Mrs. Hawking Part V:
Mrs. Frost
by Phoebe Roberts and Bernie Gabin
~~~
Dramatis Personae
London, England, 1886
MRS. VICTORIA HAWKING, lady’s society avenger, mid forties
MISS MARY STONE, her housemaid and assistant, mid twenties
MR. NATHANIEL HAWKING, her gentleman nephew, early thirties
MADAM MALAIKA SHAH, anti-colonial avenger, late forties
MRS. CLARA HAWKING, Nathaniel’s society wife, mid thirties
SGT. ARTHUR SWANN, Mary’s policeman beau, late twenties
MRS. ELIZABETH FROST, a criminal mastermind, early fifties
MR. ROLAND DAVIES, her henchman, mid twenties
DR. TERRENCE ENFIELD, a prominent alienist, early forties
Ruffians, party guests, orderlies, non-speaking ensemble
~~~
Scene 1
(The Hawking parlor. MRS. HAWKING stares at a pin board. The doorbell rings. She pulls a sheet over the board, pushes it out of the way, and exits. MARY enters to let in NATHANIEL, dressed in disguise as a longshoreman.)
NATHANIEL:
Is she about?
MARY:
Somewhere, but not in here.
NATHANIEL:
Then I’ll be quick. I’ve just come from the public house on that side of the docks. It took a little doing, and more than a little drinking, but I think I’ve tracked down the ones that robbed Mrs. Breyer.
MARY:
So it worked? They really thought you were one of them?
NATHANIEL:
Must have done, since they talked to me. Funny what gents will tell you, when you buy a round for the whole place.
MARY:
Oh, you can’t throw so much money about— it draws attention.
NATHANIEL:
I know, I know— but I told a story about getting one over on some financier toff at a racetrack, and I think that covered it. Well enough, at least, that some of the longshoremen got to talking about diverting cargo that came in on the Shalimar.
MARY:
Did they mention Mrs. Breyer’s opals?
NATHANIEL:
Not by name. But they’re working for the same importer that’s been trying to run her out of business. They’re out of a place on pier fourteen; everything they handle goes through there.
MARY:
Splendid! You are getting good at this.
NATHANIEL:
Are you surprised? I have been practicing! What do you think?
MARY:
I suppose it’s better when you’re not speaking and standing like you learned at Eton.
NATHANIEL:
I’m a Harrow man, as a matter of fact. But I take your point.
MARY:
Now you’d best take it off, before Madam sees and asks why.
NATHANIEL:
I hate that we must do this. Can’t we try once more to convince her?
MARY:
You heard her, Nathaniel, she isn’t taking cases right now. She’d be furious to know we’ve gone around her for Mrs. Breyer and the others.
NATHANIEL:
I don’t know what she expected us to do— send those poor women away with no one to help them? It’s— wrong. And it’s not like her.
MARY:
She hasn’t been herself. Not since Mrs. Frost and Madam Malaika.
NATHANIEL:
I know. She’s thought of nothing else since. And that’s what worries me.
(Enter MRS. HAWKING.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Oh. It’s you.
NATHANIEL:
Always happy to see you, too, Auntie.
MRS. HAWKING:
What do you want? And— why ever are you dressed like that? Have you come to sweep the chimneys?
NATHANIEL:
As a matter of fact, I’ve been working at my disguises, and I wanted to see what you thought. Howzat?
MRS. HAWKING:
Ugh. I imagine it’s more effective when you’re not asking the cricket umpire for a ruling.
NATHANIEL:
Be kind to me. I don’t often wear undershirts in public.
(Pause.)
NATHANIEL:
I also wanted to look in and see how you are.
MRS. HAWKING:
Busy. As always.
NATHANIEL:
Of course. But… with what, exactly?
MRS. HAWKING:
I beg your pardon?
NATHANIEL:
Well… you have turned down a number of cases lately.
MRS. HAWKING:
I’ve been otherwise engaged.
MARY:
Hunting Mrs. Frost.
MRS. HAWKING:
What of it?
MARY:
We only wondered… how long you meant for this to go on. Before you return to your work.
MRS. HAWKING:
I am working.
(She uncovers the board, revealing all the notes, newspaper clippings, and red string pinned around a portrait of MRS. FROST.)
NATHANIEL:
Oh, goodness.
MRS. HAWKING:
See here, I have been tracing her operations — observing their patterns, searching for points of weakness. She pervades the city like a cancer, but with her hands in so many endeavors, she is bound to make a mistake we can exploit. And now… I finally think I’ve found one.
