him as soon as you are settled in by all means. (Turning towards the door) Come along, I’ll show you the rest of the house.

(Mrs Fillingham leaves the room followed by Mr Murphy. Mrs Murphy goes to leave but Katherine catches her arm.)

Katherine: Mother why did you tell her Jack was your son. I am sure she wouldn’t mind if…

Mrs Murphy: Don’t you say a word to her about it…not to anyone.

Katherine: But why mother?

Mrs Murphy: You know how they view illicit affairs and illegitimate children in their walks of life. You need this work, for Jack. You and him wouldn’t survive through the winter otherwise…you know that don’t you?

Katherine: Yes…I suppose so.

Mrs Murphy: Well come along then.

(The two women leave the room.)

End of Scene One.

Scene Two
(The time of day is now early evening, you can see the dusk approaching through the main window. The lamp on the coffee table and the one on the desk are lit. Katherine, now dressed in a traditional maids uniform consisting of a plain ankle length black dress with a white apron and black shoes is plumping the pillows of the sofa on the right of the rug. Mrs Fillingham, now dressed in a formal evening dress is half sat half lying on the lounge sofa before the window. Her husband, now dressed in a formal dinner suit is at on the leather arm chair before the fire reading a book. Mrs Fillingham sighs in a satisfied way as she gazes out of the window.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh I can’t wait till Sophia arrives home, (calling to Mr Fillingham) How long is it now James?

Mr Fillingham: Only a minute after the answer you got last time my dear. (He turns a page of his book thoughtfully) Anyone would think you hadn’t seen the girl for years, it has only been three months.

Mrs Fillingham: But she’s been travelling dear, off to exotic places, Paris, Rome, Athens…(Glancing at Katherine) Of course Katherine, you didn’t know, my daughter Sophia, bless her dear little heart has been travelling with her aunt. She longed to go always when she was younger, but we wouldn’t hear of it.

Mr Fillingham: (Correcting her) You wouldn’t hear of it my dear, but then again you do always worry.

Mrs Fillingham: Over our own daughters safety I have a right to worry James! (Turning back to Katherine) She is such a beauty too, I told her I always wished her to marry. A man of standing, with wealth…possibly a title.

Mr Fillingham: (To Katherine) My wife has always felt it necessary to lord over our children’s existence. If she had her way they’d all have married money the second they were out of school.

Katherine: (To Mrs Fillingham) You have other children then?

Mrs Fillingham: Oh yes yes…My son. He’s been in London for the past year working.

Mr Fillingham: Mathew always wanted to be a doctor…one of the few things my wife approves of.

Mrs Fillingham: Really James, you speak of me like I’m some over protecting, pretentious bore.

Mr Fillingham: You said it my dear.

(Mrs Fillingham stares sternly at Mr Fillingham for a moment then noticing Katherine is still in the room laughs heartily as though his comment a joke.)

Mrs Fillingham: Such wit, such charm… (to Katherine) two of the very things that made me fall in love with him.

Katherine: Indeed madam.

Mrs Fillingham: Anyway, Mathew has been training for years to become a good doctor, every spare moment when he’s not studying he’s volunteering in some hospital or another, it is no wonder the poor boy hasn’t taken ill.

Mr Fillingham: My dear I do wish you would stop referring to our son as a poor boy Clarisse, he’s a man now and quite capable to live his life without you fussing.

Mrs Fillingham: (Ignoring her husband’s comment and starts talking to Katherine) Mathew will be back tomorrow I should think. Just think of it, the whole family together again in this house, oh it will be like old times.

Mr Fillingham: (meaningfully) Not all the family my dear.

Katherine: (Enquiring) You have another child madam?

Mrs Fillingham: (Somewhat embarrassed) Yes well…Rochelle is so busy, with all her work and things….

Katherine: Oh what does she do?

Mrs Fillingham: (Being vague) Oh I hardly know myself…I just didn’t think we should bother her with a silly little thing like…

Mr Fillingham: Seeing her family for the first time in five years.

Mrs Fillingham: (getting up) Katherine dear would you mind leaving me and my husband alone for a moment.

Katherine: Of course madam.

(Katherine turns and walks out of the room closing the door behind her.
Mrs Fillingham turns and walks towards her husband.)

Mrs Fillingham: (hissing angrily) What did you have to do that for?

Mr Fillingham: And what act of mutiny against you have I committed now my dear?

Mrs Fillingham: You know what, you know we disowned Rochelle the day she decided to turn against us.

Mr Fillingham: She didn’t join a cult dear, she became an actress, and quite a good one at that. And besides, we didn’t disown her, you did.

Mrs Fillingham: I don’t see what difference it makes. She was always out to cause trouble in the family.

Mr Fillingham: As I recall that only started when she did something you didn’t like.

Mrs Fillingham: She could have married a nice boy and had children like a proper lady but no…

Mr Fillingham: She chose to live her life the way she wanted and go to London to become an actress.

Mrs Fillingham: I know.

Mr Fillingham: And it drove you mad because for the first time in her life you can’t control her and it drives you mad.

(Mrs Fillingham stares at her husband for a moment before dismissing the comment.)

Mrs Fillingham: Well I won’t have her talked about in my house, you know how much it upsets Sophia.

Mr Fillingham: Sophia and Rochelle wouldn’t have fallen out at all if you hadn’t interfered.

Mrs Fillingham: Sophia is a good girl, she knows what’s right, she…

Mr Fillingham: Is always willing to let you have it your way.

Mrs Fillingham: James I am not going to discuss this any further, if you can’t behave like an adult then…

(There is a knock at the door.)

Mrs Fillingham: (Impatiently) Yes?

(Katherine moves into the room.)

Katherine: Miss Sophia has just arrived madam.

Mrs Fillingham: (Overjoyed) Oh splendid, bring her in, bring her in.

Katherine: (nodding) Yes madam.

(Katherine moves out of the room. Mrs Fillingham turns to her husband.)

Mrs Fillingham: Sophia is home James, can you believe it?

Mr Fillingham: I did hear Katherine myself dear.

Mrs Fillingham: Now don’t you start talking about Rochelle, I won’t
have Sophia upset on the day she comes home.

Mr Fillingham: (Closes his book and gets to his feet) Wouldn’t dream of it dear.

(Katherine enters the room followed by Sophia, a tall thin girl wearing a plain travelling dress in a primrose colour with a red coat and black gloves in one hand and carrying a small bag in the other.)

Katherine: Miss Sophia madam.

(Katherine Takes Sophia’s gloves and Coat. Sophia sets the bag down on the dining table as she walks over to her mother.)

Mrs Fillingham: (Hugging Sophia to her) Oh darling you’re home, you’re finally home. I can’t believe it has been three months it feels like years.

Sophia: Mother, you always were the worrier. I’m fine, the journey was wonderful.

Mrs Fillingham: (moving to hold Sophia at arm’s length) Let me look at you, my, my, you look terribly flushed. Are you sure you’ve been eating well enough?

Mr Fillingham: (Moving over towards the two of them) Don’t suffocate the poor girl Clarisse; she’s only just got back.

Sophia: (Turning and hugging her father) Father!

Mr Fillingham: (Hugging her) Hello darling.

Sophia: Oh it’s so good to see you both.

Mrs Fillingham: (Guiding her over to the sofa by the window) Well come sit down, I want to hear all about your trip. (To Katherine) Katherine dear, we’ll be having dinner in here this evening and you’ll need to set the table for four.

Katherine: (Nodding) Of course madam.

(Katherine turns and leaves the room.)

Sophia: Four… (Suspiciously) Mother what are you up to?

Mrs Fillingham: (Half laughing) Why darling, what an odd thing to say? Why should I be up to anything? (Going back to her chirpy voice) Now tell me everything, how was Paris? Was it as beautiful as ever…did you go to the galleries and Rome….I’ve heard the buildings there are simply divine….

Sophia: Mother…who are you expecting for dinner?

Mr Fillingham: Your mother never was the best when it came to subtlety.

Mrs Fillingham: (getting annoyed) James I do wish you wouldn’t talk about me as though I were still a mere girl.

Sophia: (Becoming more insistent) Mother who are we to be expecting?

Mrs Fillingham: Well you remember Mrs Davenport, the lady who organises the fete every year, huge hips…really I don’t know how she gets away with the clothes she wears.

