The Paradise Page #5

Season #2 Episode #16

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BALLENTINE regards the sweep of the store.

BALLENTINE:

What a splendid enterprise ...

DENISE:

We recently opened a Food Hall. We

have an Oriental Room which has

proven very popular. We try to

stock items at all kinds of prices

to attract all manner of customers.

They are on the move and reach the Cashier’s Desk during the

scene.

DENISE (CONT’D)

Those who can’t afford the finer

goods still like to come in to gaze

at them. We have a Children’s

Department, Bedding, Menswear,

Furniture:
we are always looking to

expand.

During this BALLENTINE has been taking stock of DENISE,

noting that there is an air about her.

BALLENTINE:

I have a brewery. I started with

one ale, and now I supply more than

half the inns and hostelries in the

city. And beyond. I might be short

of breath, but I still go into work

every day and I still know every

employee by their first name.

DURING this, an idea has been forming in DENISE’s mind: she

can see now that there is real flint about BALLENTINE.

DENISE:

I know what you are thinking.

It is BALLENTINE’s turn to be curious.

DENISE (CONT’D)

We ought to have some of those ales

of yours in our Food Hall!

He laughs. Her confidence impresses him.

13.

12 INT. LADIESWEAR. THE PARADISE - DAY 12

CLARA and SUSY are teaching LUCILLE to walk in her dress.

CLARA:

The idea is to walk as though your

feet were on wheels.

LUCILLE:

Oh. Like this?

CLARA:

Not up and down -- no hip motion.

Skipping. Tripping, we call it.

Keep your hands in front -- like

this. Long strides are not

feminine. Small strides. Every step

is meant to draw attention for its

grace and poise.

LUCILLE:

I’m not sure I can do grace and

poise.

SUSY:

Perhaps try poise and worry about

grace later.

They are laughing, having fun.

LUCILLE:

We must all go out together. It

will be my treat. Where shall we

go? What is the most lavish night

out we could possibly have?

CLARA:

Mrs Ballentine -

LUCILLE:

Please call me Lucille -

CLARA:

Lucille, there’s no need for

extravagance.

LUCILLE:

Ballentine is so handsome, isn’t

he.

It’s a provocation. She can’t help herself.

CLARA and SUSY flash a look at one another and LUCILLE can

sense their awkwardness.

CLARA:

Your husband clearly adores you,

Madam.

14.

LUCILLE:

He is so funny sometimes. I have

never known a kinder man.

There it is, the crack in LUCILLE’s insistent happiness. She

might cry, she might confess ... but she pushes it away.

LUCILLE (CONT’D)

I am going to invite you all out to

the house, and it will be the

jolliest party of the year. Say

that you will come.

SUSY:

Of course we’ll come. We want to

see your chandeliers. Don’t we,

Clara?

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