DUEL INTENTS

(the first scene, only)

by
Larry Nehring

Fifth Draft
L. Nehring, December 2010

Larry Nehring
1342 Beach Pkwy.
Apt. #1
Lakewood, OH 44107
LNehring@aol.com
216.965.8409
 ii.

DUEL INTENTS

Character Descriptions (4 F, 10 M):

SABINE (F)- 25-30 yrs old , Leading actress of Jean-Baptiste's

company in Paris. She was an engenue, but is growing insecure
about the younger actresses entering the company. She was born to
a merchant family of very little means and as a child stumbled
into work with a commedia troupe. Her education and career were
products of her hard work and creativity. She is married to
Reginald, and the lover of Claudette.

CLAUDETTE (F)- 20 yrs old, She is a distant cousin to the French

King (Louis XIV, the Sun King). While not closely related enough
to have influence, her branch of the family, headed by her great
aunt Mathilde, still is held in high esteem. Claudette has never
had 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 XIV

and the grandson of Mathilde. He is a free spirit, and avoided
marriage through hard work and grace. He is in love with Phillippe
and has married Sabine.

PHILLIPPE (M)- 30 yrs old, The fencing master to King Louis XIV
and son of the previous master. While he lives amongst the royal
families, he is still a tradesman. Exceptional skill with the
sword has allowed his father, and now Phillippe, an estate and
annual income. He the lover of Reginald and has married Claudette.

MATHILDE (F)- 70 yrs old, The Grand Dame of the family. She is a
direct cousin of the King and is the matriarch of her limb of the
family tree. Reginald is her grandson and Claudette is her grand-
niece.
ISABELLE (F)- 16 yrs old, She is a maid in the household of Sabine
and Reginald. She is a bit flighty but has a romantic spirit.

LUC (M)- 20 yrs old, he is apprentice to Jean-Baptiste. He is

overflowing with enthusiasm and creativity.

JEAN-BATISTE (M)- 40-45 yrs old, famous, and scandalous playwright

of 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 have
fled Paris after inadvertently crossing Theobald and his gang.
They are trying to earn their living stealing from travelers in
the woods near Reginald's estate.

THEOBALD, JULES, and two footmen (M)- these are thugs and
criminals hired from the streets of Paris by Cardinal DuBois to
work for Mathilde.
 iii.

DUEL INTENTS

SETTING & TIME

The time is early autumn, 1663 at a large, family estate of

Reginald 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

 ACT I

SCENE 1 (I,1): REGINALD AND SABINE’S ESTATE

The room is a charming and spacious

salon, elegantly decorated with
flowers, vases and family
portraits. The house maid,
Isabelle, is cleaning the room,
whistling softly to herself. She
dances as she cleans, and holds an
conversation with an imaginary
suitor.

ISABELLE
Monsieur LaBret, it is such a surprise to see you this
evening. Why thank you, this gown is one of my favorites. I
bought it when last I visited Paris. Do you find it
flattering? 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 (cont’d)
Edmond-- Monsieur LeBret, you dance like a dream! I feel
light as a feather in your arms.

She spins close to a vase of

flowers and pauses, taking one
flower and handing it to herself.

ISABELLE (cont’d)
How did you know that these are my favorite flowers in the
entire world? My gardens at home are filled with no other
flowers than this... Oh, must you leave so soon? You break my
heart, 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 two

ladies enter in the midst of a
furious sword fight.
 2.

Isabelle screams in surprise and

dives behind some furniture. The
fight continues causing some
obvious damage to the furniture and
decorations in the room.

SABINE
Imbecile!

CLAUDETTE
Whore!

SABINE
You think you are so clever!

CLAUDETTE
I am!

SABINE
Ha!

CLAUDETTE
You cannot defeat me!

SABINE
You will make a mistake.

CLAUDETTE
I haven’t yet.

SABINE
Only a matter of time.

CLAUDETTE
I learned from the best.

SABINE
Your teacher was too soft on you. Softer even than your
husband.

CLAUDETTE
Do not speak of Phillippe!

Sabine takes advantage of

Claudette’s momentary distraction
to disarm her.
 3.

SABINE
Yield.

CLAUDETTE
Never!

Sabine launches a strike and

Claudette improvises an
counterstrike which ends with
Sabine on the floor and Sabine's
sword in Claudette’s hand.

