The Strange Night at the Capulet Ball

The "Guy Talk" in the Study

We have been striding down the hall for a long time; this is an uncomfortable position to be in. What should I say to Capulet? I can't let the silence go on. As I was thinking, we pass a bunch of old armor just standing there. This doesn't look like something that he seems to be proud of; otherwise, it wouldn't be in the almost never used corridor.

"I see that you have an armor collection. It looks quite magnificent, why do you keep it down here?" I asked Capulet trying to sound interested. I hope that he thinks that I am interested.

"Oh that. I have been meaning to give it to a pawn shop for a while. The armor is just too heavy for an aging man like me to move," Capulet sighed. Pawn shop? What is going on at Capulet's house!?!?

"Pardon my intrusion, but why a pawn shop? I thought you were swimming in money. What has gone on?" I sort of yelled and sort of whispered, it came across as a raspy croak like a frog. Capulet pulled me aside and held my shoulder.

"I was wondering if you would marry Juliet in a month." Capulet's words came out, "I lost a bet with Montague and now I am in debt. A week ago, during the jousting tournament, Montague told me that if his kinsmen won then he would get Juliet's hand in marriage if she doesn't have a suiter by the end of the month. If I won, I could have Montague's chef, Paulo, the best chef in Italy. Since I didn't win, by the end of the month, they will come and marry Juliet to Romeo if I don't marry Juliet sooner. I do not want that terrible thing to happen to Juliet, so we should not waste any time getting prepared. I am so sorry that this is such short notice." WOW! How unlike Capulet to gamble. Especially with Montague, he is the man of good luck.

"I agree completely that Juliet should marry someone other that Romeo. You know how fondly I have always thought of your daughter. She will make a perfect wife. We danced earlier, it was a great pleasure to be in her presence. Are you going to tell anyone else about the bet?" I am so excited for this I can barely hold it in, I don't know why. Capulet should know how I feel about Juliet, but I must act like a gentleman. Although I have clearly stated that Juliet would not have been my first pick, Capulet would have realized that I was actually did not love Juliet if I left the Capulet in that situation now.

"We should start planning the wedding tomorrow night, of course we will have a tight budget. I am the only person that knows about the bet, don't tell a soul." Capulet whispered to me, the faint smell of turkey is still lingering in his breath. Eww! He is supposed be perfect. I guess that's what you get for having lots of rumors about you... and losing a bet. At least I am not marrying Capulet's breath, does Juliet have his breath?

"You've got it!" I announced to Capulet trying to keep my voice steady everything was happening so quickly, "Good night, see you tomorrow, don't forget."

"Good evening to you." Capulet yelled in his booming voice as I edged out of my chair. I am getting out of here in a very calm fashion. Ooooh, I smell dessert. Got to go Capulet, addio.