Hobson's Choice Page #4

I'm not a fool.

Then it's all off?

From the moment you breathed

the word "settlements", Jim,

it were dead off.

There'll be no marriages

in my house.

- Father!

- Aye?

No self-respecting decent man'll

marry us without settlements.

- It's expected from a man like you.

- Is it? Then I'll thwart their expectations.

- Father.

- Get back into t'shop, the lot of you!

Oh, they'll soon get over it, Maggie.

Aye.

I'm making plans,

and a husband's included in them.

What?

One, two, three Sundays

for calling the banns.

Any time after that,

when we get a fine day, I shall be wed.

- You?

- Me, Father.

I'll tell you something, Maggie,

that's maybe news to you.

If you're counting on a settlement from me,

you're on t'wrong horse.

Nay, I'm not.

I want no settlement.

I should think not neither.

- What's his name?

- His name?

I'll tell you when I've got him.

Out counting chickens

before they're hatched?

Maggie!

You nearly frightened me.

I never knew an old maid yet that hadn't

a husband coming along in a month.

I'll admit you gave me a shock

when you broke t'news

but I've no cause to fret meself.

Can't imagine you having

these fancies, Maggie.

Fancies are of value

for keeping females quiet and content.

Go and get back in t'shop.

It's a great relief to know

that your mind's taken up with ideas.

I thought at first it was taken up

with a real man.

- Good night, Maggie.

- Good night, Father.

- There's a good lass.

Good night.

- Willie?

- Yes, Miss Maggie?

- Come up.

- I... I haven't finished yet, Miss Maggie.

Come up.

Come with me.

Shut the door.

Come here.

Show me your hands, Willie.

They're dirty.

Aye, they're dirty,

but they're clever.

They can shape the leather

like no other man's

that's come into the shop.

Who taught you, Willie?

Why, Miss Maggie,

I learnt me trade here.

Hobson's never taught you

to make boots the way you do.

- I've had no other teacher.

- And needed none.

- When are you going to leave Hobson's?

- Leave Hobson's?

I... I thought I gave satisfaction.

- Don't you want to leave?

- Not me.

I've been at Hobson's all me life.

I'm not leaving till I'm made to.

Don't you want to get on,

Will Mossop?

You know the wages you could get

in one of the big shops in Manchester.

I'd be feared to go

in one of them fine places.

What keeps you here?

I don't know.

I... I'm used to being here.

Do you know what keeps

this business on its legs?

Two things.

One's the good boots you make

that sell themselves.

The other's the bad boots

other people make and I sell.

We're a pair, Will Mossop.

You're a wonder in t'shop,

Miss Maggie.

You're a marvel in the workshop.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes