The Drunken Feathers

Scene II

(Later that evening. The first movement of Haydn's 'String Quartet No. 54 Op. 1' begins to play as the exterior of Devonshire House, home of the DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE, is displayed. The words "DEVONSHIRE HOUSE" appear. Inside, a servant approaches the front door and opens it, revealing CHARLES JAMES FOX and RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN. They briefly nod and bustle in, handing the servant their cloaks, hats, and gloves. They enter the ballroom, which is filled with a hundred or so party guests, and meander around while nodding at people.)

FOX

Nothing like a ball to ease the spirit and calm the nerves, aye, Mr. Sheridan?

SHERIDAN

Personally, Mr. Fox, I can never find myself truly at ease until I have a glass of Sherry in my hand.

(SHERIDAN takes two glasses of wine from a servant's platter and begins to drink one. When FOX reaches for the other, SHERIDAN pulls it back before handing it to him.)

SHERIDAN

(Joking)

Get your own!

FOX

(Laughing)

Old bastard.

(As SHERIDAN drinks, someone catches his eye.)

SHERIDAN

(Pointing across the room)

Look there, Charles.

FOX

(Still drinking his wine)

Hmm?

SHERIDAN

'Tis the duke.

FOX

Of Devonshire?

SHERIDAN

No, Portland.

FOX

I'm surprised to see him up past eight o'clock.

SHERIDAN

Mind what you say to His Grace; you know well how sensitive he is, and it is crucial that you ascertain his support for the election this year. If you wish to return to the House of Commons...

(Beat)

Oh, Christ.

FOX

What now?

SHERIDAN

The duke's just looked me in the eye.

FOX

So?

SHERIDAN

So now we are obliged to greet him!

FOX

Are we?

SHERIDAN

Proper etiquette demands it, lest we should be accused of cutting him.

FOX

But why must I speak to him? He hasn't looked me in the eye. Besides, you know how I feel about moderates.

SHERIDAN

Oh, come on, Charles. And do not mention the bill.

(SHERIDAN walks off. FOX finishes his wine and reluctantly follows him. The DUKE OF PORTLAND frowns when he sees SHERIDAN and FOX approaching him. He excuses himself from his group and meets FOX and SHERIDAN.)