The Drunken Feathers

Scene vi

(A room in Carlton House. The PRINCE OF WALES attempts to console an anxious MRS. FITZHERBERT by caressing her hand.)

PRINCE OF WALES

Only conceive, Maria, what Fox did yesterday. He went down to the House and denied that you and I were man and wife! Did you ever hear of such a thing?

MRS. FITZHERBERT

(Beginning to cry)

Then all of London must think me your whore.

(MRS. FITZHERBERT bursts into tears. The PRINCE OF WALES embraces her.)

PRINCE OF WALES

Oh, my love, it is not so!

MRS. FITZHERBERT

How could this have happened? Sheridan swore to prevent this...to protect me...

PRINCE OF WALES

Sheridan is an honest and sincere gentleman; this is entirely Fox's doing; he is a wicked man who has never cared for you... Here, let me fetch you some wine to ease your nerves.

(The PRINCE OF WALES walks to a table to pour them two glasses of wine. MRS. FITZHERBERT notices a newspaper on the table next to her She begins to read.)

PRINCE OF WALES (cont.)

What are you reading?

MRS. FITZHERBERT

A portion of Fox's speech was published in the newspaper. 'Tis the most dreadful thing I ever read in my life. He might as well have called me a prostitute!

PRINCE OF WALES

Dwell on it not, my dear. 'Tis merely a fabrication that will soon be disproven.

(MRS. FITZHERBERT stops crying and her face becomes first puzzled, then very pale. The PRINCE OF WALES notices this and puts down the wine, turning toward her.)

PRINCE OF WALES

Maria?

MRS. FITZHERBERT

(Quietly, gravely)

"I have His Royal Highness' direct authority for this declaration."

(The PRINCE OF WALES turns pale, realizing he has been caught in a lie. MRS. FITZHERBERT looks up at him with angry, tear-filled eyes.)

MRS. FITZHERBERT

Is this true? Did you persuade Fox to deny our marriage in the House?

PRINCE OF WALES

(Hesitant)

I confess I did, but you must understand the severity of the consequences I will endure if...

(MRS. FITZHERBERT throws the newspaper on the floor and storms out of the room. The PRINCE OF WALES, perplexed at her reaction, follows her down the hallway. She quickly walks ahead, refusing to look back at him.)

PRINCE OF WALES

Maria, wait a moment!

MRS. FITZHERBERT

I have been shamefully used, and you have been like a mad thing at the liberty Fox has taken in exceeding his commission! I consented to keep our union hidden, not to have it publicly denied, nor my good character discredited! And to think you would have had me believe you had no part in Fox's speech, when you were the very one who instigated it!