duel intents dec 31 2010 first scene
TRANSCRIPT
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DUEL INTENTS(the first scene, only)
byLarry Nehring
Fifth DraftL. Nehring, December 2010
Larry Nehring1342 Beach Pkwy.Apt. #1Lakewood, OH [email protected]
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DUEL INTENTS
Character Descriptions (4 F, 10 M):
SABINE (F)- 25-30 yrs old , Leading actress of Jean-Baptiste'scompany in Paris. She was an engenue, but is growing insecureabout the younger actresses entering the company. She was born toa merchant family of very little means and as a child stumbledinto work with a commedia troupe. Her education and career wereproducts of her hard work and creativity. She is married toReginald, and the lover of Claudette.
CLAUDETTE (F)- 20 yrs old, She is a distant cousin to the FrenchKing (Louis XIV, the Sun King). While not closely related enoughto have influence, her branch of the family, headed by her greataunt Mathilde, still is held in high esteem. Claudette has neverhad to labor at anything and quite enjoys that privilege. She is
in love with Sabine, but has married Phillippe.
REGINALD (M)- 35 yrs old, He is a second cousin to King Louis XIVand the grandson of Mathilde. He is a free spirit, and avoided
marriage through hard work and grace. He is in love with Phillippeand has married Sabine.
PHILLIPPE (M)- 30 yrs old, The fencing master to King Louis XIVand son of the previous master. While he lives amongst the royalfamilies, he is still a tradesman. Exceptional skill with thesword has allowed his father, and now Phillippe, an estate andannual income. He the lover of Reginald and has married Claudette.
MATHILDE (F)- 70 yrs old, The Grand Dame of the family. She is adirect cousin of the King and is the matriarch of her limb of thefamily tree. Reginald is her grandson and Claudette is her grand-niece.
ISABELLE (F)- 16 yrs old, She is a maid in the household of Sabineand Reginald. She is a bit flighty but has a romantic spirit.
LUC (M)- 20 yrs old, he is apprentice to Jean-Baptiste. He isoverflowing with enthusiasm and creativity.
JEAN-BATISTE (M)- 40-45 yrs old, famous, and scandalous playwrightof Paris. Loosely based on Moliere. Despite his age he has some
health issues which weaken his body, but never his mind.
LECHEVRE and GASCOYNE (M) 30s- Two small time thieves who havefled Paris after inadvertently crossing Theobald and his gang.They are trying to earn their living stealing from travelers inthe woods near Reginald's estate.
THEOBALD, JULES, and two footmen (M)- these are thugs andcriminals hired from the streets of Paris by Cardinal DuBois to
work for Mathilde.
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DUEL INTENTS
SETTING & TIME
The time is early autumn, 1663 at a large, family estate ofReginald not far from Paris
SCENE BREAKDOWN
Act I-Scene 1: The salon of Reginald's estate, noon, p1
Scene 2: The salon of Reginald's estate, four days later, p32
Scene 3: A clearing in the nearby forest, four days later,minutes before dawn, p48
Act II-Scene 1: The salon of Reginald's estate, middle of the following
day, p57
Scene 2: The salon of Reginald's estate, after midnight, p86
Scene 3: A clearing in the nearby forest, an hour later, p97
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ACT I
SCENE 1 (I,1): REGINALD AND SABINES ESTATE
The room is a charming and spacioussalon, elegantly decorated withflowers, vases and familyportraits. The house maid,Isabelle, is cleaning the room,
whistling softly to herself. Shedances as she cleans, and holds anconversation with an imaginary
suitor.
ISABELLE
Monsieur LaBret, it is such a surprise to see you thisevening. Why thank you, this gown is one of my favorites. Ibought it when last I visited Paris. Do you find itflattering? Monsieur, you are too forward, but I will grant
you one dance, if you promise to behave.
She takes him in her arms and
begins to dance around the room.
ISABELLE (contd)Edmond-- Monsieur LeBret, you dance like a dream! I feel
light as a feather in your arms.
She spins close to a vase offlowers and pauses, taking one
flower and handing it to herself.
ISABELLE (contd)How did you know that these are my favorite flowers in theentire world? My gardens at home are filled with no otherflowers than this... Oh, must you leave so soon? You break myheart, Monsieur... Very well, Edmond. I will allow you one
kiss to wish you bon voyage.
She leans forward for a kiss, her
eyes closed.
The double doors burst open and twoladies enter in the midst of afurious sword fight.
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Isabelle screams in surprise anddives behind some furniture. Thefight continues causing someobvious damage to the furniture and
decorations in the room.
SABINEImbecile!
CLAUDETTEWhore!
SABINEYou think you are so clever!
CLAUDETTEI am!
SABINEHa!
CLAUDETTEYou cannot defeat me!