Sophia: Mother please stop changing the subject, what about Mrs Davenport?

Mrs Fillingham: I was just getting there darling, well I happened to run into her in town and she told me the most marvellous news.

Sophia: (Suspiciously) Yes?

Mrs Fillingham: Her son Marcus recently came home from America, you know he went to study over there to be a lawyer. Over the spring and well I felt it was right to invite him for dinner, what with his mother and myself being such good friends of course.

Mr Fillingham: I don’t think discussing previous fete triumphs was what you had in mind for the dinner discussion dear.

Sophia: Mother you’re not trying to pair me off again?

Mrs Fillingham: Darling don’t make it sound so vulgar, anyone would think you don’t want to get married.

Sophia: Mother I told you I want to travel, see the world.

Mrs Fillingham: Of course darling, that’s why I let you go with your aunt Mildred, by the way, how is she?

Sophia: Ill, she was sick almost the entire trip.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh dear, it wasn’t foreign food was it, I warned her to stay away from oily foods.

Sophia: No it wasn’t the food, it was the travel. Moving doesn’t sit well with Aunt Mildred.

Mr Fillingham: Unless it’s moving her mouth of course.

Mrs Fillingham: (Shocked) James! (Going back to talking to Sophia) Anyway darling Marcus may be a wonderful man, how can you brush the prospect of marriage off before you’ve even met the gentleman in question?

Sophia: Mother I’ve told you, I want to travel…Europe was only the first part of my travels.

Mrs Fillingham: Well there should be no reason why you can’t travel with your husband, in fact I should imagine with the money he makes you’ll be travelling first class all the way.

Sophia: Mother I…

Mrs Fillingham: (sounding upset) After all, with your brother in training and your sister gone you are my only hope of grandchildren in the near future.

Sophia: Mother please…

Mrs Fillingham: Just say you’ll meet him, please?

Sophia: But…

Mr Fillingham: She won’t let go darling.

Sophia: Oh alright I’ll meet him.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh wonderful, well you’ll need to change. We shall need to make a good impression for Mr Davenport.

(Mrs Fillingham & Sophia stand up and turn to leave the room.)

Mr Fillingham: (Going to follow them) My dear you certainly will make an impression on Mr Davenport, the question is how much  he’ll need to recover before it goes away.

End of Scene Two

Scene Three
(The Time of day is only two hours later, the sun has now gone from the sky and the night can be seen through the window. Katherine and her mother are over at the table laying four places with dishes, glasses and cutlery.)

Mrs Murphy: Honestly! I didn’t believe Betsy Drabber was serious when she told me about this family.

Katherine: But I don’t understand, why should Mrs Fillingham say she has no daughter when people know she has one, Mr Fillingham doesn’t seem to have a problem with her.

Mrs Murphy: Ah, Rochelle was the apple of her mother’s eye, the eldest and so talented. She could sing like an angel some said. Her mother loved her so much. She went to an all girls school followed by a finishing school, became a proper young lady.

Katherine: So what happened?

Mrs Murphy: She told her mother she wanted to go to London, perform on the stage and become a famous actress.

Katherine: What is so wrong with that?

Mrs Murphy: Ladies of standing don’t become actresses darling, they marry into wealth and become, picturesque.

Katherine: What does that mean?

Mrs Murphy: It means they spend the rest of their lives looking pretty so their husband has something pretty on his arm when he goes to company banquets and such like.

Katherine: I can imagine Mrs Fillingham wasn’t too happy to hear her daughter wanted to be an actress.

Mrs Murphy: Oh she was furious, told Rochelle to go and never come back. She said she’d shamed the family and she never wanted to see her again.

Katherine: Oh poor Rochelle.

Mrs Murphy: You must remember darling that Mrs Fillingham would have been told which schools to go to, which clothes to wear, what house to live and indeed who to marry. For women of her standing all decisions would have been made for her by either her parents or later in life her husband and she believes it should be the same for her children.

Katherine: So Rochelle walking away from all that tradition was a big shock to her.

Mrs Murphy: I don’t think she has ever forgiven her. Now Mrs Fillingham has turned those hopes and aspirations of having a daughter marry into money and a title have been turned onto young Sophia.

Katherine: Well from the sounds of things yesterday Sophia is looking to travel, so I think Mrs Fillingham may have another problem.

Mrs Murphy: Oh she will most likely convince her that marrying this Mr Davenport is best for the family, Sophia had a much stronger sense of duty than Rochelle.

Katherine: So Mrs Fillingham may have her way then.

Mrs Murphy: Knowing Mrs Fillingham she’ll try very hard to make it so.

(Mr Murphy and Benjamin enter, both are wearing shirts, trousers, boots, and a hat all are covered in dirt.)

Mr Murphy: You two not finished in here yet, Mr what’s his name will be here in a bit and they’ll be wanting dinner served.

Katherine: (Turns, In shock seeing the state of her father) Dad you can’t come in here in that state, what’ll Mrs Fillingham say if she finds dirt trekked all over her floor.

Benjamin: We wiped our feet as we came in miss.

Katherine: I was talking to my father thank you.

Mr Murphy: Katherine you’ll do well to hold your tongue every now and again. This is Benjamin Laceton, stable boy he’s been helping me fix the carriage.

Mrs Murphy: What was up with it?

Mr Murphy: Ah, the usual story. After they finish here for the summer and saunter back to their town houses they just leave it sat in the stable to go rusty. Honestly some people don’t know their born.

Mrs Murphy: Sam…shhh supposing they hear.

Mr Murphy: (Grunts) What does it matter? I still say we should have stayed in London, plenty of work going.

Katherine: But not with free lodgings dad, and besides the city air was no good for Jack, you saw how bad his cough was getting.

Mr Murphy: Aye maybe so but…I just don’t like all this lord and master lark.

Mrs Murphy: Its only a few months Sam and think of the good it will do for Jack, all this fresh air and open space.

Mr Murphy: (In a begrudging tone) Well…they best take care of that carriage is all I’m saying, it won’t survive another winter shut up in that stable with no one caring for it.

Benjamin: We should go, we’ve got to clean up the stable before we head in.

Mr Murphy: Aye, (turning and kissing his wife on the cheek) I will see you later, save us a nice bit of meat love.

Mrs Murphy: Just make sure you get a wash, I will not have you trekking dirt all over the kitchen, I have only just got it nice.

(Mr Murphy laughs as he heads out through the doors Benjamin stops to tie his shoe. Sophia enters the room, now in a formal evening dress. Benjamin stands and stares at her.)

Katherine: (To Sophia) Good evening Miss.

Sophia: Good evening.

(Sophia goes to walk over to the sofa beside the rug. As she goes to walk past Benjamin he moves the wrong way into her path.)

Benjamin: (Moving aside) Pardon me.

Sophia: (Moving past him) Thank you (Turning to face him once she’s past) I’m sorry I don’t remember seeing you here before.

Benjamin: Oh (removes his had quickly and wipes his hand on his trousers) Benjamin Laceton miss, pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Sophia: (Taking his hand lightly) Likewise.

(The two stare at each other briefly, Mr & Mrs Fillingham enter the room. Mrs Murphy coughs and then again. Benjamin suddenly looks up at her.)

Benjamin: Oh right (Puts his hat back on) I should be going (To Sophia) If you’ll excuse me miss.

(Benjamin hurries out of the room. Mrs Murphy and Katherine, now finished laying the table leave after him, Sophia stares after Benjamin as he leaves the room. Mrs Fillingham looks at her daughter before looking out the way Benjamin went.)

Mrs Fillingham: Sophia… (Sophia says nothing, Mrs Fillingham repeats herself more insistent) Sophia!

(Sophia turns shocked to look at her mother.)

Sophia: What….?

Mrs Fillingham: (In a scolding tone) Really Sophia! Mr Davenport will be here soon please will you pay attention.

Sophia: Sorry mother.

Mr Fillingham: My dear I really don’t know what you’re making such a fuss, Mr Davenport won’t approve if you appear flustered, a woman of your standing.

Mrs Fillingham: James I will not let you rile me tonight, this is too important.

Sophia: Mother I’m only meeting the gentlemen.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh you’re too young to understand dear. (In a cheerful voice) Oh just think of what this could do for your future prospects.

Sophia: But mother I…

(A doorbell sound is heard from off stage.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh he’s here, he’s here. (Looking at Sophia) Now
Sophia I don’t need to remind you how to behave.