MARY:
What is it?
MRS. HAWKING:
A trafficking operation she’s recently acquired. They smuggle in refugees from war-torn corners of the empire, promising work but selling them into practical slavery. They use regular routes and passages to bring the desperate souls through— except one group of them has gone missing.
MARY:
Could they have changed their patterns?
MRS. HAWKING:
No. No. Twenty or thirty people, disappeared without a trace— her agents are losing their minds. Something has disrupted their operation, and that disruption means a way in. I intend to make use of it.
NATHANIEL:
So you mean to go on until you’ve destroyed it.
MRS. HAWKING:
Until I’ve destroyed her.
(Pause.)
MARY:
Are you sure this is the right course, madam?
MRS. HAWKING:
I beg your pardon? She is the most dangerous person in the city—
NATHANIEL:
You’ve thought of nothing else for months—
MRS. HAWKING:
An empire does not crumble in a day!
MARY:
No, it happens with time. And strife.
(Pause.)
MARY:
We know how hard it was for you, madam. You grew up with that woman; she all but raised you. To learn that she’s your enemy… and it cannot be easy to have lost to her.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
All the more reason. To give this everything I have.
MARY:
But it’s begun to consume you—
MRS. HAWKING:
Because that’s what it takes!
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Now. Are you finished? You sound finished.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Then I’ll be on my way. I have an investigation to make.
NATHANIEL:
At least let us go with you.
MRS. HAWKING:
No, the two of you have done enough today.
NATHANIEL:
You know we only ever want to help you—
MRS. HAWKING:
Oh, for God’s sake, go elsewhere for your praise and petting, Nathaniel! I haven’t the time for it.
(MRS. HAWKING exits.)
NATHANIEL:
How is it that nobody cuts me quite like her?
MARY:
She turns at the drop of a hat these days. As if these years never changed her.
NATHANIEL:
No. No. I don’t believe that. Not after as far as we’ve come.
MARY:
Even so, she’s in a terrible way. You can’t reason with her like this.
NATHANIEL:
I suppose we ought to tread carefully. At least until she settles things with Frost.
MARY:
That could take years, if ever. And Frost’s already beaten her once.
NATHANIEL:
She was bloodied in round one. But the match isn’t over. Not as long as she’s still fighting, and we’re here to help her do it.
MARY:
I don’t know where to begin. I don’t know how to talk to her anymore.
NATHANIEL:
She needs us to stand by her. To see her through. And once we have… she can heal from this. We’ll do cases together again. And… you won’t have to hide Arthur from her anymore. Just think, you can finally bring your young man by for the family’s inspection. Won’t that be fun? You’ll long for the days when nobody knew he was alive.
MARY:
(Laughing) How is it that you never give up hope?
NATHANIEL:
I was brought up to never say die. I suppose I’d go to pieces otherwise.
MARY:
Thank you. For helping me keep my chin up. Or… to take it on the chin for round two.
NATHANIEL:
At your service. Until the bell rings.
Scene 2
(A deserted street. MRS. HAWKING and MADAM MALAIKA creep in. They spot each other, leap, and cross blades.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Malaika?
MADAM MALAIKA:
Allah. You.
Mrs. HAWKING:
You’re back in London?
MADAM MALAIKA:
I go where I’m needed.
MRS. HAWKING:
Of course. The refugees who were trafficked. The moment they disappeared from their captivity, I should have known it was you.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Then you ought to know you cannot be here. Do you not see what is at stake? These people have fled war, disease, famine— all the violence of the colony. And now they fly from those who would use their desperation to make them slaves. It is up to me to see that they are delivered, and I will not stand for you to interfere when you have no right or place in it. Leave me to it, and we will have no quarrel.
MRS. HAWKING:
Only I must tell you— the one you’ve crossed. It’s Frost.
MADAM MALAIKA:
What?
MRS. HAWKING:
The trafficker, the one who runs the ring. It’s Elizabeth Frost.
MADAM MALAIKA:
No. No.
MRS. HAWKING:
Can you get them away?
MADAM MALAIKA:
I shall have to!
MRS. HAWKING:
What do you plan to do?
MADAM MALAIKA:
That’s none of your affair.
MRS. HAWKING:
She has eyes everywhere. She will hunt you.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Do you think I don’t know that?
MRS. HAWKING:
Then what will you do?
MADAM MALAIKA:
Whatever I can, whatever I have to! The way I always do— without interference from you.