SABINE
You will make a mistake.
CLAUDETTE
I havent yet.
SABINE
Only a matter of time.
CLAUDETTE
I learned from the best.
SABINEYour teacher was too soft on you. Softer even than your
husband.
CLAUDETTE
Do not speak of Phillippe!
Sabine takes advantage ofClaudettes momentary distraction
to disarm her.
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SABINE
Yield.
CLAUDETTE
Never!
Sabine launches a strike andClaudette improvises ancounterstrike which ends withSabine on the floor and Sabine's
sword in Claudettes hand.
SABINE
How did you--
CLAUDETTEYield!
SABINE
Never!
Sabine snatches up Claudettes
sword and the fight resumes.
CLAUDETTE
Your rapier is heavier than mine.
SABINE
And yours is light as a childs toy. No striking power at all.
CLAUDETTE
Very well. Hand it back.
SABINE
So smug. Just as Phillippe observed.
CLAUDETTE
He never!
SABINEWhy just last night at Lady Moreaus, as we danced, he told
me that very thing.
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CLAUDETTE
Nonsense!
SABINE
After I caught you and my husband in the garden last night?You dare feign anger?
CLAUDETTE
You over reacted!
SABINEHe was up your skirts like a physician! And in Lady Moreaus
maze, even. You are practically siblings.
CLAUDETTEYou slapped me!
SABINE
You had to be dealt with.
CLAUDETTE
In full view of Lady Moreau, herself!
SABINE
It will be the talk of Paris.
CLAUDETTE
Shut up!
SABINEThe actress slapped the Kings cousin! But who could blame
me? Then again--
CLAUDETTE
Not another word!
SABINE
The French royal family is as inbred as the English.
CLAUDETTE
I could kill you!
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ISABELLE
No!
As Claudette lunges for Sabine,Sabine sidesteps and catches her in
a lethal position. The fight isover and Claudette is a heartbeataway from death. Before a word canbe spoken the doors open and
Phillippe and Reginald enter.
REGINALDIt was a ghastly moment, but what could I do? She hoisted her
skirts and I went in just as Sabine turned the corner.
PHILLIPPE
Good god! Has she no sense?
After a moments shock, Sabine andClaudette attempt to regain theirfeet and composure and hide the
weapons.
REGINALDShe never has, but Sabine, at least, had the good sense to
slap her.
PHILLIPPEClaudette, why on earth would you do that in public? Youre
lucky it was just Sabine who caught you.
SABINE
And Lady Moreau.
REGINALD
And her entire entourage.
CLAUDETTE
I was being attacked by a bee or a wasp and it hurt!
PHILLIPPEAnd Reginald? Why would you kneel under her skirts? Did you
not consider you might be seen?
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REGINALD
She said there was a wasp, so I tried to help.
PHILLIPPE
Your mother will be livid.
REGINALD
Oh please, we were bathed together by our nanny.
PHILLIPPE
Which makes this perfectly acceptable as adults.
REGINALD
Why are you two so flushed?
PHILLIPPE
In just your corsets.
REGINALD
Flagrante delicto at this time of day?
PHILLIPPE
Another scandal. Have none of you any self control?
SABINEWhat else is there to do in the country? It is dreadfully
boring and I do so long to return to Paris.
REGINALDMy dear, we shall return just as soon as I have finished withthese damned family matters. I know that my grandmothersestate is a nuisance to your socializing, but she needs me tohelp her plan her last will and testament. As her only son it
is my duty to be sure that she is happy.
PHILLIPPE
And her happiness ensures your inheritance.
REGINALDYou might display a little more respect for the dear, old
sainted woman.
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SABINE
She is the most miserable old puritan I have ever seen.
REGINALD
Sabine.
SABINEShe is. You have never seen the way she glares at me, and
when we are alone she is like some kind of staring viper.
With a rosary. Makes my skin crawl.
CLAUDETTE
The rosary?
REGINALDShe is my mother.
SABINE
Well she is not mine! Why do I have to be here with you?
REGINALD
You, here at hand, is proof of your love for her.
CLAUDETTE
Aunt Mathilde believes that?
REGINALDOf course not, but she car hardly call your absence in
question if you are not absent, can she?
PHILLIPPEYou should count your blessings that you are once removed
from those politics, my dear.
CLAUDETTEOh yes. It was such a blessing after my parents died to betold I was now the ward of Aunt Mathilde. Under her thumb but
still unworthy of it.
REGINALDI shall ensure that you are well maintained in her will,cousin. She has invited herself to lunch with me today and I
hope I may address some of my concerns.
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CLAUDETTE
Today? Are the servants prepared?
SABINE
Are you trying to get me killed?
PHILLIPPE
Dont over react.
SABINE
Im not.
PHILLIPPE
Not you. My wife.
