A Fate Worse Than Death

(Lady Derby is sewing and Gwendolyn is sitting talking to her in the parlour. As the Curtain rises Lady Derby is dismissing the maid who has just bought them afternoon tea.)1

Lady Derby: Thankyou dear, I’ll ring the bell when you’re needed. (The maid leaves stage left (where all other characters will enter). Turning back to face Gwendolyn who is sitting facing her. Smiling.) So my dear, all is well with Captain Forsyth I hope? (Still sewing and not fully concentrating on her daughter.)2

Gwendolyn: Yes Mother. There is just one problem, one... Minor issue.3

Lady Derby: What’s that dear?4

Gwendolyn: (Jumping to her feet to face Lady Derby and sounding devastated.) I don’t think I can marry him. 5

(Lady Derby suddenly starts paying attention.)6

Lady Derby: (Bringing her hand to her mouth in shock and gasping.) Oh Gwendolyn what a terrible occurrence, why ever not? 7

Gwendolyn: It’s just, neither of us can afford the wedding and everything seems to be going wrong! (Over exaggerated hand gestures.)8

(Enter Captain Forsyth.)9

Captain Forsyth: Greetings.10

Gwendolyn: Hello, my love. (Walks to Forsyth interlocking her hands with his, looking at him he avoids eye contact.) What’s wrong?11

Captain Forsyth: As you know my dear Gwendolyn, times are hard, we have no money to make our wedding a reality, and because of this I will go seek my fortune else where. The navy are in desperate need of new recruits, and they pay well, and when I return we shall marry.12

Gwendolyn: (Stepping back and bring the back of her hand to her forehead.) It isn’t true, it can’t be true.13

Captain Forsyth: I will only be away for a short time, and all in good cause. But alas, I must leave you now, for my duty calls.14

Gwendolyn: This parting kills me so. (Hands overlapped across her chest.)15

Lady Derby: ( Standing and stepping in front of Captain Forsyth as he turns to leave.) I have just the thing! Wait there! (Leaves for a moment then re-enters with a small box.) I’ve been keeping these hidden for many years, they were my Grand Mother’s jewels, but I think now is the time to use them. They should cover the wedding and then some. (Lady Derby opens the box and Gwendolyn gasps.)16

Gwendolyn: Mother, it’s empty! (Lady Derby gasps in return.)17

(Enter Sir Jasper.)18

Sir Jasper: (Runs in, grabs Gwendolyn and points a gun at Captain Forsyth.) The jewels are mine Forsyth and there’s nothing you can do to change that! Now surrender and promise that you’ll leave this town forever, I never want to see your sorry face here again. (Stares blankly at Captain Forysth and waits for him to surrender, he doesn’t.) Surrender God damn you!19

Captain Forsyth: Death before dishonor!20

Lady Derby: Oh grief!21

(Lady Derby pretends to faint, distracting Sir Jasper. Captain Forsyth grabs the pistol from Sir Jasper and points it at him.)22

Captain Forsyth: Let go of Gwendolyn! Or pay for your actions with your life!23

Sir Jasper: Have it your way then. (He pushes Gwendolyn into Captain Forsyth and runs for the door.)24

(Enter Fangs)25

Fangs: (Jumping into the doorway, blocking Sir Jaspers escape.) Not so fast Jasper.26

Sir Jasper: Move you fool, or they’ll kill us both!27

Fangs: I think not. (Pulling a pistol from his pocket and pointing it at Sir Jasper.)28

Sir Jasper: What is this Foolishness! Are you mad, I am your master. Move now you blockhead! 29

Fangs: (Defiantly.) I think not Jasper. Surrender or else I’ll be forced to kill you. 30

(Whilst this is occurring, Captain Forsyth sneaks up behind Sir Jasper and hits him, around the head with his pistol, knocking him unconscious.)31

Fangs: (Turning to Lady Derby.) It was I! I had the jewels all along. (Lady Derby, yet again, gasps.) My love, this was all for you. (Pulling off his mask.) Remember me now?32

Lady Derby: Oh Henry, it’s you! You have returned to me after all this time. I thought I’d never see you again. (Standing.)33

Fangs: Of course I returned for you, how could I stay any longer? After I heard what that dastardly Sir Jasper had planned, I agreed to help him in order to find out where you were. Only he didn’t know I was going to return your jewels to you. (Handing her a small box filled with jewels.) 34

Lady Derby: Oh joy! (Hugs Fangs/Henry.)35

Fangs: (Getting down on one knee and taking a small box from a pocket, opening it reveal an engagement ring.) Now I am back for good, I’d be 36

honored if you’d agree take my hand in marriage.37

Lady Derby: Of course I will.38

Captain Forsyth: I am sorry to interrupt this happy occasion, but what are we going to do with him. (Pointing to Sir Jasper who is waking up.)39

Lady Derby: Just kill him, he’s of no use to us.40

Gwendolyn: Mother how vile! (By this point Gwendolyn has returned to Captain Forsyth's side)41

Fangs: She’s right you know, he’ll just cause more mischief and take part in more shenanigans if we let him roam free. He should be no more than something filling a space in a cemetery.42

Sir Jasper: Please give me a second chance, I promise I’ll never pull a stunt like this again.43

Captain Forsyth: (Raising his gun to aim at Sir Jaspers head.) I’m sorry but your doom is sealed. 44

Curtain goes down as a gun shot is heard.