Testament of Youth Page #4

On VICTOR - a little crestfallen at this.

VERA:

How many times do I have to spell

it out?! I’m sorry you didn’t have

a daughter whose sole purpose in

life is to hitch herself to a man,

but there it is! I’m not getting

married, not now, not ever!

A sound makes them all turn. ROLAND stands there, holding

his luggage; well-built, with an intense gaze and a self-

assurance beyond his 19 years, he’s a physical, sensual

person. We see him from Vera’s perspective.

Everyone is caught by the moment. After a pause -

ROLAND:

(small smile)

Well. That’s clear, then.

Vera glares at him for a moment, then turns and stomps

upstairs. Edward and Victor descend on him, shaking hands.

12 INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING 12

A maid lights an oil lamp as Edward sits at the piano, his

musician’s hands running along the keys, playing a gentle

melody. He hears a sound, looks up, sees Vera watching him,

as the maid slips out.

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EDWARD:

I’ve lost track of how long I’ve

wanted one of these.

Vera comes and sits next to him at the piano.

VERA:

(contrite)

Oh Edward, I was so caught up in

myself - I didn’t think what this

must be like for you.

EDWARD:

(the piano)

She certainly didn’t deserve the

treatment you gave her.

VERA:

Well - I got you your piano, that’s

something to be happy about at

least.

EDWARD:

Oxford really means a lot to you,

doesn’t it?

VERA:

(heart felt)

I can’t breathe here...

Edward smiles in understanding, he plays a few bars.

VERA (CONT’D)

We’ll escape marriage and the paper

factory yet!

He carries on playing - a beautiful melody. Vera is lost in

the music for a moment, gazing at her brother with love and

awe at his talent.

A sound makes them look up. Roland and Victor come in. Edward

keeps playing. They come over and listen to the music, Roland

watching Vera.

Something in his gaze makes her feel self-conscious. She gets

up, walks to the other side of the room.

Victor joins Edward at the piano and they switch into a

jaunty duet. Then Roland joins them - they all play together,

a fun routine that’s obviously familiar.

Vera watches them, chuckling - seeing how united they are.

13 EXT. GARDEN, MELROSE - TWILIGHT 13

Vera is outside in the dark, searching in the shrubbery for

her books and papers.

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From inside, we can hear the piano still being played. A

sound makes her start - she turns to see Roland, smoking a

cigarette, quietly watching her.

VERA:

You frightened me!

ROLAND:

Can I help?

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VERA:

No thanks.

But he stubs his cigarette out, starts searching anyway.

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