CLAUDETTEIt is fine for you to be host, but she will judge Sabine oneverything she sees. The pantry might not be stocked for her
tastes.
REGINALDI sorted it out with Henri this morning. By the time she gets
here he will have a perfect luncheon assembled for her.
CLAUDETTEI must go get dressed.
REGINALD
Yes. Your undergarments are far too casual for Mother.
Claudette runs from the room.
SABINE
A little warning would have been nice.
REGINALD
I am the man of this house.
SABINE
Yet I wear the breeches.
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REGINALDTrue.
PHILLIPPEReginald, I know that your mother is... your mother and you
owe her all the respect--
SABINEBlah dee blah dee blah.
PHILLIPPEBut why bring her here? Why risk her outrage?
REGINALDI am trying to assure her of our domestic bliss.
PHILLIPPE
We should not be here, then.
SABINEI should not, for certain.
REGINALDYou must all be here. She needs to be certain that the family
will be left in good hands when she meets the sweethereafter. The Cardinal has convinced her that her mortal
soul is in peril, so she is in a state.
PHILLIPPEShe already prays more than the Cardinal.
SABINEShe also has more money than he does and he aims to remedy
that.
REGINALDExactly my dilemma. Before she decides to leave everything tothe church, I must convince her that the family is as she
wants it.
PHILLIPPEChildless?
REGINALDHelp me, Phillippe, with that. You are my only hope.
PHILLIPPEI have tried repeatedly, but you, my dear Reginald, seem to
be barren.
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SABINEIf only the King knew your preferences. You would be even
more popular in court.
REGINALD
I am in love with the kings pet.
PHILLIPPEMind your tongue.
REGINALDYou dont mind it.
SABINEYou are both impossible.
REGINALD
Jealousy becomes her.
SABINEJean-Baptiste should write me a play with that title.
REGINALDPerhaps he will. Wish me luck, my love.
PHILLIPPEDo you need luck?
SABINEOh, go calm your cousin.
REGINALDI dont know if I can trust you two alone. You know what the
rumors are.
PHILLIPPE
Begone, foul sprite. Trouble us no longer.
Reginald exits.
SABINE
Thank you.
PHILLIPPE
Exciting day for you.
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ISABELLEI promise you--
SABINEYou will have the brandy and lie down in your chamber. Very
good. Now go.
She pushes Isabelle out the door.
SABINE (contd)What a high strung child.
PHILLIPPEShe shares your flair for the dramatic.
Sabine opens the door.
SABINENonsense. Isabelle! Tell Henri to send young Luc to me when
he arrives.
ISABELLE(Off) Who?
SABINELuc, no one you have met. He will have a manuscript for me
from Paris.
ISABELLE(Off) Paris?
SABINEYes, now go have your brandy.
Sabine closes the door.
PHILLIPPEI am not a fool. Although there are times when I must smileand appear vapid, as a fencing master I am trained to see
more in the blink of one eye than the most careful observer
might with a good, long study.
SABINEYou must stay calm.
PHILLIPPE
What you have been doing could ruin me!
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SABINE
You are exaggerating.
PHILLIPPE
Nonsense! And in full view of Isabelle! She is too young andflighty to hold too many secrets. We have always been socareful around her. But if this should ever be spoken ofoutside this house no one would believe that you wereteaching Claudette how to fence. All eyes would be on me. Iam the fencing master to the King himself! I teach only him,and I certainly must not teach a woman. It is unthinkable! It
would be an outrage in court and I would be lucky to escape
the Bastille.
SABINEWe were idle and in need of distraction and there were swords
at hand.
PHILLIPPE
How many months?
SABINE
Today was the first.
PHILLIPPE
Do not lie to me!
SABINE
Twice, perhaps three times--
PHILLIPPEIt must have been at least a year, or more! When I walked inyou were poised in The Adders Grasp. No novice could performthat, especially since it only exists in sketch form, in my
papers! Do you realize what you have done?
SABINEYou knew I was skilled with a sword.
PHILLIPPEOn the stage! Stage combat is a clever use of a few actualtechniques to simulate real sword fighting. You have taught a
lady of the court to fence! If she tells anyone--
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SABINE
She is not that foolish.
PHILLIPPE
Last night she was caught with her skirts over her head inLady Moreaus garden!
SABINE
That was different.
PHILLIPPEShe pays no attention to who can see or hear her. If she even
slips and mentions something to you--
SABINEShe barely even speaks to me out in public. Everyone thinkswe hate each other. Which has certainly scored her points
with my grandmother-in-law.
PHILLIPPE
Why did neither of you tell me of this?
SABINE
What would you have said?
PHILLIPPE
I would have told you to stop at once.
SABINEYou answer your own question. At first it was a lark. She
wanted something physical to do.
