Biweekly Theater Writing Challenge #11.1 - The Tailor of Riddling Way, scene 1

[breakinglight11]

SCENE 1

(A door opens and closes. A bell tinkles. Click of boots on wood flooring.) 

EMMA: Excuse me? Is the tailor in?

TOM: Indeed he is, ma’am.

EMMA: Are you Mr. Tom Barrows?

TOM: Yes, madam. Welcome to my shop. Who might you be? 

EMMA: I am Miss Emma Loring, of Loring’s End. 

TOM: Ah, everyone knows that name. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, madam. What can I do for you?

EMMA: I hadn't been aware you were in business.

TOM: I’ve only just opened my own establishment. I suppose it’s not well known that I’m here on Riddling Way just yet. 

EMMA: Perhaps. I am not much about town these days. 

TOM: How can I be of service?

EMMA: I am looking for someone who is able to make a very particular sort of gown. 

TOM: I’d be happy to lend my skills. You know, in my time here I’ve yet to have a commission for a gown. I see mostly orders for gentlemen’s suits these days.

EMMA: (Sharply) Are you not equal to the task?

TOM: Quite the contrary, madam. Most of my experience is in dressmaking. 

EMMA: So you are knowledgeable in the work. 

TOM: Learned at my mother’s knee. You couldn’t find a finer seamstress in a queen’s court. 

EMMA: Your mother, you say. 

TOM: Indeed. I’m afraid I have no samples of my work on the premises, but I can give the names of a number of satisfied customers if madam requires more than my word—

EMMA: Not at all, Mr. Barrows. I am convinced you are just the man for the job. I have a rather precise and delicate thing to ask of you. I require a dress to be made to very exact specifications.

TOM: Naturally. What sort of thing did you have in mind? 

EMMA: I may better show than tell you. You must forgive the quality of the picture. It is quite old.

(Crinkling of newsprint)

TOM: It’s a lovely piece. Silk satin, bias cut?

EMMA: Imported from China. You cannot see in the newsprint, but it was the most vibrant cornflower blue. 

TOM: And the beading… all those perfect lily shapes… it was an artist made this.

EMMA: An artist indeed. I would like this dress to be remade.

TOM: Copied, you mean?

EMMA: And here we come to my particular need. The copy must be precise. Identical, in fact.

TOM: Identical? With all respect, madam, with just a clipping from a newspaper… the cut and style I can manage, and I have a rare education in beadwork… but madam, I can find you fine satin, but I don’t know how I’ll match the color.

EMMA: That is no matter. I shall have a bolt of the proper material sent over.

TOM: And what size shall I make it? Is this gown for you, or someone else?

EMMA: You’ll find the measurements written on the reverse.

TOM: But the fitting--

EMMA: There will be no need for that. 

TOM: All right, then. 

EMMA: I know this is no simple task, Mr. Barrows, but I am certain you will manage despite it all.

TOM: I must tell you now this will come to quite an expense. 

EMMA: Cost is no object. Whatever is required, spare no effort. 

TOM: Very well, then, madam. I'll do what I can.

EMMA: I am glad to hear it. I am counting on you, young man. This is work of the very highest quality. 

TOM: I can see that.

EMMA: I expect no less.

TOM: I’ll do my very best.  

EMMA: I am confident that you will. Good day, Mr. Barrows.

TOM: Thank you, ma’am.

  (A door opens and closes. A bell tinkles. Click of boots on wood flooring.)

Comments

[katiescarlett29.livejournal.com]

I LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I LIKE IT SO MUCH! I think it's super effective.