Sophia: (Furious) Mother I am not a child!!

(Katherine walks into the room followed by Mr Davenport dressed in a formal dinner suit. He walks over to Sophia and takes her hand.)

Mr Davenport: My dear (Kissing her hand) It is indeed a pleasure making your acquaintance.

Sophia: (Frostily) Likewise Mr Davenport.

(Mrs Fillingham bustles over and takes Mr Davenport’s hand.)

Mrs Fillingham: Mr Davenport this is indeed a pleasure, your mother has told me so much about you. I am Mrs Clarisse Fillingham and (nodding towards Mr Fillingham) this is my husband James.

Mr Davenport: Mrs Fillingham it is indeed an honour (Kisses Mrs Fillingham’s hand before looking over towards Mr Fillingham) Likewise with you sir.

Mr Fillingham: (Nodding) Likewise sir.

Mrs Fillingham: Well should we be seated for dinner and then you can all regale us with your fascinating stories about your time in the states Mr Davenport.

Mr Davenport: It would be my pleasure madam.

(The group begin to gather round the table.)

Mr Fillingham: (Muttering to himself) That will make an interesting fifteen minutes.

(The group take their seats, the lights go down.)

End of Scene Three.

Scene Four
(The lights come up and the group is in the same positions around table laughing. Mrs Murphy and Katherine are just clearing the desert plates and leaving the room. Mr Fillingham gets up.)

Mr Fillingham: May I offer you a brandy Mr Davenport?

Mr Davenport: How gracious of you sir.

Mr Fillingham: (Walking over to the cabinet and pouring out two brandy’s) Oh please my dear boy call me James, sir makes me sound so aristocratic and as my wife will tell you the aristocracy is one thing that drives me quite mad.

Mr Davenport: (Getting out of his chair and taking the Brandy from Mr Fillingham, laughing) Indeed sir.

Mrs Fillingham: (Standing up) My husband’s reaction to the aristocracy quite baffles me at time.

Sophia: I believe that a class of people who posses large amounts of wealth yet do nothing to help others serve no purpose in our society.

Mrs Fillingham: (laughing) Oh my dear, you say that like we are expected to associate with the poor.

Sophia: (Standing) I fail to see what harm could come of it mother.

Mrs Fillingham: (Somewhat apologetically to Mr Davenport) Sophia has recently been travelling and it would appear all those new cultures have affected her attitude to our beliefs. Of course I wanted her to stay but she will flutter off on her travels.

Sophia: (Through gritted teeth) It is not as though I’m fluttering off to garden parties in the south of France mother.

Mrs Fillingham: (Shocked) My dear, don’t glare at me in such an serious way, I was merely pointed out that you are free spirited.

Mr Davenport: Quite alright Mrs Fillingham, a free spirited woman makes life interesting.

Sophia: (frostily walking over to him) I am glad you think so sir because I hardly intend to be as a pretty portrait is to a gallery or a dress is to a shop window. I am my own woman (stops directly in front of him looking into his eyes) not your trophy.

Mrs Fillingham: (Shocked) Sophia really you really are…

Mr Davenport: (Politely) It is quite alright Mrs Fillingham I assure you, the ladies of America were far less polite about their opinions.

Mr Fillingham: (Finishing his brandy, to Mrs Fillingham) Expression is perfectly healthy my dear.

Mrs Fillingham: Only when at an appropriate time and in the appropriate company.

Mr Fillingham: (Yawning) If you say so my dear (putting down his brandy glass) well I will be retiring now (To Mr Davenport) Pleasure to meet you Mr Davenport.

Mr Davenport: Likewise James, and call me Marcus.

Mrs Fillingham: Will you be joining us tomorrow evening Marcus, my son is due home for the summer and it is an occasion you shall not want to miss.

Mr Davenport: I am afraid not Mrs Fillingham, my mother is taking the carriage into the city tomorrow, she is staying with a friend so I shall be house bound for a few days.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh nonsense, you can remain here. You may use our carriage to fetch some things in the morning, we have plenty of room.

Mr Davenport: I couldn’t possibly Madam. I wouldn’t want to intrude.

Mrs Fillingham: Nonsense, I will have the maid make up a spare room.

Mr Davenport: Very well, I thank you for your generosity.

Mr Fillingham: Not at all dear boy, not at all. (Turning towards the door) Now I must retire (to his wife) you coming dear?

Mrs Fillingham: Yes of course (To Sophia) I trust you can make sure Mr Davenport gets settled into his room.

Sophia: (frostily) Of course mother.

Mrs Fillingham: Well then good night.

(Mr & Mrs Fillingham leave the room.)

Sophia: (coldly) You would do best to stay clear of me Mr Davenport.

Mr Davenport: (Finishing his brandy) Well it is such a pity that you should say that Miss Sophia, (Puts the brandy glass down on the dining table) it seems your mother has a different idea.

Sophia: My mother has many ideas and wants for me not all of which fit into my plan. You are merely another example.

(Sophia goes to walk past him, Mr Davenport grabs her wrist and pulling her two him kisses her, Sophia fights and pushes him off.)

Mr Davenport: So intoxicating, such fire…rare in one so beautiful.

Sophia: Mr Davenport I will forget that ever happened, but I must ask that you leave this house at once.

Mr Davenport: (Sitting on the lounge sofa) I’m afraid I will be around for a while yet Miss Sophia, so looks like you’re stuck with me.

Sophia: Mr Davenport, I highly doubt my father would approve upon hearing about what you just did. So I would suggest you leave now of your own free will rather than have him throw you out in the morning.

Mr Davenport: And disappoint your mother, to see the sad expression in her lovely eyes when her only daughter disappoints her also. (Getting up he walks over to Sophia, Sophia backs away till she is against the table) Do you want to be like your sister, cast out, forgotten, rejected?

Sophia: (Looking up at him) You leave my sister…

(Mr Davenport cuts her off by kissing her again, she attempts to fight him off but he grabs her arms and pins them to her sides. Katherine walks in through the door.)

Katherine: Oh… (Mr Davenport moves away from Sophia) Pardon me sir…miss. I was told Mr Davenport is to sleep in one of the spare bedrooms…it is all made up for you sir.

Mr Davenport: That’s quite alright (Looks down at Sophia) We were finished anyway.

(Mr Davenport goes to brush Sophia’s hair off her face with his hand but she moves away, around the dining table and out the door.)

Mr Davenport: (Calling after her as she leaves) Sweet dreams darling.

(Mr Davenport laughs as he walks over towards the door himself. The lights go down.)

End of Scene Four

Scene Five
(The view through the window shows that it is morning. The room is empty apart from Katherine who is polishing the dining table. After a few minutes Jack Murphy, a small boy with light coloured hair enters coughing slightly.)

Jack: (Walking over to Katherine) Mummy.

Katherine: (Looking down and picking up Jack) Jack! What on earth are you doing in here?

Jack: Nanny bought me in to help her do some cooking…but it is boring, I want to help you in here.

Katherine: Jack you can’t stay in here, mummy is working.

Jack: But mummy I’m bored!

(Mrs Murphy walks in looking slightly flustered.)

Mrs Murphy: Oh Jack there you are (to Katherine) Honestly, I only took my eyes off him for a moment (Back to Jack) You’ve had me in a right flap little man.

Katherine: (Giving Jack to her mother) Mother you have to be more carefully, supposing Mr or Mrs Fillingham had heard him call me mother, we would be out of a job. You know that.

Mrs Murphy: Oh they will be up snoring away in their beds for hours yet, don’t fuss so Katherine.

(Jack coughs.)

Mrs Murphy: (To Jack) Oh poor little mite.

Katherine: I thought the country air would make his cough better but…he just seems to have gotten worse.

Mrs Murphy: I know, poor little dear, still I guess you’ll have to give him time. It’s a big change going from the hustle and bustle of the city to this wide open space.

Katherine: I guess so…anyway you best take him back down to the kitchen.

Mrs Murphy: I will in a moment (To Katherine) So what happened with Mr Davenport and Lady Sophia last night?

Katherine: To be honest, I am not really sure. I mean they seemed to be physically attracted. I mean the kiss seemed pretty real.

Mrs Murphy: Still I have a bad feeling about that gentleman, something tells me he’s up to no good.

