The Drunken Feathers

Scene i

The words 'BRIGHTON: MARCH, 1787' appear on a black screen. The words disappear, and the first movement of Mozart's 'Symphony No. 40 in G Minor' begins to play. The PRINCE OF WALES' home in Brighton is shown. The servants are packing his belongings into carriages in preparation for his return to London. Inside the mansion, the PRINCE OF WALES, visibly plumper, adjusts his hair and clothing in a mirror as MRS. FITZHERBERT looks on.

PRINCE OF WALES: I have truly enjoyed our stay in Brighton, Maria, but my circumstances give me no choice but to return to London. You understand me, do you not?

MRS. FITZHERBERT: I do, but perchance His Majesty the King shall provide you with the necessary funds to resolve your debt.

PRINCE OF WALES: I can no longer entertain such an illusion. His Majesty's refusal to assist me is so uncompromising that I have been compelled to accept the truth: he will not now, nor ever, liquidate my deficit.

The PRINCE OF WALES turns around to see MRS. FITZHERBERT looking glumly at the floor. He approaches her and gently places his hands on her shoulders.

PRINCE OF WALES: Maria...

MRS. FITZHERBERT: [Looking up at him] It breaks my heart to see you leave Brighton... We have obtained much wealth here, not by means of money, but by means of health and happiness... You drink much less, you hardly gamble, and you see but a few of your London friends...

PRINCE OF WALES: Upon my honor, I shall continue to practice this lifestyle long after I have returned to Carlton House... And we shall take another holiday in Brighton before long. You have my word. [He kisses her cheek and hugs her] Goodbye, my angel. You shall join me in a fortnight, yes?

MRS. FITZHERBERT: [Quietly] Indeed, I will... Goodbye, George.

The PRINCE OF WALES looks at her pensively and holds her hands before leaving the room. He goes outside and is helped into his carriage. MRS. FITZHERBERT watches the carriages drive down the road. The carriages are seen driving through different parts of the country until they finally arrive in London. The PRINCE OF WALES is helped out of his carriage and admires how all of the servants are reopening Carlton House. He enters the house, looking relieved and satisfied, and is approached by SERVANT #1, who bows.

SERVANT #1: On behalf of Your Royal Highness' staff, we are overjoyed to see you have safely returned.

PRINCE OF WALES: [Observing the interior of Carlton House] And I am delighted to be at Carlton once again.

SERVANT #1: Your Royal Highness' guests whom you requested should call today- Mr. Fox, Mr. Sheridan, His Grace the Duke of Portland, Lord Loughborough, and Lord Stormont- are awaiting your presence in the Crimson Drawing Room.

PRINCE OF WALES: Grand! I shall see them immediately.

SERVANT #1: [Nods] Yes, Your Royal Highness.

SERVANT #1 leads the PRINCE OF WALES to the Crimson Drawing Room. The door is opened for them, and SERVANT #1 enters.

SERVANT #1: [Bowing] His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.