PHILLIPPE
Sex wasnt enough?
SABINEPlease. There is only so much sex one person can have. Help
me tighten my corset.
PHILLIPPE
I doubt your husband would agree with you.
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SABINEI wouldnt know. I taught her a few parries, then a few more,but we grew bored. You started talking about the manual you
were writing and we thought that might be interesting to
peruse.
PHILLIPPE
Those are family secrets!
SABINEAnd we are family, remember? Besides, no one takes Claudetteseriously. She is far too pretty for deep thinking and shehas never taken an interest in education or politics. She
would never be so outgoing as to create a scandal.
PHILLIPPEAnd yet she fell in love with a common actress and married me.
SABINEI am no common actress! And we cannot help who we areattracted to, you of all people should know that. What iscommon is for a beautiful young thing to take a rich, old
goat for a husband. You see? You are both perfect princesses.
PHILLIPPE
I beg your pardon?
SABINEAs you are so fond of saying, Touche. You worry too much.
Besides, she is quite good.
PHILLIPPE
Very well, but I must insist--
SABINE
Anything.
PHILLIPPEKeep your back straight. If you bend even slightly at the
waist, The Adders Grasp can quickly become The Chinamans
Toss.
SABINE
I dont remember seeing that one.
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PHILLIPPEBecause I havent written it yet! I need to meet with that
damned trader before he goes back to the East.
SABINE
Does that mean you will teach us?
PHILLIPPEOnly if you promise never to touch a weapon outside my
presence.
SABINEFear not, my hands will stay far away from both these rapiers
and any mans weapons. I leave them entirely for your hands.
The doors open and Mathilde enters.
MATHILDEWhat kind of a household are you running? No servants to walk
me to my luncheon and the mistress of the house is not
dressed.
SABINEMother Mathilde, it is such a delight you can dine with ustoday. I was led to believe you would not arrive for another
hour, at the least.
MATHILDEYou, obviously, were misinformed, or you might at least be
wearing a dress. Maestro deValmorin, it is indeed an honor tobe in the presence of the most skilled swordsman in France. I
trust those swords were not part of my welcome.
SABINE
I wish.
MATHILDE
I beg your pardon?
PHILLIPPEMadame deMaynes, Sabine wished to help me polish my swords.Part of my daily maintenance. I cannot trust a servant to beas exacting as my father taught me. And, once again I mustremind you that the King, himself is the greatest swordsman.
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I am but his humble tutor, humbled even further by the grace
of your radiant beauty.
MATHILDEI am not so young as to believe such flattery, nor so old to
not appreciate it. Perhaps you could teach such manners tosome off my relations?
PHILLIPPE
I am, as always, at your bidding.
SABINEMother Mathilde, would you care to make yourself comfortable
while I send for some refreshments?
MATHILDEYes, this chair doesnt appear too threadbare, although thedust it carries speaks volumes about your lack of good
servants.
SABINEReginald and I prefer to keep few servants. It ensures a
tranquility few households today enjoy.
MATHILDEA silence filled entirely by the sound of sneezes. My
refreshment?
SABINE
Of course. Right away.
Sabine rings the bell.
PHILLIPPEPerhaps you would be more at ease in the music room? I knowthat Reginald always prefers to receive company there if for
no other reason than it gives him a opportunity to play thepianoforte.
MATHILDEI love my grandson with all my heart, but his greatest fault
is his choice of musical entertainment.
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SABINEHe does tend to prefer the bawdy, comical ditty over the
minuet.
MATHILDE
I correct myself. His second greatest fault.
The doors burst open and Luc enters.
LUCMadame Sabine! I am sorry that I was delayed, but the masterkept rewriting the pages and ordered me to wait until they
were perfect, which they never are, to him.
SABINEMy dear boy--
LUCThen when he had finished he beat me out of the chamber forleaving so late and I rode through the night, which in these
woods was a very frightening experience and one that I wouldnot want to repeat, so I hope that you will allow me to
travel back in daylight.
MATHILDEHe hasnt even brought any refreshment.
SABINE
Luc, please sit down. You must catch your breath.
LUCI dont think I am able.
PHILLIPPEHe is a messenger from her theatre, not a servant.
MATHILDEYou must not let him sit on the furniture like a guest.
SABINE
Perhaps you would be more comfortable in the music room.
MATHILDEWhat is your obsession with the music room?
LUCI left my horse with the stable boy. Will it be safe? Its the
masters and I must be sure not to lose another horse. You
remember how furious he was when I misplaced the last one?
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SABINE
I do, now breathe.
LUC
But I--
SABINE
Breathe. Look me in the eye. The eye. My eyes are up here.
LUC
I beg your pardon. I did not mean--
SABINE
Of course not. They are on display for just such a reaction.
