KarMel Scholarship 2008

Play

“Lez Ladies”

By Daniela Lieggi

Desciption of Submission: “Is a 10-15 minute play about a secret lesbian couple in 19^th century England. Charlotte, one of the main characters, is caught between her feelings and the economic depency her family has on her making a good marriage. I origonaly wrote it as an assignment for my Drama class.” – Daniela

Characters:

Mother, Leanne Hamilton

Younger Sister, Tina Hamilton

Charlotte Hamilton

Lady Penelope Kane

Lord Jonathan Kane

Neighbor, Cecily Ridgley

Priest, Father Thomas

ACT ONE

Scene One

(Setting is England during the reign of George IV in a girl’s doll shop. Enter Leanne, Tina, and Charlotte)

TINA HAMILTON

(Tugging on her mother’s sleeve)

I want this one Mama.

(She holds the doll way up into her mother’s face)

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Blinks and pulls her head back, a stern look on her face as she takes the doll from Tina. Her gaze falls on the price and she clears her throat)

Maybe you could find a more, um…

(Pause)

serviceable doll

(She looks around and holds up another, visibly cheaper, doll and stares her daughter down)

How about this one?

TINA HAMILTON

(Wrinkles her nose in distaste but mutters)

Fine.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Looks up around the store)

Now where has your sister gone?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(From behind her mother)

Here, mama.

(Enter Cecily Ridgley making a b-line for Leanne who barely conceals a pinched look of annoyance)

CECILY RIDGLEY

Leanne! I thought that was you I saw.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Plasters a smile on her face)

Cecily, what a pleasant surprise.

(Everyone curtsies)

CECILY RIDGLEY

(Looks at the doll Tina is holding and blanches)

Good lord, she’s not getting that doll, is she?

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Forces a laugh)

Most certainly not

(She picks up the doll Tina had picked out)

This is the one she will be getting

(Tina opens her mouth to say something but Leanne puts her hand on her head. Behind them, Charlotte rolls her eyes. Cecily turns her eyes on Charlotte, hawk like)

CECILY RIDGLEY

Ah, Charlotte. How is your first season going? I’m surprised your mother waited this long to have your formal come out. Why, both my girls were out by the time they were seventeen. You remember Lauren and Lucy?

(Charlotte opens her mouth to answer but Cecily goes on without waiting for a response)

Anyway, have you received your voucher for Almack’s yet? I hope you have. I’m assuming you haven’t gotten permission to waltz yet. That really is too bad—

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Interrupts, crisply)

Actually she has. Will you be at their next event on Thursday?

CECILY RIDGLEY

Of course. It was nice seeing you ladies.

(Everyone curtsies, exit Cecily)

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Waiting till Cecily is out of earshot)

Mother, you know the patronesses at Almacks haven’t met me yet, led alone given me permission to waltz.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Smugly)

That was before I became acquainted with Lord Kane. His aunt is on the board.

(Charlotte makes a pained look, Leanne tells her in a harsh whisper)

Don't look at me like that; you know if you don't make a match this season we're ruined. There is nothing left.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Voice rising a little)

I know everything’s gone. You remind us everyday.

(Leanne opens her mouth to respond, but is interrupted by Tina)

TINA HAMILTON

(Hopefully)

So, I can get the doll, mama?

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Sighing)

No.

(Lights fade. End of Scene 1)

Scene Two

(Setting is a park. Enter Leanne, Charlotte, and Tina. Leanne is in front of them and Tina and Charlotte are behind her, whispering to each other. Leanne spots Lord Kane. Enter Jonathan Kane.)

LEANNE HAMILTON

Look girls, there is Lord Kane.

(Tina looks up excitedly and waves. Her mother instantly grabs her hand, pushing it back down. Charlotte bites back a smile at her little sister’s faux pas.)

You do not wave at the nobility. And Charlotte, for God’s sake, remember to stand up straight.

(Jonathan waves back, looking amused. Jonathan walks up to them.)

JONATHAN KANE

Mrs. Hamilton, it is a pleasure to see you again.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Smiles)

Indeed, it is.