Katherine: You said the same thing about the man who lived across the road from us in the city mother.

Mrs Murphy: Well he was obscure, he had an odd stare.

Katherine: He had a twitchy eye mother. Anyway, who Miss Sophia chooses to be with is her own concern wouldn’t you say.

Mrs Murphy: Hmmm, if you ask me it’s more of her mother’s choice than her own. (Sighs) That girl really needs to do something for herself.

Katherine: Mother it isn’t any of our concern is it?

Mrs Murphy: (Trying to sound innocent) Its natural for us to be concerned over our employers well being. (Jack coughs again, to Jack) Oh poor little mite, we best get you something nice and warm to eat.

Katherine: Just be careful mother please, we need this job.

Mrs Murphy: I know darling, don’t worry.

Katherine: (To Jack) I’ll see you later little man.

Jack: Bye mummy.

(Mrs Murphy carries Jack out of the room. Katherine goes back to cleaning. After a few moments Mrs Fillingham and Sophia walks in.)

Mrs Fillingham: I really don’t know what you’re in such a flap about darling, Mr Davenport seems like a perfectly nice gentleman.

Sophia: I just don’t think he’s my type mother.

Mrs Fillingham: Nonsense Darling! You’re just being difficult now.

Sophia: Mother, I am not going to marry a man just because you think is my perfect match.

Mrs Fillingham: I’m your mother, it is my job to ensure that you are happy and well kept when I am no longer here.

Sophia: Oh mother! I do wish you wouldn’t talk so, it sounds so morbid when you talk about death in such an off handed manner.

Mrs Fillingham: Well I do hope you’ll be more civil to Mr Davenport when he joins us for your brother’s home coming.

Sophia: Well that’s one thing to look forward to I suppose.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh really Sophia, you are impossible.

(Mr Fillingham walks into the room and over to the sofa.)

Mr Fillingham: And how are things this morning in your world my dear?

Mrs Fillingham: Oh James! Can you not be serious for one moment?

Mr Fillingham: My dear Clarisse, I spent the majority of my life growing up in the world of the serious, the politically correct and the well mannered but to be frank, my dear at this point in my life I’ve completely lost interest.

Mrs Fillingham: Really James, can’t you be polite in front of your daughter.

Sophia: Mother you are avoiding the issue.

Mr Fillingham: What issue is this Sophia?

Sophia: Mother seems adamant to marry me off to Mr Davenport.

Mrs Fillingham: Sophia don’t be so crude.

Sophia: Well isn’t it true mother? I don’t understand why it is such a palaver. I mean Rochelle never…

Mrs Fillingham: (snapping) This isn’t about Rochelle, this is about you.

Sophia: Rochelle and I are sisters mother, we deserve the same chances.

Mrs Fillingham: You know for a fact that Rochelle is no longer welcome here.

Mr Fillingham: My dear don’t you think you are getting a bit flustered.

Mrs Fillingham: (Upset) I just want my daughter to be happy and well looked after, is that so much to ask?

(Mrs Fillingham gets up and storms out of the room. Sophia sighs and sits on the sofa in front of the window.)

Sophia: What should I do father? Mother knows I don’t want to marry so why does she persist?

Mr Fillingham: My dear your mother, bless her heart can be like a pit bull at times. Once she has got something in her head she won’t take no
for an answer.

Sophia: But Rochelle was allowed to go to London, she was allowed to follow her dreams.

Mr Fillingham: My dear you know for a fact that Rochelle wasn’t allowed to do anything.

Sophia: I know, I know father but I just miss her.

Mr Fillingham: Believe me darling I know, I miss her too so does your mother in her way.

Sophia: I don’t understand, mother told her to go.

Mr Fillingham: Darling you know how your mother is, she only wants what is best for all of you. All through her childhood all decisions were made for her so that’s the only way she knows to have things.

Sophia: I guess that makes sense.

Mr Fillingham: Just give Mr Davenport a chance, your mother is trying…for me?

Sophia: Alright father, I suppose there’s no harm.

Mr Fillingham: Good girl.

(Benjamin enters.)

Benjamin: Oh pardon me sir I didn’t realise you were busy.

Mr Fillingham: Not at all my dear boy, not at all. What was it you wanted?

Benjamin: There is a gentleman outside to see you sir, says his names William Hawthorne.

Mr Fillingham: Old Bill, that old codger, well where is he boy?

Benjamin: He is waiting outside sir, he wanted to know if you would like to join him for a ride into town.

Mr Fillingham: Oh right, well I can’t keep the old boy waiting, (to Sophia) tell your mother that I have gone into town will you dear?

Sophia: Of course, I guess I will see you later.

(Mr Fillingham walks out of the room. Benjamin looks up at Sophia.)

Sophia: So how long have you been working for my family?

Benjamin: Not long, so where have you been, I’ve not seen you around?

Sophia: I’ve been travelling around Europe with my aunt. I saw so many places, Paris, Rome and Athens.

Benjamin: Sounds really nice, I’ve always wanted to travel.

Sophia: Really?

Benjamin: Yes…why the surprise?

Sophia: Oh nothing... just…

Benjamin: (Getting annoyed) Oh I understand exactly what you meant. Unless you’ve got eighteen servants, three horse drawn carriages and a house in the country you’re not entitled to dreams of such grandeur like travelling is that it?

Sophia: (slightly upset) I never said that, (getting angry) and how dare you make assumptions about how I think and feel about something.

Benjamin: (Walking past her over to the far corner by the desk) Why not, your lot are all the same.

Sophia: (Turning to look at him) And you say I’m judgemental. You barely know me.

Benjamin: (Continuing to walk away) I have met your mother.

Sophia: (Walks towards him stops half way on the rug by the sofa) My mother and I are very different.

Benjamin: (Turning to face Sophia) Oh please…I’ve worked for too long for your sort to believe that any of you care about anyone else other than yourselves.

Sophia: You really are the limit you know that?

Benjamin: (Turning away from her) At least I admit who I am.

Sophia: Yes I’ve noticed, a judgemental, arrogant, patronising, bitter and twisted young man who’s really too handsome than he deserves to be….

(Sophia suddenly stops realising what she’s said)

Benjamin: (Suddenly turning to look at her) What was that?

Sophia: (Turning away from him) Nothing.

Benjamin: (Starting to grin, walking towards her) No I heard you say something.

Sophia: It was just a cough.

Benjamin: (Starting to circle her slowly) No you definitely said something, that I was…amusing.

Sophia: No

Benjamin: …generous.

Sophia: No, it was nothing.

Benjamin: I must admit it sounded a bit like you said I was…handsome.

Sophia: Well I…

Benjamin: I knew it.

Sophia: (slightly turning away from Benjamin) Even if I did it would be no concern of yours, my personal thoughts are my business.

Benjamin: So in these private thoughts of yours…these deeply personal and heartfelt private thoughts, you think I’m handsome!

Sophia: That’s not what I meant.

Benjamin: But it is what you said.

Sophia: (Turning to face Benjamin) Oh you really are…

Benjamin: (Leaning towards her) yes?

Sophia: The most aggravating, judgemental and infuriating young man I have ever had the misfortune to meet.

(Sophia leans in and kisses Benjamin before breaking the kiss.)

Sophia: (Apologetically) Oh I’m sorry I…don’t usually do this sort of thing.

Benjamin: I should think so to…most people would be easily offended if you insulted them when you’ve just met them.

Sophia: I was referring to kissing you.

Benjamin: (mock dramatic) Oh…well I think I shall survive, no major physical damage that I can see…I will merely look on it as a misfortunate accident.

Sophia: (Hitting him on the arm, angrily) You Rat! You wanted me to kiss you just so you could throw it back in my face, I cannot believe…

(Benjamin pulls Sophia in to kiss him before breaking the kiss.)

Benjamin: Did anyone ever tell you, you’re beautiful when your embarrassed?

Sophia: I’m not embarrassed.

Benjamin: (Stroking Sophia’s cheek) Well these charming patches of pink that have taken up residence on your cheeks seem to think differently.

Sophia: (brushing his hand away.) Please…don’t.

Benjamin: (Confused) But…I don’t understand…you…I thought.

Sophia: I know, but…we…us…It wouldn’t work.

Benjamin: (Frostily) Oh….I understand….well I’ll be getting back to my duties now then…

Sophia: But…I

Benjamin: (Ignoring her) Excuse me...(Walks to the door before turning and adding in a sarcastic tone) miss.

