31 Plays in 31 Days, #7 - "Spot Test"

[breakinglight11]

A scene from the flashbacks of Gilded Cages. This moment was designed both to deliver some expository information about the state of affairs at the time, and to demonstrate where Mrs. Hawking's deductive skills originated. I like it because it establishes certain relationships as well as the provides that information. Priyanka's role in the scene needs some tweaking, as I've been advised to make everyone except Victoria treat her more like she's not a person to establish the difficulty of her position more. But the basic idea is there.

Day #7 - "Spot Test"
From Gilded Cages
By Phoebe Roberts

1859, Bengal, India

VICTORIA STANTON, daughter to the lieutenant territorial governor
PRIYANKA MALIK, a girl who works in the governor's house
ELIZABETH DANVERS, companion and governess to Victoria
~~~

ELIZABETH:

Speaking of practice… Victoria, darling? Spot test.

VICTORIA:

Ugh. Must I?

ELIZABETH:

It will serve you a great sight better than dancing.

VICTORIA:

Not now, I haven’t been paying attention.

ELIZABETH:

Well, there’s your first mistake. What’s new around the estate?

VICTORIA:

I don’t know.

ELIZABETH:

I’d wager Priyanka noticed.

PRIYANKA:

The bunting, miss. And the soldiers are on parade.

ELIZABETH:

Very good. They’ve spruced the place up. And why might the boys be marching?

VICTORIA:

Oh, they’re always parading for some reason or another.

ELIZABETH:

No, they’re not. Only on special occasions. And what is that?

VICTORIA:

Oh, who knows?

ELIZABETH:

Think, Victoria! Put it to better use than nicking things you don’t need!

VICTORIA:

(Sighing) They parade for… holidays. But today’s not a holiday. They also receive visitors that way… important ones.

ELIZABETH:

Ah. And by chance have you seen the governor today?

VICTORIA:

Not if I can help it.

PRIYANKA:

He’s got on a splendid uniform. Medals and everything.

VICTORIA:

He’s got somebody to impress for once. A prince. Or some important officer.

ELIZABETH:

And since there are no princes on tour at the moment, an officer it must be.

VICTORIA:

What soldier would warrant all that?

ELIZABETH:

Oh, I don’t know. What major battles have been fought in the region in the last year?

PRIYANKA:

The battle at Gwalior. Last year, where they put down the rebellion.

VICTORIA:

How do you know that?

PRIYANKA:

I heard.

ELIZABETH:

Because she can’t afford not to pay attention to the world. And she’s exactly right. That was a major victory, and certain men distinguished themselves.

VICTORIA:

Why would anyone be coming here? Nothing interesting happens here.

PRIYANKA:

Do you know, Miss Danvers? Why someone would come?

ELIZABETH:

Now that’s exactly the question. Could be any number of things. I imagine a fellow of his stature is rather making the rounds. But we shall all have to be on our best behavior.