These are my daughters. The elder is Charlotte and the younger is Tina.

JONATHAN KANE

(Bows)

Miss Hamilton.

(Charlotte curtsies)

I understand this is your first time in London. Have you been enjoying yourself so far?

(Charlotte opens her mouth to answer but is interrupted by her mother)

LEANNE HAMILTON

Naturally she has. Unfortunately, she has yet to get permission to waltz.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Under her breath and elongated)

Mother.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Continuing as if she hasn’t heard Charlotte)

It really is such a shame. My Charlotte is a great dancer.

JONATHAN KANE

(Nodding)

I’m sure that can be taken care of.

(Looking at Charlotte)

And you’ll save a spot on your dance card for me?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Speaking before her mother can)

I will try.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Glowering at her daughter, and then smiling at Jonathan)

I’m sure it won’t be a problem, my lord.

TINA HAMILTON

Do you have a pistol?

(Charlotte laughs but when her mother glowers at her, turns it into a cough)

LEANNE HAMILTON

Tina!

JONATHAN KANE

No, it’s all right. Why do you ask?

TINA HAMILTON

(Self-righteously)

My friend Felicity said only pirates own pistols and of coarse I told her that was stupid but she said she wanted proof.

(Jonathan smiles over Tina’s head at Charlotte)

JONATHAN KANE

(Lying convincingly)

Sorry, I’m afraid I don’t.

(Tina nods and looks around the park, losing all apparent interest in him. Leanne looks appalled, while Charlotte shakes with repressed mirth. Jonathan looks at Charlotte)

Please don’t tell me your attentions are as fickle as your sister’s.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Wittingly)

That depends on if the person in question is deserving of them.

JONATHAN KANE

Then I shall try to live up to it.

(Enter Penelope)

Ah, Penelope. These are the Hamiltons; Leanne, Charlotte, and Tina. This is my sister, Penelope.

PENELOPE KANE

(Coolly)

Charmed, I’m sure.

(Pauses and looks pointedly at Jonathan who is still staring at Charlotte)

Jon, we have luncheon at Carleton House.

JONATHAN KANE

Right, right. It was good seeing you again Mrs. Hamilton and meeting your daughters. Might I have permission to call on Charlotte?

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Practically preening)

Certainly, my lord.

JONATHAN KANE

(Shaking his head and says to Leanne, while looking at Charlotte)

Just Jon, please.

(Exit Jonathan and Penelope. Charlotte stares after them. Lights fade. End of Scene 2)

Scene Three

(Setting is inside a carriage on the way back from Carleton House. Jonathan and Penelope sit opposite each other)

JONATHAN KANE
You were awfully cold.

PENELOPE KANE

I was just tired.

JONATHAN KANE

Are you sure that’s all?

PENELOPE KANE

(Forcing a smile)

Of course. I shall call on them tomorrow.

(Pauses, and says more to herself, thoughtfully)

Charlotte is quite stunning.

(Jonathan merely grunts in reply. Lights fade out. End of Scene 3.)

Scene Four

(Setting is the drawing at the Hamilton’s home. Leanne and Charlotte are sitting and sewing/reading. Tina bounds in.)

TINA HAMILTON

Lady Kane is here, mama.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Hopefully)

Is her brother with her?

TINA HAMILTON

No.

(Disappointedly)

And she doesn’t own any pistols either.

(Charlotte smiles and Leanne crosses her eyes)

LEANNE HAMILTON

Where is she?

TINA HAMILTON

I left her in the foyer.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Curses under her breath)

Well show her in here.

(Tina exits and returns with Penelope. Leanne and Charlotte both rise and curtsy, as does Penelope. Exit Tina.)

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Lying as she and Charlotte resume their seats)

I’m sorry about that Lady Kane. I’m afraid we had to fire our butler a few days ago and haven’t found the time to get a replacement.

(Penelope merely nods and sits next to Charlotte)

PENELOPE KANE

(To Charlotte)

What are you reading?