(Benjamin goes to storm out the door just as Mrs Fillingham enters.)

Benjamin: Excuse me maam.

(Benjamin walks past Mrs Fillingham and out through the door. Mrs Fillingham walks into the room shaking her head.)

Mrs Fillingham: I really don’t know what’s gotten into that boy, (To Sophia) where’s your father?

Sophia: He took a ride into town with a friend.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh blast! I wanted him to pick up my order from the dress makers.

Sophia: Well the carriage is still here mother, you could go into town yourself.

Mrs Fillingham: Well… I have been meaning to have a word with Mrs Langley about my recent order. Yes I think I will (to Sophia) You’re quite sure you’ll be alright.

Sophia: Mother the servants are here and I’m grown up now.

Mrs Fillingham: I suppose your right. Alright I’ll go and get the driver. (Walks over to the door) I shan’t be long darling. Mr Davenport will be back from collecting a few things from home soon.

Sophia: I see.

Mrs Fillingham: Now you won’t be awkward will you darling, you’ll make him feel welcome won’t you?

Sophia: Yes mother, you don’t need to worry.

Mrs Fillingham: Good! Turning to leave, I won’t be long darling.

Sophia: I know mother…you said.

Mrs Fillingham: Well I’ll see you later darling.

(Mrs Fillingham flounces out of the room. Sophia continues to wander around. Katherine comes in and starts to clean, upon seeing Sophia she jumps.)

Katherine: Oh miss I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.

Sophia: Oh no its fine, I was just…thinking.

Katherine: You seem awfully stern for someone who was just thinking miss if you don’t mind my saying so.

Sophia: I always appreciate concern and advice where offered Katherine but in this case it’s quite miss-placed. I am just worried for my mother, she seems so flustered about my brother coming home, I don’t wish her to do herself harm.

Katherine: Pardon me for saying so miss but the mistress has more energy than I myself have at times, you needn’t worry,

Sophia: No….I suppose your right, I suppose…it’s just…

Katherine: Yes miss?

Sophia: (slamming her hand down angrily) Oh…he’s so infuriating.

Katherine: Mr Davenport miss?

Sophia: No…well yes he is but...that boy.

Katherine: Benjamin miss?

Sophia: Yes him, he’s just so judgemental, it infuriates me so.

Katherine: Pardon me for saying so miss but Benjamin is very odd in the way he expresses himself, he knows nothing of the emotions we take for granted.

Sophia: I am afraid you’ve lost me.

Katherine: He was an orphan practically from birth. His mother died giving birth and his father left him with an elderly woman a few weeks later. She died shortly after, he was lucky to survive those first few years.

Sophia: Oh I had no idea.

Katherine: I didn’t either till my father spoke about it. He’s not felt love, happiness and friendship with others the way we have. Is it any wonder he is so open and says what he thinks with no consideration for the consequences.

Sophia: I suppose so, maybe I should give him another chance. That is if he will let me.

Katherine: I have no doubt about it miss. (She smiles. The front bell is heard ringing) If you will excuse me miss.

(Katherine moves out of the room. Sophia stands for a moment gazing out of the window. Before Katherine re-enters.)

Katherine: Mr Davenport miss.

(Mr Davenport walks into the room.)

Mr Davenport: Good afternoon Sophia.

Sophia: Good afternoon Mr Davenport.

Katherine: (glances at the two of them) Well if you’ll excuse me Miss…sir.

(Katherine leaves the room. Mr Davenport walks over and puts his arms around her.)

Mr Davenport: Why don’t you call me Marcus my darling?

Sophia: Because Mr Davenport, calling you by your first name would insinuate that I want to develop an in-formal relationship with you. (She pulls away from him) And I don’t want that.

(Mr Davenport grabs Sophia by the wrist.)

Mr Davenport: Why must you infuriate me so much darling?

(Sophia turns and slaps Mr Davenport full in the face.)

Sophia: (Pulling her wrist away) Don’t call me darling.

(Mr Davenport recoils and pauses for a moment before slapping Sophia back.)

Mr Davenport: (Grabbing her wrist once more) I will speak to you any way I choose. After all, your mother sees me as your perfect match and believe me (Mr Davenport pulls her close) Once we are married you will behave like my wife.

Sophia: (Looking at him) My mother may be under the illusion that you are a gentleman Mr Davenport but it will take more than a few choice words and wide smiles to pull the wool over my father’s eyes. (She takes a step towards him) You’ll be out of here by the end of the week.

(Mr Davenport puts his hand around the back of Sophie’s neck and grips hold of her hair yanking her head back.)

Mr Davenport: My dear Sophia, I find it so sweet that you actually believe that you can influence my position here. (He laughs stroking his free hand down the side of Sophia’s face) You will be walking up the aisle with me in no time. (As Mr Davenport gets to the bottom of Sophia’s face he grips her chin firmly in his hand) And then my dear you will learn how to behave like my wife.

Sophia: (Pulling her face out of his grip) Mr Davenport you have a lot to learn about being a gentleman and I swear to god, I will be buried before you and I are be husband and wife.

(Sophia turns away from Mr Davenport and walks away across the room.)

Mr Davenport: That can be arranged my dear.

(Sophia stops and turns to face Mr Davenport.)

Sophia: Don’t you dare threaten me Mr Davenport….I am not some little girl you can push around…I am a grown woman and I will not be intimidated.

(Mr Davenport begins to clap his hands sarcastically.)

Mr Davenport: Charming speech my dear…such spirit…I admire that.

(Sophia looks him dead in the eye for a few moments before turning and walking out of the room just as Benjamin walks into the room.)

Benjamin: (As Sophia walks past him, slightly concerned) Miss?

(Sophia walks out of the room. Benjamin watches her go before turning to Mr Davenport.)

Benjamin: (slightly angry) What did you say to her?

Mr Davenport: Excuse me boy you will watch how you address me!

Benjamin: (Walking towards Mr Davenport) Miss Sophia is a very beautiful and kind young woman, she deserves respect. (As he stands in front of Mr Davenport) Anyone who doesn’t show her that respect and upsets her doesn’t deserve anyone else’s respect, including mine…so I suggest you think twice about how you talk to Miss Sophia in future…sir.

Mr Davenport: Boy you best be careful about how you speak of and to your betters, Miss Sophia will soon be my wife and she is my concern, not yours.

Benjamin: Sir you may have more money than I do…you may live in a bigger house…you may have nicer clothes and you may not need to work particularly hard for a living…but none of those things make you a gentleman suitable for Miss Sophia and none of those things make you my better.

(Benjamin turns and leaves. Mr Davenport watches him leave before sitting down on the sofa by the window and glancing out. A few moments of silence before Mrs Fillingham walks in.)

Mrs Fillingham: (In surprise) Mr Davenport! I wasn’t expecting you till later this afternoon.

Mr Davenport: (turning to face her) Ah Mrs Fillingham, yes well…nothing was going on at my aunts and I had hoped to make this a surprise visit, but your maid told me you weren’t at home so I decided to wait, I haven’t inconvenienced you I trust?

Mrs Fillingham: Oh my dear sir you could never inconvenience us. Although I am surprised Sophia wasn’t here to meet you.

Mr Davenport: Oh Sophia and I had a charming conversation earlier…she retired for a short while.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh I see, well at least you and she are getting along.

Mr Davenport: Oh yes famously..(pauses) but…

Mrs Fillingham: Something the matter?

Mr Davenport: Well I don’t think it is my place to say.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh come now…a problem shared is a problem solved.

Mr Davenport: Well…Sophia and I were talking about our lives…just sharing old war stories really…

Mrs Fillingham: Yes…go on…

Mr Davenport: Then suddenly…quite un-expectedly, that stable boy of yours comes in.

Mrs Fillingham: Young Benjamin? How odd!

Mr Davenport: Yes…I thought so…he said he was looking for you…well naturally Sophia informed him you weren’t at home but then instead of leaving the boy just stood there staring at me with the most furious expression on his face…I felt rather intimidated.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh my dear sir…I can hardly believe Benjamin would behave in such a way…I will see to it that my husband has a few harsh words with him.

Mr Davenport: Oh I wouldn’t want to get the poor boy into trouble. It was probably just a miss-understanding.

