Wives of War

Scene 5

Maggie looks up to see Stephanie and immediately jumps up from her seat.

Maggie
Steph?

Steph
Maggie!

Maggie drops her book and runs over to Stephanie, grabbing her hand.

Maggie
What on Earth are you doing here!? I thought I wasn't going to be seeing you for much longer period of time!

Steph
I was invited with my sister! Oh Maggie how I've missed you. Are you coping better now James isn't here? Have the bruises faded?
(Lovingly places her hand on Maggie's cheek)

Maggie
Yes yes they have. What did I do to deserve someone like you Stephanie.

The two share a moment
They stare lovingly into each other's eyes,
Maggie cups Stephanie's face between her hands and they share a romantic kiss
They hold for a moment

Stephanie suddenly pulls away and takes a few steps backwards.

Steph
You mustn't. We cannot do that when we are out in public!

Maggie
Oh Stephanie you know how I respect your wishes to stay a secret but I've missed you and you know how much I hate all of this sneaking around.

Maggie holds out her hand which Stephanie reluctantly takes. Maggie pulls Stephanie into a close embrace.

(Split scene starts)

William
And that's why we are going to win the war!

Eloise
Of course my dear, you learn so much from those newspapers of yours.

Eloise walks out to find Maggie and Steph in an embrace

Eloise
Sorry have I interrupted something

Maggie Pushes Steph away

Maggie
No no not at all I was simply admiring Steph's dress

Eloise
Steph? I'm sorry, do you know each other?

Stephanie and Maggie share a glance

Steph
Oh yes! I go round to Mrs Harris's to help look after her children, sort of like a nanny

Eloise
Oh so that's where you have been disappearing off to lately

Steph
Yes! I did not mean to keep this from you but you know what William is like, the questions he will ask...

Eloise
I suppose you are right

Steph
Oh it's brilliant Eloise, I have gained experience, house-wife experience, you know, looking after children, cooking, cleaning-

Eloise
(Interrupts list)
Well in future Stephanie, do not keep secrets like this from me? But I must say, I am glad to know that you're not up to anything mischievous

All three walk to the three chairs, they sit and have a silent conversation. 

(Split scene)

Marie walks out to see William in the study

Marie
William!

William
Good god what the hell are you doing here!?

Marie
Eve invited me! Is your wife here!?

William
Yes and she cannot know what happened between us or I will be ruined!

Marie
She cannot know that you cheated and left me...

Williams grabs her wrist

William
You will stay silent, I won't have any of this

Marie
You've left me on my own with this..
Marie clutches her stomach indicating towards the pregnancy.

Marie breaks free from Williams grasp and hastily walks to join Maggie, Stephanie and Eloise.
William and Evelyn grab two chairs from the study and move them over to the table to join the others.

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