(Trying to see the book cover)

Anything good?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Slightly embarrassed)

Pride & Prejudice; Jane Austin’s new novel.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Rolling her eyes)

I’ve told her I wish she wouldn’t buy those novels. It’s positively scandalous for a woman to publish such….

(Pause)

Things. And it only sends the wrong message when you support her by purchasing her books.

PENELOPE KANE

(Responds facetiously but Leanne fails to notice)

Oh yes, quite scandalous.

(Winks at Charlotte who smiles back. Lights fade, end of scene)

Scene Five

(Setting is the drawing room. Penelope is visiting again. This time it is only her and Charlotte)

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Reading aloud from Pride & Prejudice)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

(Penelope moves a little closer to her, till their sides are touching. Charlotte keeps reading)

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighborhood…

(Penelope brushes her leg up against Charlotte’s. Charlotte stutters and stops reading for a moment, not looking up from the book in her lap. She clears her throat and continues.)

This truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered…

(Penelope wraps her right leg around Charlotte’s left one, moving it up and down. Charlotte stutters through the next part of the page)

As the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters…

(Penelope takes the book from Charlotte, causing her to stop reading. She closes the book and puts it to the side. Charlotte stares at her.)

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(A little breathlessly)

You don’t want to finish?

PENELOPE KANE

No. You?

CHARLOTTE KANE

(shakes her head)

No.

(The two lean towards each other, about to share a kiss when they hear the approaching footfalls of Leanne and spring apart. Leanne comes in and sits down)

LEANNE HAMILTON

So, what are you girls up to?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

Just reading, mama.

(Penelope snorts and Charlotte elbows her in the ribs, holding her smile in place.)

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Frowns thoughtfully)

You probably shouldn’t read so much. People will think you a bluestocking.

PENELOPE KANE

Surely you find nothing wrong with an intellectual woman, Leanne.

LEANNE HAMILTON
(defensively)

I don’t, but the rest of the ton does. Although, we probably don’t have to worry much about that. Your brother seems truly smitten with her. Why just the other day he sent around a dozen roses.

PENELOPE KANE

(Plastering a fake smile)

He certainly does.

(Lights fade. End of Scene)

ACT TWO

Scene One

(Setting is Almacks. Leanne and Charlotte are dressed in ball gowns at the edge of the dance floor)

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Impatiently)

Do you see him yet, Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

No, mama.

LEANNE HAMILTON

No need to snarl, I was just asking.

(Charlotte bites her lip to keep from retorting. Enter Jonathan who comes up from behind them.)

JONATHAN KANE

(Amiably)

I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Frowning)

Where’s Penelope?

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Under her breath)

Charlotte.

JONATHAN KANE
(shrugging, unconcerned)

She said she wasn’t feeling well. I’m sure it’s nothing serious.

(The band strikes up a waltz and he asks Charlotte)

Shall we?

(Charlotte nods, taking his hand and they walk out onto the dance floor and begin to dance)

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

Is it a cold?

JONATHAN KANE

(Confused)

I’m sorry, what?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

What is wrong with Penelope, is it a cold?

JONATHAN KANE

(Non-plussed)

She just said it was a headache.

(Clearing throat)

I’m glad you and my sister have become friends. It will make things easier.

(At Charlotte’s confused look he goes on)

I know we haven’t spent as much time together as courting couples usually do.

(Charlotte opens her mouth to respond)

No, let me finish. However, I think the two of us will suit. I have no delusions of marriage. We may never love each other, but we will get along just fine. You have the temperament I am looking for and from what I can tell will not cause any scandal to be attached to my name.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Confused)

I don’t understand.

JONATHAN KANE

(Bluntly)

Charlotte, will you marry me?

(Lights fade out, end of scene)

Scene Two

(Setting is the foyer of the Hamilton’s house. Charlotte and Leanne walk in from outside.)

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Worriedly)

Charlotte, are you all right? You’ve been positively pale since we left the party.

(Feels Charlotte’s forehead)

You’re not coming down with something, are you?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Brushing her mother’s hand aside)

Jonathan asked me to marry him.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Closing her eyes)

Thank God and before the end of the season, too. This is a victory.