Mrs Fillingham: Marcus you are nothing but a gentleman. Would you like some tea?

Mr Davenport: That would be lovely.

Mrs Fillingham: Well if you will just follow me we’ll see the cook about getting some tea and cakes served in the drawing room.

(Mrs Fillingham walks towards the door.)

Mr Davenport: (Getting up to follow her) That…Mrs Fillingham would be lovely.

(The lights go down as the two leave the room)

End of Scene Five

Scene Six
(Later that afternoon Mr & Mrs Fillingham are sat on the sofa’s in the living room talking over cups of tea.)

Mr Fillingham: I really fail to see what the problem is my dear.

Mrs Fillingham: The problem….my oblivious husband is that boy…he made a complete show of himself in front of Mr Davenport, he needs to watch how he talks to people.

Mr Fillingham: He is just a boy my darling, I was as outspoken and as much a scoundrel at his age…

Mrs Fillingham: Mmmm I can well imagine.

Mr Fillingham: It is who I was that made me who I am today my dear.

Mrs Fillingham: All the same…I’m not best pleased about that boy…I’ve a good mind to get rid of him all together.

Mr Fillingham: And leave us without a stable boy at the height of the social season? That wouldn’t be very sensible now would it?

Mrs Fillingham: No I guess not…anyway at least his interference hasn’t damaged the relationship between Sophia and Marcus.

Mr Fillingham: My dear are you sure about this match up. Sophia appears bent on travelling the world and I don’t think Mr Davenport the ideal traveller.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh those travelling ideas will soon disappear. She’ll want to marry and settle down once she gets used to the idea…she is her mother’s daughter after all.

Mr Fillingham: So was Rochelle my dear.

Mrs Fillingham: I have told you I don’t want to discuss that girl in my house.

Mr Fillingham: (getting to his feet getting angry) That girl happens to be our daughter, whether you’re willing to admit it or not.

Mrs Fillingham: Rochelle lost her place in this family when she ran off to pursue that…occupation of her.

Mr Fillingham: You talk as though she’s murdering wealthy aristocrats or bedding half of London. She’s not a criminal….she’s an actress…it is what she wanted.

Mrs Fillingham: I refuse to discuss this with you. You are just trying to make me angry (there is a knock at the door, Mrs Fillingham snaps impatiently) Yes!

(Katherine pokes her head round the door.)

Katherine: Pardon me madam but is it alright if I clean in here.

Mrs Fillingham: Not at all…my husband and I were finished…(turning to James) I’m going to see the cook about dinner this evening….are you coming?

Mr Fillingham: (In a mock dramatic way) If I must.

(Both turn and walk out of the room. Katherine continues to tidy, after a while Sophia comes in rubbing her head.)

Sophia: (wearily) Morning Katherine.

Katherine: Morning miss… (slightly concerned) Are you feeling alright?

Sophia: I didn’t sleep too well honestly Katherine.

Katherine: You’re not coming down with anything are you miss?

Sophia: Nothing physically Katherine…I think I just need a cup of tea.

Katherine: I’ll just get you one miss. (Katherine walks towards the door) I hope you feel better miss.

(Katherine walks out the door. Sophia sits down on the sofa holding her head. Mr and Mrs Fillingham come back into the room.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh darling I’m so glad you’re awake. We were beginning to think you would never get up.

Mr Fillingham: Are you feeling alright Sophia? You’re looking awfully pale.

Sophia: I just didn’t sleep too well last night.

Mr Fillingham: Maybe you should go back to bed my dear…it wouldn’t do to have you fainting on us.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh don’t be so silly James…Mathew will be home soon and it won’t do to have Sophia snoring away up in bed when he arrives.

Sophia: I’m fine father really…I’ll just need a cup of tea. Katherine went to get me one.

(There is a knock at the door.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh that will be her now, (cheerily) come in.

(Katherine walks into the room carrying a tray with a pot and three cups of tea.)

Katherine: Here’s your tea miss. I heard you come in madam so I got fresh tea for you and Mr Fillingham.

(Katherine puts her tray down on the dining table before leaving the room.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh Katherine you do think of everything… (Turning to Sophia) I heard you and Mr Davenport had a nice conversation last
night until you were interrupted.

Sophia: Nice is hardly the word I’d use to describe the conversation we had.

Mrs Fillingham: (Mrs Fillingham gets up and begins to poor the tea) Oh come now darling…Its only natural for a mother to be inquisitive about how her daughter is getting along with her future husband.

Sophia: Mother I’m really not sure about…

(There is a knock at the door.)

Mrs Fillingham: (Cheerily) Come in!

(Katherine walks in.)

Katherine: Mr Davenport madam.

(Mr Davenport enters, Mrs Fillingham looks over at him as she carries a cup of tea over to Sophia.)

Mrs Fillingham: Why Mr Davenport we were just talking about you won’t you come in?

Mr Davenport: Oh I wouldn’t want to intrude Mrs Fillingham.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh Marcus you know you could never intrude into this house…after all you are practically family.

Sophia: Mother!

Mrs Fillingham: Oh honestly dear, don’t make such a fuss. (To Mr Davenport) You would think I was an embarrassment.

Mr Davenport: You could never be an embarrassment Mrs Fillingham…since I met you I have found you nothing but an enchantment.

Mrs Fillingham: (Laughing shrilly) Why Marcus how kind of you to say so.

Mr Fillingham: You clearly have better eye sight than me sir.

Mrs Fillingham: (In a cross and hissing tone) James! How many times must you be so vulgar and cruel towards me…you know my nerves won’t stand for it much longer…I really must insist….

(There is a knock at the door.)

Mr Fillingham: Would you mind holding you exclamations of shock and dismay my dear (turning towards the door) Come in.

(Mrs Murphy pokes her head round the door.)

Mrs Murphy: Sorry to disturb madam, you have a visitor.

Mrs Fillingham: (slightly aggravated) Where was Katherine to greet them?

Mrs Murphy: She was called away madam.

Mrs Fillingham: (In disbelief) Oh well really, the lack of professionalism is beyond believe.

Mrs Murphy: Oh well if it is a problem madam I shall gladly fetch her to…

Mr Fillingham: Its fine Penny…my wife is just being dramatic…again…who was at the door?

Mrs Murphy: A Master Mathew Fillingham sir….shall I show him in?

Mrs Fillingham: Oh yes yes show him in!

(Mrs Murphy leaves the room.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh I can hardly believe Mathew is home!

Sophia: I thought his train from London wasn’t till tomorrow.

Mr Fillingham: So did I.

(Mathew enters the room behind them.)

Mathew: I caught an earlier train, I was doing nothing in London so I
thought why not come home a day early.

(Mrs Fillingham turns towards Mathew and runs over hugging him hard.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh Mathew! My darling boy, how have you been, where have you been….oh silly question of course, you’ve been in London all this time. Oh but it has been so long. (Stops hugging him and takes a step back) Let me look at you, my how you’ve grown…such a strapping young man and so handsome, you look so much like your father. (Goes back to hugging him) Oh my darling promise me you won’t go away…promise me…

Mr Fillingham: It will be hard for the boy to say anything my dear, let alone make promises if you crush him to death.

Mrs Fillingham: (Letting go of Mathew) Oh yes of course, forgive me, I forget myself. (she takes hold of Mathews hand) Oh Mathew it has been so long since we saw you last.

Sophia: It has only been a year mother, Mathew was away longer than me.

Mrs Fillingham: Yes but you must remember my dear Mathew was on his own, and for a young man of standing to be alone in the big city (shuddering) Oh I know I couldn’t do it.

Mathew: It is not so bad mother, London isn’t half the cess pool people make it out to be…you should know you live there most of the year.

Mrs Fillingham: Yes but that’s the upper class areas of London dear, I don’t know how you roughed it in the suburbs really I don’t.

Mr Fillingham: Well maybe if you let the boy sit down he could tell us of his travels dear.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh yes of course how rude of me, you must forgive me Mathew.

Mathew: Quite alright mother, (Turning to Mr Fillingham) Hello father, are you well?

Mr Fillingham: (Giving Mathew a hug) As well as can be my boy, good journey.

Mathew: Agreeable, frightful weather though.

Mr Fillingham: It’s that time of year.

(Mathew nods before turning to Sophia.)

Mathew: (Putting out his arms to hug her) Sophia…you look so grown up…it can’t be only a year since I saw you last.