SABINE
How did you--

CLAUDETTE
Yield!

SABINE
Never!

Sabine snatches up Claudette’s

sword and the fight resumes.

CLAUDETTE
Your rapier is heavier than mine.

SABINE
And yours is light as a child’s toy. No striking power at all.

CLAUDETTE
Very well. Hand it back.

SABINE
So smug. Just as Phillippe observed.

CLAUDETTE
He never!

SABINE
Why just last night at Lady Moreau’s, as we danced, he told
me that very thing.
 4.

CLAUDETTE
Nonsense!

SABINE
After I caught you and my husband in the garden last night?
You dare feign anger?

CLAUDETTE
You over reacted!

SABINE
He was up your skirts like a physician! And in Lady Moreau’s
maze, even. You are practically siblings.

CLAUDETTE
You 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!

SABINE
“The actress slapped the King’s 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!
 5.

ISABELLE
No!

As Claudette lunges for Sabine,

Sabine sidesteps and catches her in
a lethal position. The fight is
over and Claudette is a heartbeat
away from death. Before a word can
be spoken the doors open and
Phillippe and Reginald enter.

REGINALD
It 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 moment’s shock, Sabine and

Claudette attempt to regain their
feet and composure and hide the
weapons.

REGINALD
She never has, but Sabine, at least, had the good sense to
slap her.

PHILLIPPE
Claudette, why on earth would you do that in public? You’re
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!

PHILLIPPE
And Reginald? Why would you kneel under her skirts? Did you
not consider you might be seen?
 6.

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?

SABINE
What else is there to do in the country? It is dreadfully
boring and I do so long to return to Paris.

REGINALD
My dear, we shall return just as soon as I have finished with
these damned family matters. I know that my grandmother’s
estate is a nuisance to your socializing, but she needs me to
help 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.

REGINALD
You might display a little more respect for the dear, old
sainted woman.
 7.

SABINE
She is the most miserable old puritan I have ever seen.

REGINALD
Sabine.

SABINE
She 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?

REGINALD
She 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?

REGINALD
Of course not, but she car hardly call your absence in
question if you are not absent, can she?

PHILLIPPE
You should count your blessings that you are once removed
from those politics, my dear.

CLAUDETTE
Oh yes. It was such a blessing after my parents died to be
told I was now the ward of Aunt Mathilde. Under her thumb but
still unworthy of it.

REGINALD
I 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.
 8.

CLAUDETTE
Today? Are the servants prepared?

SABINE
Are you trying to get me killed?

PHILLIPPE
Don’t over react.

SABINE
I’m not.

PHILLIPPE
Not you. My wife.

CLAUDETTE
It is fine for you to be host, but she will judge Sabine on
everything she sees. The pantry might not be stocked for her
tastes.

REGINALD
I sorted it out with Henri this morning. By the time she gets
here he will have a perfect luncheon assembled for her.

CLAUDETTE
I 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.
 9.

REGINALD
True.

PHILLIPPE
Reginald, I know that your mother is... your mother and you
owe her all the respect--

SABINE
Blah dee blah dee blah.

PHILLIPPE
But why bring her here? Why risk her outrage?

REGINALD
I am trying to assure her of our domestic bliss.

PHILLIPPE
We should not be here, then.

SABINE
I should not, for certain.

REGINALD
You must all be here. She needs to be certain that the family
will be left in good hands when she meets the sweet
hereafter. The Cardinal has convinced her that her mortal
soul is in peril, so she is in a state.

PHILLIPPE
She already prays more than the Cardinal.

SABINE
She also has more money than he does and he aims to remedy
that.

REGINALD
Exactly my dilemma. Before she decides to leave everything to
the church, I must convince her that the family is as she
wants it.

PHILLIPPE
Childless?

REGINALD
Help me, Phillippe, with that. You are my only hope.

PHILLIPPE
I have tried repeatedly, but you, my dear Reginald, seem to
be barren.
 10.

SABINE
If only the King knew your preferences. You would be even
more popular in court.

REGINALD
I am in love with the king’s pet.

PHILLIPPE
Mind your tongue.

REGINALD
You don’t mind it.

SABINE
You are both impossible.

REGINALD
Jealousy becomes her.

SABINE
Jean-Baptiste should write me a play with that title.

