Belle Page #6

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Dido, you know the rules of

propriety. Far better than

Elizabeth, if I am frank.

His loving gaze elicits a smile from her, weary. Propriety

is everything, after all.

DIDOAs you wish, sir.

EXT. KENWOOD HOUSE. LAWNS. CONTINUOUS. DAY 42121*

LADY MANSFIELD sits in the shade - a maid prepares a seat

for LADY MARY, as DIDO heads for the house, pensive.

LADY MANSFIELDDido!...

ELIZABETH emerges from the house, breathless.

ELIZABETHThere you are. I have been

searching for you!

LADY MANSFIELD(to Dido)

What a wretched countenance!

LADY MARYShe deplores my authority. What

am I in this household, if not

the ‘observer of rules’?!

ELIZABETHI would rather dine with Dido!

She links arms with DIDO in solidarity.

LADY MANSFIELDWhat a great pity

LADY MANSFIELD and LADY MARY feign nonchalance.

LADY MARYIndeed.

LADY MANSFIELDOur young gentlemen guests shall

miss you, Elizabeth.

Both girls’ eyes widen - DIDO’s with disappointment.

ELIZABETH/DIDOYoung gentlemen?

LADY MARYVery good connections.

14.

LORD MANSFIELD (CONT'D)

LADY MANSFIELDAnd most agreeable by all accounts!

ELIZABETH’S mouth falls open. LADY MARY leans toward her.

LADY MARYClose your mouth and understand:

There shall be no discussions

tonight in any languages otherthan English! No whisperings in

gentlemen’s ears - not in Latin,

Italian...and certainly not French!

OFF ELIZABETH’S mischief and Dido sunk.

INT. KENWOOD HOUSE. DINING ROOM - NIGHT. 42222*

Candles sprinkle a delicate light. An imposing dining table

stretches before us, laden with exquisite foods. LADY

ASHFORD 40’s - a pale porcelain skinned woman, sits with

her sons - JAMES (25) and OLIVER (22). She is beautiful and

both have inherited her striking looks.

ELIZABETH whispers in JAMES’ ear. LADY MARY glares!

JAMES ASHFORDWhat excellent French! Though I

have not an idea of what you said.

ELIZABETHI said...‘Your hands have the

suggestion of a sensitive man’.

She wrinkles her nose, minxish. Across the table...

LADY ASHFORDI must say, the entire country

barely breathes awaiting your

judgement on this appeal.

Terrified you shall destroy

England, no doubt. I know Lord A

is. He does wonder though, what

can be taking you...so long?

LORD MANSFIELD(mild condescension)

The law, Lady Ashford. It is to be

interpreted - not merely administered.

LORD MANSFIELD (CONT’D)

Your husband of all people knows this.

LADY MARYMy brother is not a man of rash instinct.

LADY MANSFIELDFor that we are all grateful.

15.

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