For Lack of Love, Scene # (not sure yet)

Scene __________

(Scene: Mr. Andrews is sitting in a chair smoking a pipe, in his living room, a cozy, book-lined room with a fire burning brightly in the fireplace. Outside the window it’s dark. The clock says the time is four in the morning. A loud knocking awakens Mr. Andrews from his book)

Mr. Andrews: Now who would that be at this late hour? (glances at clock) It’s approaching dawn! (rises to answer door)

Emily: Mr. Andrews! Open the door! (A opens door)

Mr. A: Emily? What are you doing here this early in the morning?
(enter Emily, tear-stained, hair messy, dress torn)
Dear God! What happened to you? You look as if you ran through the forest to get here, with the devil himself hot on your heels! Did you not take the road?

Emily: I could not, Mr. Andrews! I believe I was followed as it is…

Mr. A: Followed? By whom? For what reason?

Emily: That Lord Frederick has been sending his cronies to follow me everywhere I go! It’s maddening! And I’m frightened, Mr. Andrews, so terribly frightened…. (plops down in chair)

Mr. A: My dear girl, what are you talking about?

Emily: That man my parents met at that Herington Ball, who they brought back to meet me! He is a demon! (gets up and start pacing) He watches me with his cruel, burning eyes, filled with amorous hatred! He longs for me, and he hates me for it! Everyday he asks, “My Lady Emily, would you desire to take a walk with me?” And everyday, I politely decline, for I know that if I take that dreaded walk, I will not come back unspoiled! (walks over to window and looks up at sky) The stars have dimmed; my world is dark and cold as winter, though it be the middle of May… I just don’t know what to do, Mr. Andrews… or rather, I only have one choice left, but I do not wish to take it…

Mr. A: Child, I think you need a rest- why not go back to your parents?

Emily: Because my parents will not listen!

Mr. A: My dear girl, I am sure-

Emily: I’m leaving, Mr. Andrews. I am going to run…

Mr. A: Emily, you needn’t go that far-

Emily: You don’t understand either! He will not leave me alone as long as I remain in this wretched place! I have to leave… I don’t know yet know where I will go, but it will be far- as far away as I can get from his lustful stares… I have to escape from this monster, this man who watches my every move like a hawk watches its prey, desiring it, ready to leap upon it and devour all in one gulp! (pause) He will break me eventually, Mr. Andrews, if I remain here. And I will be a shell of the woman I once was, before he began haunting my footsteps. (growing hysterical) It has already begun- I’m beginning to feel nothing but fear and hatred! Everything I know is deserting me, leaving me to die! (breaks down sobbing into a chair)

Mr. A: If you feel this strong of a passion about it, I will not hinder you, but provide some assistance. But if this goes to wrong, I will never forgive myself.

Emily: Thank you, Mr. Andrews… (regaining composure)

Mr. A: (rifling through drawers putting stuff a sack) When are you planning on leaving?

Emily: Tonight, If I can. I am not sure I can take another day with my parents pushing that “great lord” in my face, while he stands, waiting in the shadows, ready kill…ready to take me… (shudders involuntarily)

Mr. A: Alright, then here- this is twenty pieces of gold. I am sorry I don’t have more to give you. There is also some clothes in there that used to belong to my son- you will want to change into those before daylight, so you are not stopped. You can push your hair up into the cap. Just be careful! Make sure you either bind your chest or wear this jacket at all times or you will definitely be discovered… Now you must hurry and go!

Emily: Thank you so much, Mr. Andrews… You have no idea how much-

Mr. A: Child, I appreciate the gratitude, but it’s almost dawn! You must go or you will have to wait for tomorrow night!

Emily: Goodbye, Mr. Andrews- and thank you! (opens door and steps outside)

Mr. A: Goodbye, Emily, and remember! Trust no one! (in a loud whisper)

(Emily walks off stage into darkness, with sack over shoulder, shadowy figure follows her)

END SCENE