REGINALD
Perhaps he will. Wish me luck, my love.

PHILLIPPE
Do you need luck?

SABINE
Oh, go calm your cousin.

REGINALD
I don’t 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.
 11.

SABINE
How do you mean?

PHILLIPPE
Sabine, give me the rapiers.

SABINE
Rapiers?

PHILLIPPE
Isabelle, could you please come out from hiding?

SABINE
Oh, goodness.

PHILLIPPE
It is all right, child. Look at you, white as a sheet.

ISABELLE
Monsieur, I was cleaning when--

PHILLIPPE
Why were you hiding?

ISABELLE
I was-- and he asked me to dance-- and then he gave me a
flower. But when he offered to kiss me the door burst open--

SABINE
Child you must calm yourself. Why don’t you run to the
kitchen and have Henri pour you a small brandy.

ISABELLE
I didn’t see--

SABINE
Hurry, I fear you will do harm to your self if you continue.

Sabine pushes Isabelle towards the

door.
 12.

ISABELLE
I promise you--

SABINE
You will have the brandy and lie down in your chamber. Very
good. Now go.

She pushes Isabelle out the door.

SABINE (cont’d)
What a high strung child.

PHILLIPPE
She shares your flair for the dramatic.

Sabine opens the door.

SABINE
Nonsense. Isabelle! Tell Henri to send young Luc to me when
he arrives.

ISABELLE
(Off) Who?

SABINE
Luc, no one you have met. He will have a manuscript for me
from Paris.

ISABELLE
(Off) Paris?

SABINE
Yes, now go have your brandy.

Sabine closes the door.

PHILLIPPE
I am not a fool. Although there are times when I must smile
and 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.

SABINE
You must stay calm.

PHILLIPPE
What you have been doing could ruin me!
 13.

SABINE
You are exaggerating.

PHILLIPPE
Nonsense! And in full view of Isabelle! She is too young and
flighty to hold too many secrets. We have always been so
careful around her. But if this should ever be spoken of
outside this house no one would believe that you were
teaching Claudette how to fence. All eyes would be on me. I
am 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.

SABINE
We 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--

PHILLIPPE
It must have been at least a year, or more! When I walked in
you were poised in The Adder’s Grasp. No novice could perform
that, especially since it only exists in sketch form, in my
papers! Do you realize what you have done?

SABINE
You knew I was skilled with a sword.

PHILLIPPE
On the stage! Stage combat is a clever use of a few actual
techniques to simulate real sword fighting. You have taught a
lady of the court to fence! If she tells anyone--
 14.

SABINE
She is not that foolish.

PHILLIPPE
Last night she was caught with her skirts over her head in
Lady Moreau’s garden!

SABINE
That was different.

PHILLIPPE
She pays no attention to who can see or hear her. If she even
slips and mentions something to you--

SABINE
She barely even speaks to me out in public. Everyone thinks
we 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.

SABINE
You answer your own question. At first it was a lark. She
wanted something physical to do.

PHILLIPPE
Sex wasn’t enough?

SABINE
Please. There is only so much sex one person can have. Help
me tighten my corset.

PHILLIPPE
I doubt your husband would agree with you.
 15.

SABINE
I wouldn’t 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!

SABINE
And we are family, remember? Besides, no one takes Claudette
seriously. She is far too pretty for deep thinking and she
has never taken an interest in education or politics. She
would never be so outgoing as to create a scandal.

PHILLIPPE
And yet she fell in love with a common actress and married me.

SABINE
I am no common actress! And we cannot help who we are
attracted to, you of all people should know that. What is
common 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?

SABINE
As 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.

PHILLIPPE
Keep your back straight. If you bend even slightly at the
waist, The Adder’s Grasp can quickly become The Chinaman’s
Toss.

SABINE
I don’t remember seeing that one.
 16.

PHILLIPPE
Because I haven’t 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?

PHILLIPPE
Only if you promise never to touch a weapon outside my
presence.

SABINE
Fear not, my hands will stay far away from both these rapiers
and any man’s weapons. I leave them entirely for your hands.

The doors open and Mathilde enters.

MATHILDE
What kind of a household are you running? No servants to walk
me to my luncheon and the mistress of the house is not
dressed.

SABINE
Mother Mathilde, it is such a delight you can dine with us
today. I was led to believe you would not arrive for another
hour, at the least.