(Goes on without taking a breath)

Now, how do you feel about a Christmas wedding? It would be beautiful with all the snow.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Exasperated)

Mother! I didn’t day yes.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Stuttering for a moment in shock)

What did you say?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON
(defensively)

I said I had to think about it.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Loudly and angrily)

Do you want to ruin this family?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Angrily)

Of course not. I just don’t want to rush.

LEANNE HAMILTON

(Takes a deep breath)

Charlotte, this is what we’ve been waiting for. Please, don’t throw it all away. This family cannot afford for this to fall through.

(Determined)

You will yes, won’t you?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Pausing)

I don’t know.

(Leanne nods wordlessly and walks off.)

Scene Three

(Setting is a drawing room; Penelope is sitting down not facing the door. Enter Charlotte)

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Wringing hands)

Your brother has asked me to marry him.

(Pause as she waits for Penelope to say something)

Aren’t you going to say something?

PENELOPE KANE

(Deadpanned)

Congratulations

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

Please don’t be like this.

PENELOPE KANE

(Sarcastically)

What did you expect? That I’d welcome you as my new sister?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

You don’t even want to know what I said to him.

PENELOPE KANE

(Snorting)

Besides, yes? How could you agree? You’ve barely spent any time with him. Although I guess money can be a powerful incentive.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Angrily)

I haven’t agreed yet.

PENELOPE KANE
(finally turning around, confused and afraid to hope)

What?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Clarifying)

I didn’t give him an answer yet. I needed to talk to you first.

PENELOPE KANE

Why?

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

(Sighing)

Because of all the Kanes, you’re the only one I’d want to marry.

PENELOPE KANE

(Pauses, while thinking)

You could marry him.

(Charlotte shakes her head. Penelope gets up and crosses to her, holding her face in her hands and staring into her eyes.)

Think about it. We’d never be apart and so long as no one found out, we’d be alright.

Scene Four

(Setting is a church. Charlotte and Jonathan face Father Thomas. Jonathan is wearing black suit and Charlotte is in a wedding dress. Penelope, Tina, and Leanne are in the pews watching along with all the other guests. Penelope stares at the ground.)

FATHER THOMAS

Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Charlotte Kane and…

(The lights fade and the room goes completely dark. Instead of Jonathan, Penelope stands next to Charlotte in a wedding dress)

Penelope Kane

(Penelope and Charlotte turn and face each other, joining hands and the priest continues)

Should anyone have reason why these two cannot be joined let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

(Clears throat and turns bible page. He looks at Charlotte.)

Repeat after me:

I, Charlotte Hamilton, take thee Penelope Kane

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

Penelope, we come from the same world but are not accepted in it.

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

To be my lawfully wedded wife

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

However, I believe our love is strong enough to create a shield

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

To have and to hold from this day forward

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

They can fire pistols and cannons at us but together we will never waiver

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

In sickness and in health as long as we both shall live.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

I stand before you unafraid

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

Till death do us part.

CHARLOTTE HAMILTON

To face malicious whispers if it means the last time our hands are clasped,

They are wrinkled

FATHER THOMAS

(Turns to Penelope)

Repeat after me:

(A little louder than a whisper)

I, Penelope Kane, take thee Charlotte Hamilton

PENELOPE KANE

Charlotte, I would be lying if I told you I was unafraid,

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

To be my lawfully wedded wife

PENELOPE KANE

I was angry when I first met you, sure that I could never have you

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

To have and to hold from this day forward

PENELOPE KANE

But a good friend once told me

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

In sickness and in health as long as we both shall live.

PENELOPE KANE

That the things worth fearing are usually the things worth having

FATHER THOMAS

(A little louder than a whisper)

Till death do us part.

PENELOPE KANE

So despite my uncertainties I pledge myself to you.

(The lights fade out again and it is Jonathan standing in front of Charlotte)

FATHER THOMAS

(Now at a normal volume)

You may kiss the bride

(Charlotte and Jonathan share a chaste kiss and walk back up the aisle. Unlike the other guests, Penelope doesn’t watch them but she is smiling. Lights fade, end of scene)

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