MATHILDEIt is disgrace enough to receive guests in your undergarments
but to publicly admit to advertising your wares is beyond--
SABINE
Mother Mathilde!
MATHILDE
Monsieur deValmorin, take me to this music room.
PHILLIPPE
But of course, Madame deMaynes.
Phillippe and Mathilde exit.
LUC
I hope I have not--
SABINE
You have done nothing wrong. Breasts are nothing to beashamed of. Mine helped make me a famous actress, after all.
Eyes. Up here.
LUC
Sorry.
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SABINEClose your eyes and take a deep breath. And another. Good,
now a third.
She steps around behind him.
SABINE (contd)Now open your eyes. There, are you more calm?
LUCI am. Thank you.
SABINEWhere is my present?
LUCPresent?
SABINEMy gift of words? My pages? The manuscript?
LUCOh! Of course! Here it is. It has not left my hands.
Phillippe reenters as Luc hands hera manuscript, which she promptly
begins to read.
SABINEI can see that.
PHILLIPPEAnother brandy, you think?
SABINEWithout a doubt. Back so soon?
Phillippe picks up a bell from thetable and opens the door. He rings
the bell and replaces it.
PHILLIPPEWe met your husband in the corridor.
SABINEI try my best, but the old buzzard always enters a scene
early.
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Phillippe rings again.
PHILLIPPE
Perhaps Isabelle did in fact take to her bed.
SABINE
It would be best for her.
PHILLIPPE
I might have to fetch it myself.
Isabelle enters with a largebrandy. She is already a tiny bit
tipsy.
PHILLIPPE (contd)
Ah, there you are Isabelle. Are you less hysterical?
ISABELLE
I believe so. This brandy is a wonderful tonic.
PHILLIPPE
That it is. You read my mind.
Phillippe takes the brandy snifterand carries it to Luc.
ISABELLE
My tonic.
PHILLIPPEHere you are, my boy. Sip it lightly. Swirl it around, enjoy
the aroma.
SABINE
This is delightful!
LUC
And very strong.
ISABELLE
My tonic.
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PHILLIPPE
I fear we shall need more brandy.
SABINE
Yes, yes. I must finish reading this.
Isabelle walks closer to Luc, who
hasnt noticed her yet.
PHILLIPPE
Shall I fetch it myself?
SABINE
Do as you please.
Phillippe exits.
ISABELLE
It is very good, isnt it?
LUC
Yes. I have never tasted anything like it.
ISABELLE
May I have another taste?
LUC
But he gave it to me.
ISABELLE
It was mine when I left the kitchen.
LUC
Then this is yours?
He turns to give it to her and
their eyes meet.
ISABELLE
We could share it.
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LUC
I-- we could-- here--
He hands it to her.
ISABELLE
Thank you.
She takes a sip.
LUC
You are very beautiful.
ISABELLE
Me? No. I am a serving girl. Madame Sabine is the radiantbeauty of the house.
SABINE
Of course.
LUCBut she cannot compare to the luster of your eyes. I see
fields of lavender under a clear blue sky.
ISABELLEOh my.
LUC
And your voice is like the sweet song of the seraphim.
ISABELLE
Have some more.
LUC
Thank you.
He takes a sip, and she takes back
the glass.
ISABELLE
Tell me some more.
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LUC
I am without words--
ISABELLE
Then no more for you.
LUCBecause you have drawn all the poetry from the world withyour breath and exhale it anew unto a desperate world, whoseonly hope of salvation comes from your lips as you bid me to
speak again.
ISABELLE
Oh, speak again.
LUCBright angel, you are the very muse that inspired a fleet ofships to go to war. Every painting that ever was or evershall be was made to win your heart. No music was ever playedbut first the melody danced across your breast and theharmonies flew about your fell of hair before alighting to
the treetops.
ISABELLE
You have earned another sip.
LUC
I must know one thing.
ISABELLE
Anything.
SABINEBrilliant! Jean-Baptiste has outdone himself! This firstscene alone will bring the entire audience to breathless
laughter. Luc!
LUC
Madame?
ISABELLE
Luc.
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SABINERun to the kitchens and tell Henri to make you the most
delicious meal you have ever had!
Sabine grabs Luc and plants a
celebratory kiss on his lips.
ISABELLE
Not a kiss.
Sabine turns and takes the brandy
from Isabelle.
SABINEIsabelle, remember today, for this is the day that I began to
prepare the greatest role of my illustrious career. Next weekwe begin work on... Untitled?
LUC
Madame?
SABINE
Luc, has he no title?
LUC
It is called Jealousy Becomes Her.
SABINE
And the bulk of these pages are wordless.
LUCBlank? I have handed you the wrong pages, madame. Those are
my own scribblings. Please, here are the real pages.