MATHILDE
You, obviously, were misinformed, or you might at least be
wearing a dress. Maestro deValmorin, it is indeed an honor to
be 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?

PHILLIPPE
Madame deMaynes, Sabine wished to help me polish my swords.
Part of my daily maintenance. I cannot trust a servant to be
as exacting as my father taught me. And, once again I must
remind you that the King, himself is the greatest swordsman.
 17.

I am but his humble tutor, humbled even further by the grace

of your radiant beauty.

MATHILDE
I am not so young as to believe such flattery, nor so old to
not appreciate it. Perhaps you could teach such manners to
some off my relations?

PHILLIPPE
I am, as always, at your bidding.

SABINE
Mother Mathilde, would you care to make yourself comfortable
while I send for some refreshments?

MATHILDE
Yes, this chair doesn’t appear too threadbare, although the
dust it carries speaks volumes about your lack of good
servants.

SABINE
Reginald and I prefer to keep few servants. It ensures a
tranquility few households today enjoy.

MATHILDE
A silence filled entirely by the sound of sneezes. My
refreshment?

SABINE
Of course. Right away.

Sabine rings the bell.

PHILLIPPE
Perhaps you would be more at ease in the music room? I know
that Reginald always prefers to receive company there if for
no other reason than it gives him a opportunity to play the
pianoforte.

MATHILDE
I love my grandson with all my heart, but his greatest fault
is his choice of musical entertainment.
 18.

SABINE
He 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.

LUC
Madame Sabine! I am sorry that I was delayed, but the master
kept rewriting the pages and ordered me to wait until they
were perfect, which they never are, to him.

SABINE
My dear boy--

LUC
Then when he had finished he beat me out of the chamber for
leaving so late and I rode through the night, which in these
woods was a very frightening experience and one that I would
not want to repeat, so I hope that you will allow me to
travel back in daylight.

MATHILDE
He hasn’t even brought any refreshment.

SABINE
Luc, please sit down. You must catch your breath.

LUC
I don’t think I am able.

PHILLIPPE
He is a messenger from her theatre, not a servant.

MATHILDE
You must not let him sit on the furniture like a guest.

SABINE
Perhaps you would be more comfortable in the music room.

MATHILDE
What is your obsession with the music room?

LUC
I left my horse with the stable boy. Will it be safe? Its the
master’s and I must be sure not to lose another horse. You
remember how furious he was when I misplaced the last one?
 19.

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.

MATHILDE
It 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 be
ashamed of. Mine helped make me a famous actress, after all.
Eyes. Up here.

LUC
Sorry.
 20.

SABINE
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. And another. Good,
now a third.

She steps around behind him.

SABINE (cont’d)
Now open your eyes. There, are you more calm?

LUC
I am. Thank you.

SABINE
Where is my present?

LUC
Present?

SABINE
My gift of words? My pages? The manuscript?

LUC
Oh! Of course! Here it is. It has not left my hands.

Phillippe reenters as Luc hands her

a manuscript, which she promptly
begins to read.

SABINE
I can see that.

PHILLIPPE
Another brandy, you think?

SABINE
Without a doubt. Back so soon?

Phillippe picks up a bell from the

table and opens the door. He rings
the bell and replaces it.

PHILLIPPE
We met your husband in the corridor.

SABINE
I try my best, but the old buzzard always enters a scene
early.
 21.

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 large

brandy. She is already a tiny bit
tipsy.

PHILLIPPE (cont’d)
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 snifter

and carries it to Luc.

ISABELLE
My tonic.

PHILLIPPE
Here you are, my boy. Sip it lightly. Swirl it around, enjoy
the aroma.

SABINE
This is delightful!

LUC
And very strong.

ISABELLE
My tonic.
 22.

PHILLIPPE
I fear we shall need more brandy.

SABINE
Yes, yes. I must finish reading this.

Isabelle walks closer to Luc, who

hasn’t noticed her yet.

PHILLIPPE
Shall I fetch it myself?

SABINE
Do as you please.

Phillippe exits.

ISABELLE
It is very good, isn’t 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.
 23.

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 radiant
beauty of the house.

SABINE
Of course.

LUC
But she cannot compare to the luster of your eyes. I see
fields of lavender under a clear blue sky.

ISABELLE
Oh 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.
 24.

