The Drunken Feathers

Scene I

(Summer of 1784. The DUKE OF CUMBERLAND's house in Brighton is shown at dusk. In the dining room, a glum PRINCE OF WALES is shown dining with his uncle, the DUKE OF CUMBERLAND, and his aunt, the DUCHESS OF CUMBERLAND.)

DUCHESS OF CUMBERLAND

Did Your Royal Highness come across any pretty girls at the ball last night?

PRINCE OF WALES

(Quietly, looking down)

None that made a lasting impression.

DUKE OF CUMBERLAND

(To the DUCHESS OF CUMBERLAND)

Our nephew still longs for a certain lady in London.

(To the PRINCE OF WALES)

Do not despair, my boy. You shall have Mrs. Fitzherbert soon enough.

PRINCE OF WALES

No, Uncle Henry, she is too pious to compromise her chastity for me. She has made that abundantly clear.

DUKE OF CUMBERLAND

Then marry her, for God's sake! A love such as this only comes once in a man's life. I should know; the Duchess and I have been happily married these 13 years.

PRINCE OF WALES

Mrs. Fitzherbert fears an illegal marriage would not be recognized by her Church. And the King...

DUKE OF CUMBERLAND

I know the King's mind better than you, George; he is my elder brother. You know him only as a father, but I know him as a man. His stubbornness regarding marriage can be attributed only to fear: a fear of change. The idea of royals marrying for love terrifies him, because they could end up with Catholics, widows, and commoners who could 'ruin' the monarchy. Our mother, God rest her soul, selected the King's bride, and so he thinks it necessary to choose the spouses of all his relations to maintain the Royal Family's honor... I must apologize, sir, for it is my fault you cannot marry your lady without difficulty.

PRINCE OF WALES

How so?

DUKE OF CUMBERLAND

Well, it was my elopement that prompted His Majesty to establish the Royal Marriages Act. When he discovered what we had done, he was furious as I'd ever seen him, accusing me of setting a poor example for you boys by marrying a 'commoner.' He then banished me and the Duchess from Court, which is why tonight we dine in Brighthelmstone and not in Buckingham House!

(Beat)

But do not pity me, sir; upon my life, I would not have it any other way. Life is far too short to shy away from true love on account of royal duty. Remember, George, the King set this law, not God. If you and your lady love each other and wish to wed, then let no man, I say, no man, put you asunder!

(The PRINCE OF WALES thinks about this. Cut to SCENE II.)