(The interior of a London cathedral is shown. MRS. FITZHERBERT enters for mass with ERRINGTON. MRS. FITZHERBERT kneels and crosses herself before entering the pew and sitting next to another Catholic family. After recognizing her, the family members whisper among themselves before moving to another pew. MRS. FITZHERBERT is clearly distraught and discouraged by this, which ERRINGTON, who sits next to her, notices.)
ERRINGTON
(Quietly)
Pay them no mind, Maria.
MRS. FITZHERBERT
How can I not, Uncle? I strive to live like our Blessed Mary, but I fear I am more like Mary Magdalene.
ERRINGTON
Both found favor in the eyes of our Lord. Besides, you are a woman of virtue. I know it, you know it, and most important, God knows it.
MRS. FITZHERBERT
(Beat)
Perhaps I admonished His Royal Highness too harshly. I ought to return to him. A good Catholic wife would never abandon her husband.
ERRINGTON
Is that what you truly wish to do?
MRS. FITZHERBERT
It is what I must do.
ERRINGTON
If you wish to remain separated from His Royal Highness, you shall not be forsaken. You will always be welcome in my house.
MRS. FITZHERBERT
I thank you for your kindness, Uncle... But he is my husband, and I love him. I think I shall reconcile with him.
ERRINGTON
Then let no one convince you to do the contrary.
MRS. FITZHERBERT
(Sighs)
How did I convince myself I could be happily married to a gentleman whose family has oppressed our people for centuries?
(Beat)
I only pray the Prince is not as tormented as I am.
(Cut to ACT II, SCENE X.)
YOU ARE READING
The Drunken Feathers
Historical FictionIn this biographical series that begins in 1784, twenty-one-year-old George, Prince of Wales-- the eldest son of King George III and heir to the British throne-- spends his youth idly by keeping countless mistresses, drinking profusely, and making f...