MRS. HAWKING:
But dealing with Frost is different— please, Malaika—
MADAM MALAIKA:
I have nothing for you, Victoria! Do not come looking to me.
(MADAM MALAIKA exits.)
Scene 3
(NATHANIEL sits at the breakfast table. Enter CLARA.)
CLARA:
You may be interested to hear that Madge says Reggie’s learned the whole of Jabberwocky by heart. He means to recite it for you this evening, so you’re in for a treat.
NATHANIEL:
Clever lad.
CLARA:
Well. He still ate a button when Beatrice dared him, so we’ll take the fair with the ill. Are you in the office this morning?
NATHANIEL:
In an hour or so, to meet on the South African returns. Some toff with a double-barreled name— Lord Cyril Deverill-Deverill, or something.
CLARA:
Oh, the same name in both barrels. I presume so he’ll remember it.
NATHANIEL:
(Laughing) Don’t you look nice today.
CLARA:
I look nice every day.
NATHANIEL:
Yes, but especially nice, I should think. What are you going into battle over this morning?
CLARA:
Well, since you notice, I’ve got a meeting with Dr. Terrence Enfield, of the Old Bridgewater Sanatorium.
NATHANIEL:
Arranging to have someone committed?
CLARA:
Don’t tempt me, dear. No, the ladies at the club are planning their charity missions for the season, and we must discuss the fundraising gala for the hospital’s new wing. You save the world in your way, darling, and I’ll save it in mine.
NATHANIEL:
Well, good hunting. You certainly look fit to conquer.
CLARA:
I suppose I’ll do. Unless someone has that new astrakhan I’ve been eyeing for my birthday hidden away somewhere…
NATHANIEL:
It’s not your birthday for another three days. Alas, you’ll have to be patient and face the doctor in an old coat.
CLARA:
You won’t dare tease me once I’ve got him eating out my hand.
NATHANIEL:
Then who will give you your birthday gift?
(They kiss. MARY enters.)
MARY:
Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Hawking.
NATHANIEL:
Good morning.
CLARA:
Mary. It’s you.
MARY:
Madge showed me in, if you please.
CLARA:
Are you on a case this evening, then?
NATHANIEL:
Yes, but late tonight. After dinner. And Reggie’s poem.
CLARA:
Of course. Well, I’ll be on my way then. Good luck, dear. Mary.
MARY:
Good morning, Mrs. Hawking.
(CLARA exits.)
NATHANIEL:
That was odd.
MARY:
Is… something amiss? She seemed a little put out with me, somehow.
NATHANIEL:
I don’t know why she would be.
MARY:
Perhaps it’s nothing. No matter, I’ve got the opals’ bill of goods from Mrs. Breyer, so we’ll know what to look for when we go in.
NATHANIEL:
The cargo’s all on the first floor, but these are small enough they might keep them locked up in the offices.
MARY:
I’ll go in up there. You’ll have to take the ground floor, since you’ve already been among the men on the crew.
NATHANIEL:
Are you sure? I know you’re not partial to second story work.
MARY:
With that lot downstairs? Nathaniel, you could wear your cricket whites and you’d still stand a better chance of blending in than me.
NATHANIEL:
(Chuckling) Fair point. It still feels strange, though, going in without her. I suppose it’s only for a little while longer, until she’s past this.
MARY:
When will that be? Seeing Madam Malaika the other day… that only seemed to make things worse.
NATHANIEL:
It can’t go on forever, Mary. And we’ll hold things down until then.
Scene 4
(A warehouse, full of longshoremen carrying cargo. NATHANIEL enters, dressed like one of them. He spots ARTHUR working, also trying to blend in.)
NATHANIEL:
By Jove! Arthur?
ARTHUR:
Careful, sir!
NATHANIEL:
Right, right. What are you doing here?
ARTHUR:
On a job, sir. And you?
NATHANIEL:
The same. What’s happening? A sting?
ARTHUR:
Waiting and watching, is all.
NATHANIEL:
Very good. We’re hunting some cargo. Does Mary know you’re here?
ARTHUR:
As it happens, there’s some things I can’t tell her about. Now we’d best keep at it, before someone hears.
NATHANIEL:
Of course. We’ll catch up later.
(They separate. ARTHUR returns to work and NATHANIEL returns to investigating. ROLAND emerges from among the roughs.)
ROLAND:
Evening, Mr. Hawking.
(Pause.)
NATHANIEL:
(Coarse accent) What’s ‘at?
