31 Plays in 31 Days, #15 - “Reputation Precedes”

[breakinglight11]

One of the primary features of Justin Hawking is that he’s something of a man-slut. We wanted to make his romantic adventures a centerpiece of the adventure and humor of his first solo story, in addition to finally being able to manifest his bisexuality in some kind of tangible way. To this end, Justin will be chasing one new romantic prospect, in this case a woman, with whom he can have crackling interplay, and encountering a previous paramour, in this case a man, with whom he can bicker in an electric, sexually tense way. It will make both the bisexuality and the sluttiness present in a way that they might not have before.

This scene follows immediately after yesterday’s Day #14 - “Man of Philosophy” and introduces the woman he’ll be chasing, Rosaline. I want her to be both a charming match-slash-opponent for him, but also have some real need of her own to give her narrative weight, and challenge Justin’s flippant view of the world. It’s important to me that the Casanova does not fall in love and pair off— Justin’s not wired for that —but having to deal with the humanity and struggles of those who cannot float as freely as he does makes for a more interesting story.

Also, Justin loves cuties who are just a little bit mean to him.


Photo by Anna Munch

Day #15 - “Reputation Precedes”
From A Libertine Abroad
By Phoebe Roberts
~~~

JUSTIN HAWKING, a liberated gentlemen, late thirties
ROSALINE PEMBROKE, of Pembroke’s of London, early thirties

Venice, 1889
~~~

(JUSTIN approaches ROSALINE.)

JUSTIN: Are you here for the Masquerade, miss?

ROSALINE: I am. Among other things. Why do you want to know?

JUSTIN: Wishful thinking, I suppose. There are some faces you hope never to hide behind a mask.

ROSALINE: My goodness.

JUSTIN: May I be so bold as to ask your name?

ROSALINE: And here I though you couldn’t get any bolder. You can call me Rosaline. And you must be Mr. Justin Hawking.

JUSTIN: I say! Does my reputation precede me?

ROSALINE: In all possible ways.

JUSTIN: Well. I suppose that saves a bit of time.

ROSALINE: So it’s true, then.

JUSTIN: Depends what you’ve heard.

ROSALINE: Well, it certainly wasn’t that you worked slowly. Let’s just say I was warned.

(She starts to walk off, but he slips around her.)

JUSTIN: Do you know our gracious host Lord Cornin?

ROSALINE: The Pryces are old family friends. Do you?

JUSTIN: We were school fellows, Theo and I. Though I was hoping to make the acquaintance of his fiancee’s family, the Broadwaters. I hear they’re quite worth the knowing.

ROSALINE: I’d say so.

JUSTIN: Perhaps you could introduce me, since you’re on such intimate terms.

ROSALINE: If Theo’s an old friend, what do you need me for?

JUSTIN: The chap’s desperately insecure. I’d hate to let him think I only cared for his connections. But there are other ways to connect.

ROSALINE: And you’re hoping we might?

JUSTIN: And here I thought they warned you about me. If you’ll give me the chance I can prove that it’s earned.

ROSALINE: Tempting, sir, but I’m not as dull as I look. You may take pride in your reputation, but I can’t have my name dragged through the mud.

JUSTIN: Who would do such a thing?

ROSALINE: I know how public school boys talk.

JUSTIN: Oh, indeed? And who was it that told you about me? Was it some public school boys?

(Pause.)

JUSTIN: It sounds as if I’m not the one who’s the gossip.

ROSALINE: A fair cop.

JUSTIN: I’ve learned over the years, that if I’m to have any hope of enjoying the company of ladies, I need not only make it worth their while. I mustn’t give them a reason to regret it.

ROSALINE: And just how many ladies have taken you up on this generous offer?

JUSTIN: I could offer you references, but I’ve promised never to give their names.

ROSALINE: You do have this worked out to a science.

JUSTIN: And, if I may say so, I’ve become very good.

(Pause.)

JUSTIN: Tell me you’ll consider it.

ROSALINE: I can see you don’t lack for courage, even if I can’t vouch for skill. For now, Mr. Hawking, you’ll have to excuse me.

JUSTIN: You’re in Venice for a party, miss. Might as well have some fun.

ROSALINE: Worry not, sir. I intend to.

(ROSALINE exits.)