Sophia: (Getting up and going over to hug him) It has been so long Mathew…how are you….what have you been up to?

Mathew: (Laughing) Careful you’re beginning to sound like mother.

(They all laugh apart from Mrs Fillingham.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh you are awful Mathew.

Mathew: Forgive me mother…just harmless fun (noticing Mr Davenport) Oh I’m sorry, how rude of me for not introducing myself (offers Mr Davenport his hand) I am Mathew Fillingham…and you are.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh yes of course what a scatterbrain. Mathew this is Mr Davenport…your sister’s suitor.

Sophia: Mother!

Mrs Fillingham: Oh really Sophia don’t fuss so! It is only natural that we refer to Marcus as your suitor, after all it won’t be long now before….

Mr Fillingham: Why don’t we sit down for tea?

Mathew: Yes…(Keeping his hand extending towards Mr Davenport) Pleasure to meet you all the same.

Mr Davenport: (shaking his hand, rather dryly) Yes quite.

(They finish shaking hands before Mathew remains standing with his back to the door, there is a knock on the door and before anyone can say anything Katherine comes bustling into the room out of breath.)

Katherine: (breathing heavily) Madam I’m so sorry, I had something to take care of and then I…(spots Mathew, silence before she speaks again, slightly slower) I’m sorry…I don’t believe we’ve met.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh yes of course…Katherine this is our son Mathew…Mathew this is Katherine…our new maid for the summer.

Mathew: (Turning) Oh it’s a pleasure to meet….(spotting Katherine) you. (suddenly going quiet) I…I…

Mr Fillingham: Mathew are you alright?

Mathew: (turning startled) What? Oh yes I’m fine, I just need a drink.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh well then we’ll take cocktails in the drawing room, then Mathew can change before we dinner….that will be alright won’t it? (Mathew says nothing, more persistent) Mathew!

Mathew: (turning startled) What?

Mrs Fillingham: Are you sure you’re feeling alright dear.

Mathew: Yes fine mother…Cocktails in the drawing room will be wonderful.

Mrs Fillingham: Well lets go in then…(turning to Katherine) Will you bring the drinks in Katherine?

Katherine: Yes madam of course.

Mathew: (cheerily) Well lets go in shall we?

(Mr Fillingham, Mrs Fillingham, Sophia and Mr Davenport all start to head for the door.)

Mr Fillingham: Why not, a few drinks sounds delightful.

Mr Davenport: Well said sir.

(Mr Fillingham & Mr Davenport walk across the floor and out of the room.)

Sophia: I know I could use a stiff drink.

Mrs Fillingham: Sophia! Don’t be so vulgar! It is not proper for a lady to drink heavily…you know that!

Sophia: (As she walks out of the room) Yes mother…

(Mrs Fillingham goes to walk out of the room, Mathew remains standing where he is. Mrs Fillingham turns to look at him.)

Mrs Fillingham: You not coming Mathew?

Mathew: I’m just going to take my bags up mother, I won’t be a moment.

Mrs Fillingham: Alright darling, see you in there.

(Mrs Fillingham walks out of the room, Mathew watches her leave before walking over to Katherine and talking hold of her arm.)

Mathew: (hissing) What are you doing here?

Katherine: (pulling her arm away) Working, like your mother said.

Mathew: (sarcastically) Well forgive me but of all the families in this area but how did you get into here?

Katherine: I don’t think that’s any of your business.

Mathew: Does my mother know…

Katherine: Does she know what?

Mathew: (grabbing her wrist) Don’t try and be clever Katherine, does
she know about you and I?

Katherine: Until just now, I did not know you were her (mimicking Mrs Fillingham) ‘darling responsible hard working’ son. (She laughs) If only she knew.

Mathew: (Angrily) Don’t you dare threaten me Katherine. I may not be the arch angel she believes to be…

Katherine: (Sniggers) That’s for sure.

Mathew: (Increasing the pressure on her wrist) But if you tell my mother anything about you and me then I swear….

(Katherine suddenly pushes Mathew back into the sofa, Mathew lets go of her wrist in shock.)

Katherine: (Angrily) How dare you! Six years out of my life and now you waltz back in and have the nerve to demand I keep your precious secret…you’ve got some nerve. (Turns to walk out the room.)

Mathew: (reaching out to catch Katherine’s hand) Katherine wait!
(Katherine turns to look at him) Look I am sorry…The relationship with my family is important to me.

Katherine: So was your relationship with me…. (In a sad tone) once.

Mathew: (sighing) Look I am sorry…

Katherine: (Looks at him before sighing) It is alright.

Mathew: So….will you keep quiet?

Katherine: (sighing irritably) You really are impossible… (sarcastically) Yes I will keep your precious secret Mathew but I don’t think it is fair.

Mathew: Thanks Katherine.

(Mathew walks towards the door.)

Katherine: (suddenly) Mathew…

Mathew: (turning) What?

Katherine: (Sighing) Nothing.

(Mathew walks out of the room. Katherine walks over and sits down on the sofa. Mrs Murphy walks into the room soon after.)

Mrs Murphy: Are you alright Katherine?

Katherine: Oh yes fine…Is Jack alright?

Mrs Murphy: Oh yea he’s fine…it was only a mild fit…after some water the cough went soon after.

Katherine: They want Cocktails in the drawing room.

Mrs Murphy: (Sighing) Ah well…best be getting on with it…though I don’t know why they insist on cocktails, I’ve seen them drinking that whiskey and brandy like its going out of fashion. (Katherine sighs) Are you alright dear.

Katherine: (Slowly) He’s…here mother.

Mrs Murphy: Who’s here darling? (Katherine looks up at her mother for a few moments before she gasps) Jack’s father?

Katherine: The very same…Mathew Fillingham…I can hardly believe it.

Mrs Murphy: What did you say to him?

Katherine: Not a lot, he seems more worried about keeping his secret from his family.

Mrs Murphy: Did you tell him?

Katherine: About what?

Mrs Murphy: About Jack?

Katherine: He didn’t want to know mother…

Mrs Murphy: (sighs) Did you expect any better from one of their lot?

Katherine: That’s not fair mother, Mr Fillingham and Sophia aren’t so bad.

Mrs Murphy: If you say so…(Walks towards the door) but then you thought you knew Mathew.

(Mrs Murphy walks out of the room.)

Mrs Murphy: (calling from outside) Katherine!

Katherine: (calling back) Coming.

(Katherine gets up and walks out of the room. The lights go down.)

End of Scene Six

Scene Seven
(Later on that evening, Katherine is laying the table for 5 people. Jack comes running in.)

Jack: Mummy…mummy…

Katherine: (Picking him up) Jack, what on earth are you doing up so late? Your grandfather should have put you to bed by now.

Jack: He said I could come and say goodnight before I went to bed.

Katherine: Yes well…all the same you can’t keep wandering in and out
Jack, you’re supposed to keep out of the way.

Jack: How much longer are you going to be mummy? I want you to come back to the house.

Katherine: I know darling but you know I can’t….mummy has to work.

Jack: I still don’t think it is fair.

Katherine: (Hugging him) I know darling (She tilts his face up towards her with one finger) Come now…no sulky faces (Jack smiles) Good boy.

(Mathew walks into the room and seems startled to see Katherine there.)

Mathew: Erm….evening.

Katherine: (Frostily) Good evening…sir.

Mathew: (noticing Jack) I don’t believe my mother had another son.

Katherine: She didn’t, he’s…

Mathew: Yes?

Katherine: My younger brother, my mother had a second son, a few years ago now.

Mathew: I trust my mother knows he is here.

Katherine: Of course she does, not all of us deal in deception Mathew.

Mathew: He seems a charming little fellow none the less.

Katherine: I know you would find that hard to believe, what with him coming from a family of low lives.

Mathew: Don’t start Katherine.

Katherine: (Angrily) Don’t you tell me what I….

(Mr Murphy walks hurriedly into the room.)

Mr Murphy: (Out of breath) Sorry sir, I was just looking for…

Mathew: (Snapping) You’re supposed to knock before you enter a room.

Mr Murphy: Oh…I’m sorry sir it is just…

Katherine: (Angrily) Don’t apologies to him! (Turning to Mathew) You are an arrogant, pretentious son of a…

Mr Murphy: (Interrupting) Well I think it is time I get this little one off to bed (Walks over to Katherine taking Jack out of his arms) Come on little man (Turns walking towards the door) Good night sir.