(ROLAND punches him. ARTHUR turns but does not move, unable to blow his cover. ROLAND seizes hold of NATHANIEL, clamps a rag to his face, and hustles him out. MARY appears with a box under her arm.)
MARY:
Arthur? What are you doing here?
ARTHUR:
Sometimes there are things I can’t tell you— oh, never mind that now! It’s Mr. Hawking!
MARY:
What? Where is he?
ARTHUR:
They got him!
MARY:
Who got him?
ARTHUR:
One of the boss’s lieutenants, I think. But the bloke knew him— called him by name, then knocked him senseless and dragged him out of here.
MARY:
My God. What are we to— what am I to—?
(A thug spots MARY and goes to accost her. He is intercepted by the sudden appearance of MRS. HAWKING, who drops him.)
MRS. HAWKING:
What have you done?
MARY:
Madam! How did you find us?
MRS. HAWKING:
Mrs. Breyer came by to inquire after our progress into her case.
MARY:
Oh, no. Madam— you must understand— we were only—
MRS. HAWKING:
We’ll discuss it at home. Now. Are you finished here?
MARY:
Yes, but—
MRS. HAWKING:
Then find Nathaniel and let’s go; it isn’t safe to be here.
ARTHUR:
That’s just it, madam! Mr. Hawking— he’s been taken. He’s gone.
MRS. HAWKING:
Taken? By who?
ARTHUR:
One of the gang. I’ll take a look— I’ll see what I can find.
(Exit ARTHUR.)
MARY:
Madam— I’m sorry—
MRS. HAWKING:
Enough.
MARY:
It’s just that— madam—
MRS. HAWKING:
What, Mary?
MARY:
Clara will be expecting him at home.
Scene 5
(NATHANIEL comes to tied to a chair. MRS. FROST enters, with ROLAND following.)
ROLAND:
There he is!
NATHANIEL:
What…? No. Oh, no.
MRS. FROST:
I’m afraid so.
NATHANIEL:
What— what’s happened? What have you—?
MRS. FROST:
Calm yourself, young man. Forgive me the precautions, but given how Roland brought you, I thought it might be prudent. Allow me to introduce myself— I am Mrs. Elizabeth Frost.
NATHANIEL:
No need. I remember you. Kingmaker.
MRS. FROST:
I hoped you might. I am sorry to trouble you, but I told Mrs. Hawking, if she left me to my business, we’d have no quarrel. My man Roland finding you tonight only confirmed she can’t leave well enough alone.
NATHANIEL:
You mean… when he saw me now? Oh, God. No. You don’t understand— we weren’t there on her orders.
MRS. FROST:
Dear boy. Even if I believed that, I’ve known her since she was a girl. She doesn’t need you to give away what’s been in her nature from the start.
(She gestures for ROLAND to untie NATHANIEL.)
MRS. FROST:
My goodness. It’s like seeing a ghost. You could be Captain Hawking fresh arrived in the colony again. Forgive me— Colonel. He was Captain when I knew him.
NATHANIEL:
You knew him?
MRS. FROST:
Indeed. The man he was before she broke him.
(Pause.)
MRS. FROST:
You’ve certainly fared better with her than your uncle did. It seems she’s found a use for you; I’m glad to meet the man that managed that.
NATHANIEL:
And what use do you have for me?
MRS. FROST:
I’ve done my research, young man. Mrs. Hawking herself is not about to be caught, and that girl has proved tough enough to have survived her. But you, well… you are clearly the weak link.
NATHANIEL:
Are you so certain you know me?
MRS. FROST:
Dear boy, I know everything about you. You saw one Dr. Harlow for the mumps when you were seven years old. A Miss Delia Bond was the first girl you ever kissed. I know every time you were caned by a schoolmaster at Harrow— more often than not, for crying.
(Pause.)
MRS. FROST:
And we both know there are more souls at stake here than your own.
NATHANIEL:
As you said, Madam and Mary can take care of themselves.
MRS. FROST:
Perhaps. But they’re not the only ones you’ve made vulnerable. There is your lady wife, Clara.
NATHANIEL:
Ha! She is fiercer than any of them.
MRS. FROST:
And what about your children? Your daughter Beatrice, and your son— what else? —little Reggie? Are they fierce enough?
(Pause.)
NATHANIEL:
They’re only babies. They can do nothing to you.
MRS. FROST:
Never your first thought, are they? But no matter, you can make certain nothing will be become of them. You see, I know your aunt is up to something. She won’t rest until she’s brought me to my knees or else wrecked herself trying. But I’m far too busy to entertain such nonsense, which is why you are going to tell me what she’s planning.
