31 Plays in 31 Days, #16 - "Something Important to Tell You"

[breakinglight11]

This is a small section, but it pushes Mary's story along a little. The two major concepts in this story are the consequences of history and the lack thereof, and communication versus silence. This is tied into how Mary is struggling against her lack of history and the inclination to silence of the people around her, but is having trouble pushing through. And since she's trying to talk about something difficult that she knows Mrs. H doesn't want to hear, it's hard for her to find the strength to make her voice heard.

Day #16 - "Something Important to Tell You"
From Gilded Cages
By Phoebe Roberts

VICTORIA HAWKING, lady's society avenger
MARY STONE, her protege
~~~

(1884, London. MRS. HAWKING enters to MARY in the parlor.)

MRS. HAWKING:

Are you ready, Mary?

MARY:

Very nearly.

MRS. HAWKING:

We’ll go in tonight, before they have a chance to execute whatever it is they’re planning.

MARY:

I’ll be ready. Madam… I’ve done well in my work for you. Haven’t I?

MRS. HAWKING:

Very well, Mary.

MARY:

I know you were worried when I had to learn things my own way. When I wanted… a different sort of life than yours. But I’ve still done well. I’ve still been what you needed. Isn’t that right?

MRS. HAWKING:

Yes. What brings this on?

MARY:

Madam… it meant a great deal to me, when you gave me your blessing to go my own way. But I never want you to doubt how much I want to do this with you. No matter what I do, or…

MRS. HAWKING:

Mary, what are you talking about?

MARY:

It’s something I have to tell you, madam.

MRS. HAWKING:

Can we discuss this when we’ve completed our mission? Now isn’t the time.

MARY:

Of course, madam. I’ll go finish getting ready.