Duel Intents Dec 31 2010 First Scene

8/8/2019 Duel Intents Dec 31 2010 First Scene

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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.

ii.


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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

iii.


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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.

10.


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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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18/45

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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21/45

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.

Duel Intents Dec 31 2010 First Scene

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