31 Plays in 31 Days, #6 - "The Very Best News"

[breakinglight11]

I love writing scenes about Mary and Nathaniel's friendship. While romance can be fun, these days I'm more interested in exploring strong platonic bonds, and so those are the main ones focused on in the Hawking series. I like using the two of them to establish the status quo, as they're comfortable enough to speak freely with each other, and their devotion to one another makes for some nice character stuff. When Mary has news of the kind in this scene, Nathaniel is the first person she's going to tell.

I also love having Nathaniel be a sweet and silly romantic. Lets a little much-needed humor and levity into the story, which might overall be the darkest Hawking installment yet.



Day #6 - "The Very Best News"
From Mrs. Hawking VI
By Phoebe Roberts

MARY STONE, Mrs. Hawking's housemaid and protege, late twenties
NATHANIEL HAWKING, Mrs. Hawking's nephew and assistant, mid thirties
~~~

NATHANIEL:

I am sorry.

MARY:

It’s my own fault. Should have known better than to lie to her for so long.

NATHANIEL:

I did right with you. Only I suppose she decided, after my drubbing, I’d already paid enough.

MARY:

Perhaps I ought to try it. Maybe then we’ll move past this.

NATHANIEL:

Well, I don’t recommend it. Unfortunately it comes with a few disadvantages as well.

MARY:

Still? How are you bearing up?

NATHANIEL:

Ah. It isn’t so bad. Sometimes my jaw still aches, when I talk too much. Which is all the time. Certainly do wish I could put it out of my mind, though. I find myself remembering it still, at all the worst times.

MARY:

Oh, Nathaniel. I’m so sorry.

NATHANIEL:

Don’t fret over me; time will carry it away, I’m sure. Just as it will for you and Madam.

MARY:

I’m afraid I’m not so certain. You see… there’s something else. I saw Arthur today.

NATHANIEL:

Yes?

MARY:

We exchanged some information, for his case and for mine. And he asked after my work, and if I intended to do it always. And when I said yes, he said that’s what he thought.

NATHANIEL:

Yes?

MARY:

And, well… he said he didn’t know how we’d manage it… but he… well, he…

NATHANIEL:

He asked you to marry him!

MARY:

How did you know?

NATHANIEL:

Because I’ve been after him for weeks! Let me tell you, if left to his own devices, he would have sprung it upon you in the middle of a street brawl or over a dead body! Tell me, where did he do it? Kensington Garden? The Abbey? And the ring— did he end up writing to ask for his mother’s after all?

MARY:

Nathaniel! None of that. There wasn’t any ring.

NATHANIEL:

Tell me you’re joking. Has the lad lost his mind? When I proposed to Clara, I’d crossed the length of the country, had a new jacket made, and brought her in a carriage to a seaside picnic, and if I’d dared try without a ring, the only hand I’d have had of her was the back of it!

MARY:

Nathaniel! I haven’t even answered him.

NATHANIEL:

Why ever not? Is it— is it because of the ring—?

MARY:

Of course not! It’s only… I don’t know how do it. Be married, with the life that I lead.

NATHANIEL:

Oh, I see. But surely— surely you could, somehow. It’s hardly the done thing, but… none of what we do is. I’m sure it could managed, if that’s what you want.

MARY:

I think it is.

NATHANIEL:

Oh, Mary. Then this is the very best news.

MARY:

I’ll have to tell Mrs. Hawking. I don’t think she’ll agree.

NATHANIEL:

Oh, heavens. So much for the engagement party.

MARY:

I’ve got to tell her. I can’t keep any more secrets from her. Not when that was what started all this strife.

NATHANIEL:

Of course.

MARY:

I’m afraid it won’t make things any easier between us.

NATHANIEL:

Not at first, perhaps. But she loves you, Mary. And she knows it won’t change what you are. Nothing can.

MARY:

Do you really think so?

NATHANIEL:

I know so. And she’s mad if she doesn’t as well.

(Pause.)

NATHANIEL:

Now, buck up, my girl. You’re about to be married! Might as well enjoy it for a moment, before Madam ruins it.

MARY:

Goodness, I am. It’s all struck me of a sudden.

NATHANIEL:

And it’s about damned time, if you ask me! I do so love weddings. You will let Clara and I plan things, will you? We should be terribly delighted.

MARY:

One thing at a time! I still must accept Arthur yet.

NATHANIEL:

Of course, of course. Oh, my dear girl. I am so very happy for you.

MARY:

You aren’t going to cry, are you?

NATHANIEL:

I make no promises!