Fanny and the Servant Problem Part 15

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. I told Vernon. He was SO pleased.

f.a.n.n.y. VERNON was?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. He attaches so much importance to Bennet's opinion.

f.a.n.n.y. Um. I'm glad I appear to be giving satisfaction. [She has returned to her seat at the table.] I suppose when you go to town, you take the Bennets with you?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [surprised at the question]. Of course, dear.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Vernon didn't wish to go this year. He thought you would prefer -

f.a.n.n.y. I was merely thinking of when he did. Do you ever go abroad for the winter? So many people do, nowadays.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. We tried it once. But there was nothing for dear Vernon to do. You see, he's so fond of hunting.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [to her sister]. And then there will be his Parliamentary duties that he will have to take up now.

f.a.n.n.y rises, abruptly.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. You're not ill, dear?

f.a.n.n.y. No. Merely felt I wanted some air. You don't mind, do you?

[She flings a cas.e.m.e.nt open.]

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Not at all, dear. [To her sister] It IS a bit close.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. One could really do without fires.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. If it wasn't for the evenings.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. And then, of course, the cold weather might come again. One can never feel safe until -

The door opens. Dr. Freemantle enters, announced by Bennet. The old ladies go to rise. He stops them.

DR. FREEMANTLE. Don't get up. [He shakes hands with them.] How are we this afternoon? [He shakes his head and clicks his tongue.]

Really, I think I shall have to bring an action for damages against Lady Bantock. Ever since she -

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Hus.h.!.+ [She points to the window.] f.a.n.n.y.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Here's Doctor Freemantle.

f.a.n.n.y comes from the window.

DR. FREEMANTLE [he meets her and takes her hand]. Was just saying, I really think I shall have to claim damages against you, Lady Bantock.

You've practically deprived me of two of my best paying patients.

Used to be sending for me every other day before you came. Now look at them! [The two ladies laugh.] She's not as bad as we expected.

[He pats her hand.] Do you remember my description of what I thought she was going to be like?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. She's a dear girl.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Bennet -

f.a.n.n.y [she has crossed to table--is pouring out the Doctor's tea].

Oh, mightn't we have a holiday from Bennet?

DR. FREEMANTLE [laughs]. Seems to be having a holiday himself to- day.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. A holiday?

DR. FREEMANTLE. Didn't you know? Oh, there's an awfully swagger party on downstairs. They were all trooping in as I came.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I'd no idea he was giving a party. [To f.a.n.n.y] Did you, dear?

f.a.n.n.y [she hands the Doctor his tea]. Yes. It's a prayer meeting.

The whole family, I expect, has been summoned.

DR. FREEMANTLE. A prayer meeting! Didn't look like it.

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. But why should he be holding a prayer meeting?

f.a.n.n.y. Oh, one of the family -

DR. FREEMANTLE. And why twelve girls in a van?

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. In a van?

DR. FREEMANTLE. One of Hutton's from the Station Hotel--with a big poster pinned on the door: "Our Empire."

f.a.n.n.y has risen. She crosses and rings the bell.

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. What's the matter, dear?

f.a.n.n.y. I'm not quite sure yet. [Her whole manner is changed. A look has come into her eyes that has not been there before. She speaks in quiet, determined tones. She rings again. Then returning to table, hands the cake-basket to the Doctor.] Won't you take one, Doctor? They're not as indigestible as they look. [Laughs.]

DR. FREEMANTLE [he also is bewildered at the changed atmosphere].

Thank you. I hope I -

f.a.n.n.y [she turns to Ernest, who has entered. Her tone, for the first time, is that of a mistress speaking to her servants]. Have any visitors called for me this afternoon?

ERNEST. Vi-visitors--?

f.a.n.n.y. Some ladies.

ERNEST [he is in a slough of doubt and terror]. L--ladies?

f.a.n.n.y. Yes. Please try to understand the English language. Has a party of ladies called here this afternoon?

ERNEST. There have been some ladies. They--we -