SABINE
You wrote these lines, Luc?
LUC
I did, but they are hardly worth the reading as yet.
SABINEMy boy, listen to me with care. Who did I think was the
author?
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LUC
My master.
SABINE
My high praise is deserved by you.
LUC
Madame?
SABINEThis play could make a name for you in Paris. You heard it
from my lips first.
LUC
Thank you, madame.
SABINEBut of course it will be a complete failure if I am not yourleading character. Now go to the kitchens. You have earned a
feast.
Sabine ushers Luc to the door.
SABINE (contd)Jean-Baptiste might fawn over you, his young apprentice, butI doubt he will ever offer you better. Go. Eat and begluttonous. Isabelle will go upstairs and draw a hot bath and
prepare a guest room.
LUC
Isabelle.
SABINEYou shall sleep here tonight and in the morning ride back to
Paris with a letter for your master from I, his muse.
LUC
My muse.
SABINE
How sweet. Now go to the kitchens.
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Sabine pushes Luc out the door and
closes it behind him.
ISABELLEMy tonic, my Luc?
SABINEIsabelle, still here? Go, and use the masters salts in his
bath. This young man deserves the best.
ISABELLEOf course, right away.
Sabine crosses past Isabelle andthe girl tries halfheartedly tocatch the brandy snifter. She
curtseys and exits the room.
Sabine reads from the script.
SABINEThe salon, charming and spacious and elegantly decorated withflowers and vases and family portraits. The house maid,Colombina, is cleaning the room, whistling softly to herself.She dances as she cleans, and holds an conversation with animaginary suitor. Monsieur Velonges, it is such a surpriseto see you this evening. Why thank you, this gown is one of
my favorites. I bought it when last I visited Paris. Do youfind it flattering? Monsieur, you are too forward, but I willgrant you one dance, if you promise to behave. She takes him
in her arms and begins to dance around the room.
Sabine dances around the room, as
if her brandy is her partner.
Claudette enters. She stops andwatches Sabine dance. Sabine stopsand leans forward to give animaginary kiss to her dancing
partner.
CLAUDETTE
At least someone is enjoying themselves.
SABINE
Have you seen a ghost?
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CLAUDETTE
Give me that.
She takes the brandy snifter from
Sabine.
SABINE
What happened?
CLAUDETTEEmpty? Ring for Isabelle. I went to the music room and auntMathilde ordered me to relocate here and to be sure that she
could speak with me alone when she was done with her grandson.
SABINE
What was she telling him?
CLAUDETTEI did not hear more than a few words through the door as I
approached. But your name was mentioned loudly.
SABINE
Curse her rotting bones.
CLAUDETTE
And he was just seating himself at his pianoforte.
SABINE
The fool!
CLAUDETTE
She does dislike the frivolous.
SABINE
Then she wont be here for long.
CLAUDETTE
Where the devil is Isabella?
SABINE
She is running a bath.
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CLAUDETTE
Good, I shall need one but I need some brandy right now.
Phillippe enters with a decanter ofbrandy and another snifter, from
which he has been sipping.
SABINE
As if on cue.
PHILLIPPE
Have I missed something?
SABINE
Claudette was ordered here to await further instructions.
PHILLIPPE
Very ominous indeed.
CLAUDETTE
Brandy!
Claudette takes the snifter.
PHILLIPPEWhere are the children?
CLAUDETTELuc went to the kitchens and Isabelle is drawing him a bath
and preparing him a room.
PHILLIPPE
Excellent.
CLAUDETTEYou have to leave, now!
PHILLIPPE
Me?
CLAUDETTE
Both of you. Aunt Mathilde ordered me to be alone.
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SABINE
But this is my house.
PHILLIPPE
We should go.
SABINE
But this is my house!
PHILLIPPE
And you so love to entertain Aunt Mathilde.
SABINE
Let us retire to the garden.
PHILLIPPE
An excellent strategy. Will you be safe alone, my dear?
CLAUDETTE
I doubt she would harm me. She wouldnt, would she?
SABINEOf course not. You are far too pretty for her to deface. Send
for us when she departs.
CLAUDETTE
Of course. A kiss in parting?
SABINE
A quick one, my love.
Sabine kisses Claudette and exits
into the garden.
PHILLIPPEWe shall be just outside in the garden.
CLAUDETTE
I know. Now hurry.
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Phillippe exits into the garden.Claudette now holds both brandysnifters and drains them both. Shegoes to the decanter and refillsone glass. After a momentsthought, she refills the second as
well. The door opens from the halland Mathilde strides in followed by
Reginald.
MATHILDEYou are trying my patience.
REGINALDMother, when have I ever done anything that was against your
wishes?
MATHILDEMy dear, dear child.
REGINALDYou see? Have I not always been loyal and adoring?