Jack: (Calling across to Katherine) Night mummy!

(Mr Murphy walks out of the room carrying Jack in his arms. Mathew turns to Katherine and arches his eyebrow.)

Mathew:  Mummy?

Katherine: (going nervous) Well…I…

Mathew: (smugly) Seems you didn’t miss me as much as you made out.

Katherine: (looking up sharply) How dare…

Mathew: (Interrupting her) …I? Well the reason I can “dare” my dear Katherine is that you have just revealed to be the ace which will remain up my sleeve. I take it my mother doesn’t know about your illegitimate item?

Katherine: (looking at the floor) No.

Mathew: Well then it appears we stand at a stale mate. You keep my secret and I’ll keep yours.

Katherine: (Viciously) I am sure your mother would be far more interested in your affair and wild goings on than my son.

Mathew: Oh so you admit he is yours and not just one you found.

Katherine: (Snarling) I am warning you Mathew…

Mathew: Who was it then…come on…

Katherine: (Nervously) I….

Mathew: I must admit I feel somewhat distressed, that some local drunkard can leave you with a child where as I…careful and considerate lover that I was in the entire time we were together left merely a dent.

Katherine: (Angrily) You son of a….

Mathew: (Maliciously) But then again…I am sure plenty of men have done that… (Putting his arm around her waist and pulling her towards him) Haven’t they Katherine?

(Katherine Slaps Mathew hard across the face.)

Katherine: Impertinent pig!

Mathew: I’ll take that as a yes.

Katherine: The identity of Jack’s father is none of your business Mathew and if you want your mother to keep her image of you as a golden boy I suggest you remember that.

(Mathew grabs Katherine’s chin hard in his hand.)

Mathew: Listen here you little…

Mrs Fillingham: (Calling from outside) Mathew!

Mathew: (moving his face closer to Katherine’s, snarling) This is not over! (lets go of her face just as Mrs Fillingham comes into the room) Yes mother?

Mrs Fillingham: Your father would like a word before dinner…something about some taxes…and…oh I don’t know…

Mathew: Right away mother.

(Mathew turns and walks out of the room leaving Mrs Fillingham standing there smiling.)

Mrs Fillingham: Oh it is so nice having Mathew back at home again.

Katherine: (Rather shaky Moving back towards the table) Y..yes madam.

Mrs Fillingham: Are you feeling alright Katherine…you’re looking awfully pale.

Katherine: I’m fine madam…I think I just need a lie down…I should sleep well tonight.

Mrs Fillingham: Well of course…it’s the country air I expect…wears me out sometimes coming here from the city for the summer. Sometimes I find I just can’t keep up.

Katherine: (Continuing to lay the table) Yes madam.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh but it is so nice to have the whole family under one roof again.

Katherine: But I thought you….

Mrs Fillingham: (Turning to Katherine) What was that dear?

Katherine: Nothing madam…nothing.

Mrs Fillingham: (shrugging) Well anyway…it is such a shame Mathew
had to be away so long…and it such a dangerous area too.

Katherine: Many area’s are dangerous madam…I’m sure he had his friends.

Mrs Fillingham: With the low life that live in that area…oh no Mathew is far to sensible for that

Katherine: I suppose you’re right.

Mrs Fillingham: Naturally…Mathew is a doctor now…I expect he will mix in only the highest circles of society.

Katherine: I expect so madam.

(There is a knock and Mrs Murphy pokes her head round the door.)

Mrs Murphy: Pardon me madam but Miss Sophia wishes to speak with you.

Mrs Fillingham: Can’t it wait till dinner?

Mrs Murphy: She says its urgent madam.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh really can’t anything go right in this house.

Mrs Murphy: Well I can tell her you’re busy madam.

Mrs Fillingham: No don’t bother Penny I’ll be right along.

(Mrs Fillingham flounces out of the room. Mrs Murphy walks over to Katherine.)

Mrs Murphy: Your father told me about your words with Mathew.

Katherine: Words wasn’t all we exchanged.

Mrs Murphy: What do you… (In shock realising) Oh Katherine you didn’t.

Katherine: Well you should have heard some of the things he said, he was just awful.

Mrs Murphy: Katherine you have to be careful…supposed Mrs Fillingham had seen you hit her darling son…we’d lose our jobs and what about Jack? He needs fresh air…you said so yourself.

Katherine: I know…I just wish he… (Katherine starts to cry) Why does he have to be so hurtful…

Mrs Murphy: (hugging Katherine) Oh darling I know it hurts…it always does but you have to do this for Jack (She holds Katherine at arm’s length) For Jack yes?

Katherine: (Looking up at her sniffing) For Jack.

(Benjamin suddenly bursts into the room.)

Katherine: What on earth!

Benjamin: (Breathing heavily) James says come quick…Jack’s having another coughing fit, he’s running a high temperature as well.

Katherine: Oh god….I can’t leave them before dinner.

Mrs Murphy: I will serve dinner, they’ll understand…go.

(Katherine runs out of the door, Benjamin following, the lights go down.)

End of scene Seven

Scene Eight
(Late in the evening. The family are sat around their table. Mr Fillingham is sat at the head of the table with Mrs Fillingham on his right. Sophia is sat next to Mrs Fillingham with Mr Davenport next to her. Mathew is sat opposite Mrs Fillingham on the left hand side of Mr Fillingham. The table has been cleared and the family are all sat talking.)

Mathew: (talking as though mid-conversation) …and then after my year in a hospital in London I’ll have the opportunity to travel and work in hospitals abroad.

Mr Fillingham: It is a great opportunity, I am proud of you my son.

Mathew: Thank you father.

Mrs Fillingham: Well you will not be working too far away I hope.

Mathew: Oh I shouldn’t think so mother, I’ll need to find somewhere reasonable to live.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh well of course you’ll need to find somewhere of your own eventually.

Mr Fillingham: My dear, Mathew is a big boy, he can’t stay under our roof forever.

Sophia: Of course not, in fact I was just thinking the other day of moving away myself, maybe out to Europe.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh really Sophia, London is the centre of Europe, why would you want to move elsewhere?

Sophia: Mother, there is a world outside of London you know.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh of course dear, I just don’t really think you’ll have the time to travel. After all there is so much to be done when you’re looking after a house hold and raising children.

Mr Fillingham: I don’t think this is an appropriate conversation for the dinner table dear.

Mathew: Fathers right, mother never did really have a sense of subtlety when it came to how Sophia’s life is supposed to be lived.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh really Mathew! Don’t talk like I am some interfering busy-body.

Mathew: (slightly mumbled) You said it mother.

Mrs Fillingham: I am only looking out for our daughters best interests, after all someone has to.

Mr Fillingham:  My dear, I’m pretty sure our daughter is capable of looking after herself, she is a young woman now after all.

Mrs Fillingham: Yes but a young woman has to have a firm future these days James. And having Marcus here ensures Sophia that firm future.

Sophia: Mother! Will you stop talking as though Mr Davenport and I are engaged already.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh Sophia, you are so easily embarrassed.

Mathew: All the same mother, Sophia may like to have some say in who she marries.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh of course, every young lady…

(The sound of a doorbell sounds outside.)

Mrs Fillingham: Who on earth could that be?

Mr Fillingham: Probably just Benjamin letting us know he’s done for the night.

Mrs Fillingham: Yes now there’s a strange boy…I don’t like his manner.

Sophia: Mother! Benjamin is nothing but a gentleman.

Mrs Fillingham: (laughing) Oh darling, he is a stable boy.

Sophia: His status doesn’t change the quality of his manners mother. Why there are some gentlemen I would feel ashamed to breathe the same air with.

Mrs Fillingham: Oh honestly darling you exaggerate.

(The sounds of shouting comes in.)

Mrs Fillingham: What on earth…

(Katherine comes into the room looking slightly flustered.)

Mrs Fillingham: Katherine what on earth is the row out there?

Katherine: I am sorry for the disturbance madam but there is someone here to see you…

Mrs Fillingham: (interrupting her) Well tell them we are having dinner (shaking her head) honestly…so rude.

Katherine: I’m afraid she’s pretty persistent madam.

Mrs Fillingham: (Slightly unsure) Well I..

Rochelle: (from outside,