NATHANIEL:
If you know anything about me, then you know what to do with that.
MRS. FROST:
I’m not your enemy, young man.
NATHANIEL:
Indeed? Do you drug and bind all yours guests to tea? Do you menace their children?
MRS. FROST:
As soon as you tell me what I need, you’ll be on your way.
NATHANIEL:
Even if I did, that wouldn’t save you.
MRS. FROST:
Do you think you can cow me, boy?
NATHANIEL:
I’m not the one you should fear.
MRS. FROST:
All her engines are driving for me, then? Roland, how many new men have you recruited to my service in just the last month?
ROLAND:
Two dozen men, ma’am.
MRS. FROST:
Tell me, how does that stack up against your notorious lone wolf mistress? Make your wager carefully, young man; you may bet your life on it.
NATHANIEL:
Even you couldn’t outwit her alone. Why on earth would you believe you could best the both of them?
MRS. FROST:
Both of them? Do you mean… Malaika? Malaika Shah is in London? And she’s joined forces with Victoria Hawking? Oh, goodness me. That is interesting!
(NATHANIEL freezes in horror.)
MRS. FROST:
You see! We are getting on already.
NATHANIEL:
I— I won’t tell anything more. I won’t talk.
MRS. FROST:
Oh, dear boy. From everything I hear, you shan’t be able to help yourself.
Scene 6
(MRS. HAWKING, MARY, and CLARA in the Hawking parlor.)
CLARA:
I suppose I knew this day would come. Or something like it. Ever since he first told me of this enterprise of yours, I wondered when something would go wrong.
(Pause.)
CLARA:
How could you let this happen?
MRS. HAWKING:
It had nothing to do with me.
CLARA:
This is your business!
MRS. HAWKING:
Not when they go behind my back.
CLARA:
What happened? Where is he?
MRS. HAWKING:
I don’t know yet.
CLARA:
You don’t know?
MRS. HAWKING:
How could I, when they told me nothing?
MARY:
Madam— and madam— I’m so sorry—
CLARA:
Are you, then, Mary? As sorry as you were in the years you helped them keep this whole affair from me?
MRS. HAWKING:
Perhaps if they hadn’t been sneaking about, I’d know what we were up against!
CLARA:
Perhaps if you hadn’t been so unbearable lately, they wouldn’t have had to sneak!
MRS. HAWKING:
You don’t know anything about it, Clara!
(The bell rings.)
MRS. HAWKING:
For God’s sake, Mary, get it.
(MARY steps outside the door and returns with a letter.)
MARY:
A message, madam. It’s in your name.
(MRS. HAWKING opens it. Enter MRS. FROST to read it.)
MRS. FROST:
My dear Victoria. I hope this letter finds you well— or at least, better than when last I saw you. I wanted to let you know that I have had the most intriguing guest. I believe you know him; he certainly wants to know you, though I’m not sure that he does. You have been terribly interested in me of late, but alas, I am so dreadfully busy I haven’t the time to entertain you. In light of this, I thought I might show this young man something of my hospitality. I don’t know how long our visit will last— that shall be up to him —but rest assured, my dear, I will take good care of him until at last he returns. You may be disappointed that you and I shall not see more of one another, but I do hope you’ll heed me in this, Victoria. Though of course I must remember the headstrong girl I brought up so many years ago. I always wondered if someday you might listen to what people have to say— but you always did love learning the hard way. Your loving sister in arms— Elizabeth Danvers Cameron Colter Frost.
(Exit MRS. FROST.)
CLARA:
This is who has him— that Frost woman? The one that beat you.
(Pause.)
CLARA:
What are you going to do?
MRS. HAWKING:
I said I’m not certain.
CLARA:
That isn’t good enough, madam. You are going to get him out of there, that is certain!
MRS. HAWKING:
I mean I don’t know how to do it! Not yet.
CLARA:
Come up with something! That’s what you do, isn’t it? Come up with the clever scheme to defeat the enemy and save the day?
MRS. HAWKING:
Is that what Nathaniel told you?
CLARA:
Of course it is. Don’t you know how he speaks of you? He believes in you utterly. No matter what’s happened, even now, he still cannot believe you could lose.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
This is different. This woman, this Frost… she is dangerous.
CLARA:
Then how can you leave him there?
MRS. HAWKING:
Because I cannot afford to make a wrong move! She is expecting me, Nathaniel is the bait in her trap. If I blunder in, all of us will be lost. And… she knows me. She knows the way I work, and she has always outmaneuvered me.