MATHILDEYou have always appeared so.
REGINALDAppeared so? I, alone, of all your children have been the
most attentive.
MATHILDEYou are my only child.
REGINALDYou see? Even after you took in Claudette, I still retain thetitle. And now, I am with the love of my life and you insist
I get a divorce?
MATHILDEI have yet to see a grandchild from you. How can I be
expected to leave the family fortunes to you if you refuse tocreate an heir? It would be irresponsible of me!
REGINALD
We shall try harder.
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MATHILDENonsense. If you have not been successful by now it provesshe is a barren field and no seeds will take purchase. A wise
farmer would begin plowing a new field.
REGINALDI am uncomfortable with that image.
MATHILDEReginald, my sweet, sweet, young man, you are nearly fortyyears old. I have given you all the time I can. I have waitedpatiently and now I must insist. End your marriage and find afertile young woman from the court. You have three days or I
shall remove you from my will.
CLAUDETTEAunt Mathilde!
MATHILDEI am not ready for you yet, child. Sit yourself down. And whyhave you poured a brandy for me? You know I abhor the
drinkers of alcohol!
CLAUDETTEIt was-- I thought-- Sabine might--
MATHILDESabine! You see what a horrid influence that actress you havefoisted upon this family is on your cousin? Drinking alcohol!I cannot imagine what other vices she has taught such a
feeble minded girl. Claudette, I said sit down!
Claudette sits.
REGINALDMother, for years you pestered me to take a wife, and out of
devotion to you I did.
MATHILDEYou betrayed that devotion by bringing humiliation upon this
family. She is a common actress. Theatre is but one stepabove whoredom! And her womb is without the ability toproduce offspring. Of what good is she to me? Keep her in aside chamber to slake your lust if you must, but I must have
a child from you!
REGINALDI will not leave my wife!
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MATHILDEYou disappoint me more than I can express. The Cardinal was
right. Leave me.
REGINALD
But this is my house!
MATHILDE
Which I gave you.
There is a long pause.
REGINALD
Mother--
MATHILDELeave me before I am completely unwilling to consider your
forgiveness.
Reginald bows and exits, taking one
of the brandies with him.
MATHILDE (contd)Now, Claudette, I feared it would come to this. He is
unwilling to remove the problem so it falls to you.
CLAUDETTE
Me, Aunt Mathilde?
MATHILDE
You must remove the canker from the family bloom.
CLAUDETTE
Canker?
MATHILDEThere is a blemish and you must excise it.
CLAUDETTE
Excise?
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MATHILDEYou cannot be as insipid as you portray yourself! Perhaps youare. The Cardinal was kind enough to point out your uniqueposition. You are married to the greatest swordsman in
France. You will use that connection to scare away the vermin.
CLAUDETTEPhillippe?
MATHILDEYou... married to Phillippe... confront Sabine... she fears
for her life... runs away. You see?
CLAUDETTENo.
MATHILDE
Tel her you are a master of the sword, having learned fromyour husband.
CLAUDETTEBut that is strictly forbidden.
MATHILDEI know that. She knows that. Convince her otherwise.
CLAUDETTEDo you mean--
MATHILDEChallenge her to a duel.
Claudette gulps her brandy.
CLAUDETTEI cannot fight her.
MATHILDEThere is no need. All you have to do is challenge her. Tosave her own skin she will run and hide behind her theatre
curtains and Reginald shall be free to find a fertile bride.And you will have earned a daughters share of the family
estate.
CLAUDETTEBut Sabine--
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MATHILDEHas always made you look a fool in courtly soirees. The factthat she dared slap a cousin of the King shows that she hasno propriety and has no place in this family. There is no
better choice than you.
CLAUDETTE
But my husband cannot teach me the sword!
MATHILDEIf he refuses I will tell the king that he already has been
teaching you.
Claudette gulps brandy again.
CLAUDETTEIf I cannot?
MATHILDENeither you or Reginald get a single, solitary sou. I see the
way that the two of you spend my allowances and you couldneither of you live off of the pittances your spouses earn byplying their trades. Now I must go. I am meeting the Cardinalto discuss how I might use my money to buy my way intoheaven. Perhaps I should suggest that the entirety might beat his disposal. That should earn me a place in the heavenlyhost, should it not? Not a word from you? Remember what I
expect from you. Do not presume to disappoint me.
Mathilde exits to the hallway.Claudette gulps her brandy again.The garden door opens and Sabine
peeks her head inside.
SABINE
Is she gone?
Claudette does not respond. Sabine
enters.
SABINE (contd)Claudette! Are you all right? You are as white as milk. Say
something.
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Sabine runs to the garden door and
calls out.
SABINE (contd)Phillippe, come here! She does not look well!
Sabine goes back to Claudette.