LUC
I am without words--

ISABELLE
Then no more for you.

LUC
Because you have drawn all the poetry from the world with
your breath and exhale it anew unto a desperate world, whose
only hope of salvation comes from your lips as you bid me to
speak again.

ISABELLE
Oh, speak again.

LUC
Bright angel, you are the very muse that inspired a fleet of
ships to go to war. Every painting that ever was or ever
shall be was made to win your heart. No music was ever played
but first the melody danced across your breast and the
harmonies 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.

SABINE
Brilliant! Jean-Baptiste has outdone himself! This first
scene alone will bring the entire audience to breathless
laughter. Luc!

LUC
Madame?

ISABELLE
Luc.
 25.

SABINE
Run 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.

SABINE
Isabelle, remember today, for this is the day that I began to
prepare the greatest role of my illustrious career. Next week
we 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.

LUC
Blank? 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.

SABINE
My boy, listen to me with care. Who did I think was the
author?
 26.

LUC
My master.

SABINE
My high praise is deserved by you.

LUC
Madame?

SABINE
This play could make a name for you in Paris. You heard it
from my lips first.

LUC
Thank you, madame.

SABINE
But of course it will be a complete failure if I am not your
leading character. Now go to the kitchens. You have earned a
feast.

Sabine ushers Luc to the door.

SABINE (cont’d)
Jean-Baptiste might fawn over you, his young apprentice, but
I doubt he will ever offer you better. Go. Eat and be
gluttonous. Isabelle will go upstairs and draw a hot bath and
prepare a guest room.

LUC
Isabelle.

SABINE
You 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.
 27.

Sabine pushes Luc out the door and

closes it behind him.

ISABELLE
My tonic, my Luc?

SABINE
Isabelle, still here? Go, and use the master’s salts in his
bath. This young man deserves the best.

ISABELLE
Of course, right away.

Sabine crosses past Isabelle and

the girl tries halfheartedly to
catch the brandy snifter. She
curtseys and exits the room.

Sabine reads from the script.

SABINE
The salon, charming and spacious and elegantly decorated with
flowers 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 an
imaginary suitor. “Monsieur Velonges, it is such a surprise
to see you this evening. Why thank you, this gown is one of
my favorites. I bought it when last I visited Paris. Do you
find it flattering? 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.

Sabine dances around the room, as

if her brandy is her partner.

Claudette enters. She stops and

watches Sabine dance. Sabine stops
and leans forward to give an
imaginary kiss to her dancing
partner.

CLAUDETTE
At least someone is enjoying themselves.

SABINE
Have you seen a ghost?
 28.

CLAUDETTE
Give me that.

She takes the brandy snifter from

Sabine.

SABINE
What happened?

CLAUDETTE
Empty? Ring for Isabelle. I went to the music room and aunt
Mathilde 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?

CLAUDETTE
I 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 won’t be here for long.

CLAUDETTE
Where the devil is Isabella?

SABINE
She is running a bath.
 29.

CLAUDETTE
Good, I shall need one but I need some brandy right now.

Phillippe enters with a decanter of

brandy 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.

PHILLIPPE
Where are the children?

CLAUDETTE
Luc went to the kitchens and Isabelle is drawing him a bath
and preparing him a room.

PHILLIPPE
Excellent.

CLAUDETTE
You have to leave, now!

PHILLIPPE
Me?

CLAUDETTE
Both of you. Aunt Mathilde ordered me to be alone.
 30.

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 wouldn’t, would she?

SABINE
Of 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.

PHILLIPPE
We shall be just outside in the garden.

CLAUDETTE
I know. Now hurry.
 31.

Phillippe exits into the garden.

Claudette now holds both brandy
snifters and drains them both. She
goes to the decanter and refills
one glass. After a moment’s
thought, she refills the second as
well. The door opens from the hall
and Mathilde strides in followed by
Reginald.

MATHILDE
You are trying my patience.

REGINALD
Mother, when have I ever done anything that was against your
wishes?

MATHILDE
My dear, dear child.

REGINALD
You see? Have I not always been loyal and adoring?

MATHILDE
You have always appeared so.

REGINALD
Appeared so? I, alone, of all your children have been the
most attentive.

MATHILDE
You are my only child.

REGINALD
You see? Even after you took in Claudette, I still retain the
title. And now, I am with the love of my life and you insist
I get a divorce?

