31 Plays in 31 Days, #2 - “The Ask”

[breakinglight11]

A cute little Hawking scene that takes place in 1888 before the start of our part 6, Fallen Women. It’s one of those moments that is said to have happened, but that we never got to see— specifically, Nathaniel’s behind-the-scenes encouragement of Arthur’s proposing to Mary.

I like being able to build relationships between various members of the cast who don’t get to interact all the time. I like the idea that Arthur and Nathaniel have their own friendship— although I notice in the side scenes I’ve written featuring the two of them, they tend to talk about their best girl Mary. 😊


Photo by Daniel Fox

Day #2 - “The Ask”
From the Mrs. Hawking series
By Phoebe Roberts
~~~

Dramatis personae
NATHANIEL HAWKING, a London gentleman, nephew and assistant to Mrs. Hawking, early thirties
ARTHUR SWANN, a police officer, Mary’s beau, early thirties

London, England, 1888
~~~

(Enter ARTHUR to NATHANIEL, who is lying in wait for him.)

ARTHUR: Mr. Hawking! Where did you come from?

NATHANIEL: Never mind that, man! Did you see her?

ARTHUR: I did...

NATHANIEL: And?

ARTHUR: And what?

NATHANIEL: And did you ask her?

(Pause. ARTHUR breathes deep, then sags.)

ARTHUR: Not yet, all right?

NATHANIEL: Oh, you chicken heart!

ARTHUR: I’m not afraid! I’m only not about to rush into it.

NATHANIEL: Rush into it? It’s been seven years!

ARTHUR: Seven years since I met her— we’ve only courted for five.

NATHANIEL: Only five? After five years, Clara and I had two children! What’s keeping you?

ARTHUR: I’m not ready just yet. I haven’t got a ring, for one.

NATHANIEL: Oh, yes, that’s important. If it’s not up to snuff, you deserve what you get. When I was choosing one for Clara, her sister sent over a list of demands.

ARTHUR: Mary’s never mentioned anything.

NATHANIEL: That’s the danger— if they have to say, you’re already lost. And you’ve got to set the scene right, with dinner, or travel, or a show, or something exciting. How does that sound?

ARTHUR: Expensive, sir.

NATHANIEL: A fair cop. But you needn’t splash money about to be romantic. Why, you could take her to the boardwalk where you had your first evening out together, and go down on one knee with the waves lapping in the background.

ARTHUR: I know, I know.

NATHANIEL: Then why haven’t you?

ARTHUR: Because… I don’t know if she can be married.

NATHANIEL: What do you mean?

ARTHUR: That she’s… got a path already. Her work, her cases. Might be there’s no room for marriage in it.

NATHANIEL: I see.

ARTHUR: Honestly, sir, I think it’s why we haven’t married already. That’s why it’s taken five years.

NATHANIEL: Have you held off all this time because that?

ARTHUR: Well… not all that time. A bloke can’t tie himself down too quick.

NATHANIEL: (Laughs) You’re talking to the wrong bloke for that. And as someone who rather dove in head first, let me say… do you love her?

ARTHUR: For all those five years, and more.

NATHANIEL: Then you’ve got to take your shot. I know what it is to fear you can’t. But you’ll regret it forever if you don’t.

ARTHUR: I don’t want to box her into anything. I won’t take away what she wants.

NATHANIEL: Then… oughtn’t you ask her what she wants?

(Pause as ARTHUR considers.)

ARTHUR: I was thinking… I could write to my mother. If I could ask Mary with her ring. What do you think of that?

NATHANIEL: It’s perfect, old boy.