SABINE (contd)My love, what is wrong?
Phillippe enters through the garden
door.
PHILLIPPEGive her some brandy.
SABINEShe has some already.
Claudette sits there, justbreathing and staring out atnothing. Reginald enters from the
hallway door.
REGINALDHer carriage has left.
SABINEClaudette?
PHILLIPPEShh. Give her peace.
SABINEDont tell me what to do.
REGINALDBoth of you hush. Claudette, what did she say?
After a moment Claudette speaks.
CLAUDETTE
This is insanity.
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SABINEThats the first sane thing anyone has ever said about your
mother.
REGINALD
What is?
CLAUDETTEI cant do this.
SABINEWhat, sweetheart?
CLAUDETTEA challenge.
REGINALD
She challenged you?
PHILLIPPETo a duel? Ridiculous.
CLAUDETTENo. I must.
SABINEMust what? She is not making sense.
CLAUDETTESabine.
SABINEWhat, my love?
CLAUDETTEYou.
SABINEMe, what?
CLAUDETTEI challenge you to a duel.
SABINEYou told her?
PHILLIPPEI didnt. I have been with you the whole time.
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CLAUDETTEI challenge you to duel. There, I did it.
REGINALDIsnt there something about gloves to this?
Claudette takes a handkerchief out.
CLAUDETTEThis will have to do.
REGINALDDo for what? I am confused.
SABINEPhillippe, very funny this.
PHILLIPPENot my doing.
Claudette slaps Sabine across the
face with the handkerchief.
CLAUDETTEI challenge you to a duel.
REGINALDI hope that was clean.
SABINEWhat in the hell are you doing?
CLAUDETTEI did what I was told to do.
PHILLIPPETo what end? This is no joke.
REGINALDAs if you would even know which end of a sword to hold.
PHILLIPPEShe does.
SABINEWas this what your aunt wanted?
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CLAUDETTEShe said that you would run away and you havent. End of
story.
REGINALD
What in gods name are you all talking about?
PHILLIPPEThis wouldnt satisfy her.
CLAUDETTEAre you sure?
SABINEDont encourage this.
PHILLIPPE
It would need to be public. Very public.
REGINALDYou want to fight her? I thought you loved her? You taughther how to fence? What is wrong with you? You have to catch
me up with what I missed while I was in the other room. Give
me that brandy!
CLAUDETTEShe told me that I needed to scare away Sabine. That if I
challenged her it would be over.
SABINEThat I would run away like a coward? How dare she!
REGINALDIts a reasonable conclusion.
PHILLIPPEOnly if you don't know Sabine.
SABINEIll kill her!
REGINALDShe is my mother.
SABINEAnd my soon to be dead-in-law.
CLAUDETTEBut it didn't work, so we are done.
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SABINEDon't be so simple. She wont let it go at that.
PHILLIPPEWe need and end game.
REGINALDNot chess again. It bores me so.
SABINEMy blade, her heart, end of game. Works for me.
REGINALDShe is family!
SABINEShe wants me dead.
CLAUDETTENo she doesn't.
PHILLIPPEShe wants you gone and the marriage ended.
REGINALDThen I would have to marry some fertile girl.
SABINEAnd start procreating.
REGINALDWhy can she not leave well enough alone?
SABINEIf I cant kill her what will we do?
PHILLIPPEWe have to plan for a challenge and a suitable response. You
might have to duel.
CLAUDETTEIve never picked up a sword in my life.
PHILLIPPELiar. Sabine told me everything.
CLAUDETTEEverything?
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PHILLIPPEYes.
CLAUDETTEEven--?
SABINENo, of course not that.
PHILLIPPENot what?
REGINALDWait a minute! You two have been teaching Claudette how to
fence? What is wrong with you?
CLAUDETTE
Whats wrong with that?
REGINALDId sooner give a musket to chimpanzee.
CLAUDETTEI will show you just how good I am. Grab your rapier and have
at it!
PHILLIPPEWe are losing focus. What if you fail?
CLAUDETTEI wont.
PHILLIPPEWhat will your aunt do?
CLAUDETTEOh. Leave us out of the will.
REGINALDBut Im her son.
CLAUDETTEAnd Sabine is still your wife.
PHILLIPPEThen we are at an impasse.
SABINEPlease just let me kill her.
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REGINALDNo. There must be a rational solution.
PHILLIPPEYou must challenge her.
CLAUDETTEI did. You saw me.
PHILLIPPEPublicly.
REGINALDBut she cant run away.
SABINENever.
PHILLIPPEThen you will have to have a duel.
CLAUDETTEBut how?
PHILLIPPEWe will work that out soon enough. We must start in the
morning.
REGINALDStart what?
PHILLIPPEFencing lessons in earnest. Give me that brandy.
End of scene.
42.