The Duchess Page #5

Problem there.

Well, why doesn't she stay with us?

For a while, at least.

Thank you.

- This is incredible.

- There's the castle in Ireland.

Bolton Abbey, Chiswick, Burlington

and, why, in Chatsworth, of course.

- Of course.

- Which is much bigger.

But this is more like home.

I'm so glad you're here.

I've arranged a wonderful start

to the season.

May all the plagues of marriage

be doubled on me

if ever I try to be friends

with you anymore!

So much the better.

No, no, madam.

'Tis evident you care not a pin for me!

And I, I was a madman to marry you.

And I'm sure I was a fool to marry you,

an old dangling bachelor

who was single at 50

only because he never could meet

with anyone who could have him!

Bess, may I introduce Mr. Fox,

leader of the Opposition?

- Mr. Fox, Lady Elizabeth Foster.

- Mr. Fox.

- My protg, Charles Grey.

- Mr. Grey.

- Mr. Grey.

- Your Grace.

He's our newest bright young man.

Scarcely out of Cambridge

and already a member of Parliament.

- I always felt you'd do well.

- Thank you.

- Mr. Fox.

- Yes, Lady Elizabeth.

- Did you enjoy the play?

- I must confess, I did not entirely.

I hope that you've not lost

your sense of humor

- since entering politics.

- Not that I'm aware.

Then I'm sure you realize

that School for Scandal

- was written as a comedy.

- Yes.

Although, from where I sat,

it read as a tragedy.

Your Grace! How we have missed you.

In your absence,

London has been reduced

to the dreariest province.

And this, of course,

is the playwright Mr. Sheridan.

May I present

the Lady Elizabeth Foster?

I do not mean to be rude,

but I've an entire cast

dying to meet the Duchess.

I shall return you in a moment. Promise.

- Mr. Fox?

- Yes.

A word.

Well, wherever do I glean

such domestic gossip?

- Were we fair on the Duke?

- It could have been worse.

My original title was The Bad Marriage.

Is it always like this?

Well, as they say,

the Duke of Devonshire

must be the only man in England

not in love with his wife.

- Her Grace, the Duchess of Devonshire.

- Very pleased to meet you.

Were you at all able to forget things

and enjoy yourself?

It was a wonderful distraction,

thank you.

Good.

- I talked to Mr. Grey all evening.

- Yes?

He's in love with you.

My dear Bess, no, he is not.

Quite the reverse, I fear.

Well, can't you tell

by the way he looks at you?

- Honestly, can't you tell?

- Stop it.

Georgiana,

intercourse is not just about offspring.

- In fact, it can be rather pleasurable.

- Yes, I know.

Close your eyes

and try to envisage Grey

opening your dress, kissing your back.

- They never do such things.

- Yes, they do.

Close your eyes.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes