31 Plays in 31 Days 2025, #11 - “Too Much”

[breakinglight11]

Haven’t worked on this one in a long while. This is a scene from an idea I had for a ghost story audio drama, tentatively titled Dead Tongues. A family marries into an old noble lineage with a spooky house in the country, and the presence of the spirits are indicated by whispers of ancient Roman history and poetry. A conceit I’m not sure is workable practically, but I like the idea of it, and so I’m playing around with it.

This is another project I don’t really have fully figured out. Just noodling and seeing what comes of it. This scene comes after these previous:

Scene 1 - "Alea Iacta Est"
Scene 2 - "Left Her in Marble"
Scene 3 - “Shears His Flock”

Day #11 - "Too Much"
From Dead Tongues
By Phoebe Roberts
~~~

HELEN DARE, the new Baroness Strathmore, mid twenties
FREDERICK DARE, Helen’s new husband, solicitor and Baron Strathmore, mid twenties
LINETTE ANDERSON, maid at Coldhunt House, mid twenties
VERONICA THORNCROFT, secretary to the Strathmores, early thirties
The WHISPER, just beyond hearing

Coldhunt House, Exmoor, England, 1891
~~~

SOUND: Household bustle
SOUND: Two sets of feet walking

HELEN: But must you go? There’s so much to do with the house yet!

FREDERICK: I’m afraid I must, my dear. I’m determined to keep up my practice, even out here.

HELEN: (Sighing) Of course.

WHISPER: There is no such thing as pure pleasure; some anxiety always goes with it.

FREDERICK: Never fear, I shall be back within a few days. I’m certain you shall be able to manage things until then.

WHISPER: Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all.

HELEN: Are you so sure? I haven’t been feeling well.

FREDERICK: I’m sorry, my love. But I have complete confidence in you.

HELEN: I suppose I’m simply not used to it all just yet.

FREDERICK: That will come with time.

WHISPER: Everything changes, nothing perishes.

FREDERICK: Now, I must be off. I love you, my dear girl. I shall see you soon!

HELEN: Good luck, love.

WHISPER: Love is the force that leaves you colorless.

SOUND: Door opening
SOUND: Door closing
SOUND: Footsteps approaching

LINETTE: Beginning your pardon, lady.

HELEN: Yes, Linette?

LINETTE: Mrs. Corbin wants to know if you’ve approved the menu for this evening.

HELEN: I— I shall look at it forthwith. Now, where did I— Miss Thorncroft?

SOUND: Paper rustling

MISS THORNCROFT: Here, lady. But we’ve had a message from the carpenters; they will want an answer on the wainscoting by tomorrow.

HELEN: Oh, yes— I shall have to consult with Lord Strathmore— we haven’t decided for the parlor yet—

MISS THORNCROFT: Then what shall I tell Miss Claithorne? She’s meant to come by for her appointment.

HELEN: Oh, of course, I’d forgotten. Tell her— tell her I shall need more time before the wallpaper is ordered.

MISS THORNCROFT: Very well, lady. But you’ve put her off once already.

HELEN: Goodness, that’s true. Perhaps if she has a moment to speak tomorrow, or Wednesday?

MISS THORNCROFT: I’ll ask, madam, but she’s a busy woman.

HELEN: Of course, of course. Please do apologize on my account. For now— for now— I’m sure the menu is fine, Linette. Miss Thorncroft, you shall have to excuse me.

MISS THORNCROFT: But we’re not finished yet, madam.

HELEN: Forgive me, but I— I—

WHISPER: Anything cracked will shatter at a touch.

HELEN: I simply must take a moment.

MISS THORNCROFT: Another headache, madam?

HELEN: I’m afraid so, Miss Thorncroft. Please excuse me— I shall be quite well shortly— if only I can take a moment…

SOUND: Footsteps hurrying out

WHISPER: Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.