MATHILDE
I have yet to see a grandchild from you. How can I be
expected to leave the family fortunes to you if you refuse to
create an heir? It would be irresponsible of me!

REGINALD
We shall try harder.
 32.

MATHILDE
Nonsense. If you have not been successful by now it proves
she is a barren field and no seeds will take purchase. A wise
farmer would begin plowing a new field.

REGINALD
I am uncomfortable with that image.

MATHILDE
Reginald, my sweet, sweet, young man, you are nearly forty
years old. I have given you all the time I can. I have waited
patiently and now I must insist. End your marriage and find a
fertile young woman from the court. You have three days or I
shall remove you from my will.

CLAUDETTE
Aunt Mathilde!

MATHILDE
I am not ready for you yet, child. Sit yourself down. And why
have you poured a brandy for me? You know I abhor the
drinkers of alcohol!

CLAUDETTE
It was-- I thought-- Sabine might--

MATHILDE
Sabine! You see what a horrid influence that actress you have
foisted 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.

REGINALD
Mother, for years you pestered me to take a wife, and out of
devotion to you I did.

MATHILDE
You betrayed that devotion by bringing humiliation upon this
family. She is a common actress. Theatre is but one step
above whoredom! And her womb is without the ability to
produce offspring. Of what good is she to me? Keep her in a
side chamber to slake your lust if you must, but I must have
a child from you!

REGINALD
I will not leave my wife!
 33.

MATHILDE
You 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--

MATHILDE
Leave me before I am completely unwilling to consider your
forgiveness.

Reginald bows and exits, taking one

of the brandies with him.

MATHILDE (cont’d)
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?

MATHILDE
There is a blemish and you must excise it.

CLAUDETTE
Excise?
 34.

MATHILDE
You cannot be as insipid as you portray yourself! Perhaps you
are. The Cardinal was kind enough to point out your unique
position. You are married to the greatest swordsman in
France. You will use that connection to scare away the vermin.

CLAUDETTE
Phillippe?

MATHILDE
You... married to Phillippe... confront Sabine... she fears
for her life... runs away. You see?

CLAUDETTE
No.

MATHILDE
Tel her you are a master of the sword, having learned from
your husband.

CLAUDETTE
But that is strictly forbidden.

MATHILDE
I know that. She knows that. Convince her otherwise.

CLAUDETTE
Do you mean--

MATHILDE
Challenge her to a duel.

Claudette gulps her brandy.

CLAUDETTE
I cannot fight her.

MATHILDE
There is no need. All you have to do is challenge her. To
save 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 daughter’s share of the family
estate.

CLAUDETTE
But Sabine--
 35.

MATHILDE
Has always made you look a fool in courtly soirees. The fact
that she dared slap a cousin of the King shows that she has
no propriety and has no place in this family. There is no
better choice than you.

CLAUDETTE
But my husband cannot teach me the sword!

MATHILDE
If he refuses I will tell the king that he already has been
teaching you.

Claudette gulps brandy again.

CLAUDETTE
If I cannot?

MATHILDE
Neither you or Reginald get a single, solitary sou. I see the
way that the two of you spend my allowances and you could
neither of you live off of the pittances your spouses earn by
plying their trades. Now I must go. I am meeting the Cardinal
to discuss how I might use my money to buy my way into
heaven. Perhaps I should suggest that the entirety might be
at his disposal. That should earn me a place in the heavenly
host, 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 (cont’d)
Claudette! Are you all right? You are as white as milk. Say
something.
 36.

Sabine runs to the garden door and

calls out.

SABINE (cont’d)
Phillippe, come here! She does not look well!

Sabine goes back to Claudette.

SABINE (cont’d)
My love, what is wrong?

Phillippe enters through the garden

door.

PHILLIPPE
Give her some brandy.

SABINE
She has some already.

Claudette sits there, just

breathing and staring out at
nothing. Reginald enters from the
hallway door.

REGINALD
Her carriage has left.

SABINE
Claudette?

PHILLIPPE
Shh. Give her peace.

SABINE
Don’t tell me what to do.

REGINALD
Both of you hush. Claudette, what did she say?

After a moment Claudette speaks.

CLAUDETTE
This is insanity.
 37.

SABINE
That’s the first sane thing anyone has ever said about your
mother.

