Wives of War

Scene 6

Scene 6

Focus is brought back over to Maggie as she speaks as though mid-conversation.

Maggie
... my husband, um James he doesn't really understand the suffergette movement, he's a... traditional man. I mean a woman in trousers!? He would hate it..
(She notices Marie nervously stood behind her)
Oh Marie! Would you like a seat?

Eve enters and cuts her off before Marie can answer

Eve
Welcome everyone, I am so glad you could all attend! I created this little 'grief gathering' for us all to find comfort in one other in these tiring times of war. Sometimes we just need someone to listen to our, dare I say secrets?
(She Laughs, but everyone gives each other wary looks)
Do relax my guests,
Eloise will you help me with the tea please?

Eloise
Yes of course,

Eloise and Eve leave Stage right to the study
Stephanie looks worried and turns to Maggie.

Steph
That was odd, what on Earth do you think she means?

Maggie
Do not over think it Steph.

Maggie places a soft but small hand on her knee

Steph
Fine, care to browse the bookshelf with me?

Steph and Maggie go upstage right to the bookshelf

Attention is brought over to William and Marie who are now sat next to each other.

Marie
We need to talk about this at some point

William
We are not discussing it any further

Marie
I need your help I'm all on my own

William
You will stay silent!

(These lines over lap each other and are quick paced. The audiences eyes should dart between each character across the stage. Each characters position on stage is very important. Evelyn takes this opportunity to specificlu place each character in a certain place. By sitting down and taking someone's seat, it forces them to move.)

Eloise (to William)
Here's your tea darling

Marie moves so Eloise is now sat next to William

Eloise
What was that about-

William
Nothing-

Steph
He is a nightmare to live with-

Maggie
I know..

Eve
The father?

Marie
I-I

Maggie gently tucks a strand of hair behind Stephanie's ear

Steph
We can't be caught

Maggie moves downstage

Eve
Take your tea, oh Maggie take a seat

Eve stands up so Maggie can be sat on the end.

Marie
(Stands) Do you have sugar?

Eve
Yes I do, Eloise will you?..

William
Fine I will get it!

Eve
Thank you William,

Steph takes Marie's seat, next to Maggie

Maggie whispers to Steph
I don't want James to come home

(By this point in the play Maggie is seated next to Stephanie, and there is a space left open for William to be seated between Marie and Eloise.)

Eloise to Eve
it's okay I don't mind caring for him he is my husband after all, but honestly it's quite exhausting and I would just like a thank you once in a while,

All heads (bar Williams) turn towards Eloise as they have heard what she said. Eve sits down in the seat between Eloise and Marie. Forcing William to remain standing.

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