REGINALD
What is?

CLAUDETTE
I can’t do this.

SABINE
What, sweetheart?

CLAUDETTE
A challenge.

REGINALD
She challenged you?

PHILLIPPE
To a duel? Ridiculous.

CLAUDETTE
No. I must.

SABINE
Must what? She is not making sense.

CLAUDETTE
Sabine.

SABINE
What, my love?

CLAUDETTE
You.

SABINE
Me, what?

CLAUDETTE
I challenge you to a duel.

SABINE
You told her?

PHILLIPPE
I didn’t. I have been with you the whole time.
 38.

CLAUDETTE
I challenge you to duel. There, I did it.

REGINALD
Isn’t there something about gloves to this?

Claudette takes a handkerchief out.

CLAUDETTE
This will have to do.

REGINALD
Do for what? I am confused.

SABINE
Phillippe, very funny this.

PHILLIPPE
Not my doing.

Claudette slaps Sabine across the

face with the handkerchief.

CLAUDETTE
I challenge you to a duel.

REGINALD
I hope that was clean.

SABINE
What in the hell are you doing?

CLAUDETTE
I did what I was told to do.

PHILLIPPE
To what end? This is no joke.

REGINALD
As if you would even know which end of a sword to hold.

PHILLIPPE
She does.

SABINE
Was this what your aunt wanted?
 39.

CLAUDETTE
She said that you would run away and you haven’t. End of
story.

REGINALD
What in god’s name are you all talking about?

PHILLIPPE
This wouldn’t satisfy her.

CLAUDETTE
Are you sure?

SABINE
Don’t encourage this.

PHILLIPPE
It would need to be public. Very public.

REGINALD
You want to fight her? I thought you loved her? You taught
her 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!

CLAUDETTE
She told me that I needed to scare away Sabine. That if I
challenged her it would be over.

SABINE
That I would run away like a coward? How dare she!

REGINALD
Its a reasonable conclusion.

PHILLIPPE
Only if you don't know Sabine.

SABINE
I’ll kill her!

REGINALD
She is my mother.

SABINE
And my soon to be dead-in-law.

CLAUDETTE
But it didn't work, so we are done.
 40.

SABINE
Don't be so simple. She wont let it go at that.

PHILLIPPE
We need and end game.

REGINALD
Not chess again. It bores me so.

SABINE
My blade, her heart, end of game. Works for me.

REGINALD
She is family!

SABINE
She wants me dead.

CLAUDETTE
No she doesn't.

PHILLIPPE
She wants you gone and the marriage ended.

REGINALD
Then I would have to marry some fertile girl.

SABINE
And start procreating.

REGINALD
Why can she not leave well enough alone?

SABINE
If I cant kill her what will we do?

PHILLIPPE
We have to plan for a challenge and a suitable response. You
might have to duel.

CLAUDETTE
I’ve never picked up a sword in my life.

PHILLIPPE
Liar. Sabine told me everything.

CLAUDETTE
Everything?
 41.

PHILLIPPE
Yes.

CLAUDETTE
Even--?

SABINE
No, of course not that.

PHILLIPPE
Not what?

REGINALD
Wait a minute! You two have been teaching Claudette how to
fence? What is wrong with you?

CLAUDETTE
What’s wrong with that?

REGINALD
I’d sooner give a musket to chimpanzee.

CLAUDETTE
I will show you just how good I am. Grab your rapier and have
at it!

PHILLIPPE
We are losing focus. What if you fail?

CLAUDETTE
I won’t.

PHILLIPPE
What will your aunt do?

CLAUDETTE
Oh. Leave us out of the will.

REGINALD
But I’m her son.

CLAUDETTE
And Sabine is still your wife.

PHILLIPPE
Then we are at an impasse.

SABINE
Please just let me kill her.
 42.

REGINALD
No. There must be a rational solution.

PHILLIPPE
You must challenge her.

CLAUDETTE
I did. You saw me.

PHILLIPPE
Publicly.

REGINALD
But she cant run away.

SABINE
Never.

PHILLIPPE
Then you will have to have a duel.

CLAUDETTE
But how?

PHILLIPPE
We will work that out soon enough. We must start in the
morning.

REGINALD
Start what?

PHILLIPPE
Fencing lessons in earnest. Give me that brandy.

End of scene.