CLARA:
Then… you must work differently. You must think of some new way to engage her that she will not expect!
MRS. HAWKING:
An easy thing to say when you’ve no idea what we’re up against!
CLARA:
Then— help me to understand! If there’s anything I know, madam, it’s that my way of thinking is entirely unlike yours. Perhaps there’s something I can see that you can’t.
MRS. HAWKING:
She is… untouchable. Rather than circumvent the structures of society, she bends them to her own advantage. And with so many layers of distance between her operations and herself, her public persona remains unassailable. There she commands a battlefield upon which I have no soldiers.
MARY:
Except… her.
(They stare at her.)
MARY:
You’ve come at her your own way, madam, and she’s countered you at every turn. But the other Mrs. Hawking… she walks in worlds you don’t.
CLARA:
Yes! That same world as she does. Perhaps… there’s some way I can challenge her.
MRS. HAWKING:
What could you do?
CLARA:
I— I don’t know yet. But if she maintains that reputation, it means something to her. She’s got something to lose.
MARY:
She’s right, madam. And coming from that quarter… that she will not expect.
MRS. HAWKING:
Do you think you could do it?
CLARA:
Madam. This is what I do.
MRS. HAWKING:
If we are to succeed, Clara, you will have to trust me in this. Can you do that for Nathaniel’s sake?
CLARA:
There is nothing I cannot do for Nathaniel’s sake.
MARY:
Then… are we to do this? The three of us?
MRS. HAWKING:
Very nearly. But I need one more.
(MRS. HAWKING goes to leave, but CLARA stops her.)
CLARA:
Nathaniel told me once that you save people. I didn’t want to believe him then. But God help you if you make a liar of him now.
Scene 7
(MRS. HAWKING waits on the street for MADAM MALAIKA.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
You again!
MRS. HAWKING:
I’m sorry. But I had no choice.
MADAM MALAIKA:
No choice but to come where you’re not wanted?
MRS. HAWKING:
Yes. Because Frost is a force of no common rate.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I told you, I will manage this without your help—
MRS. HAWKING:
But I need yours.
MADAM MALAIKA:
To do what? To settle the score between you? The great hunter, seeking her next trophy. I know what skin you have in this game.
MRS. HAWKING:
Perhaps not. She’s— she’s taken my nephew. For no greater crime than being mine.
MADAM MALAIKA:
That young man with you. The one who looks like the Captain.
MRS. HAWKING:
She knows I’ve been tracking her. For the last year and half, looking for some weak point to break her operation. She took him to hold over me. That is nothing to you, but— we have a common enemy, and a common purpose.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Working with you nearly ruined me. After all that’s happened, why would I ever join with you again? Why would I trust you again?
MRS. HAWKING:
You worked with Frost when you needed to. If you’ve any loyalty to her, know that she has none to you.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Do you take me for a fool?
MRS. HAWKING:
Never. You make your way in what manner you can. And your skills are valuable; I can pay you for your labor as well as she can.
MADAM MALAIKA:
You cannot believe this is a matter of money.
MRS. HAWKING:
I believe it’s is a matter of necessity. How many refugees do you have in hiding now? How many people are relying on you? If you cannot call off her forces, they will never escape.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I know.
MRS. HAWKING:
Elizabeth Frost is… a leviathan, a fathomless monster roiling beneath a silent sea. She has an ocean behind her, and endless currents of influence at her fingertips. Hers is an empire that drowns.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I know that as well as you! Why do you tell me this?
MRS. HAWKING:
Because I know I can’t beat her on my own. Can you?
MADAM MALAIKA:
No.
MRS. HAWKING:
I’ve looked into your work. All across the colonies, the injustices you’ve struck against. The people you’ve fed, comforted, set free. You are a force, madam. And, I… well. You may doubt my motives, but not my skills. The two of us together may stand a chance.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I was taken in by those words once before.
MRS. HAWKING:
We were friends once. I have not had many friends in my life. You were the only one that was true.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Were we friends?
MRS. HAWKING:
Is there nothing left of it? Are you and I so unalike? We came to walk the same path. For God’s sake, we were raised by the same woman.
MADAM MALAIKA:
You needn’t remind me. I still see her in the way you braid your hair.
MRS. HAWKING:
And heaven knows we have both suffered.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Perhaps. But whatever else befell you, you were still a hero’s wife and a governor’s daughter.
MRS. HAWKING:
I would have given anything to have been neither.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I do not doubt it. But at least you knew you would never starve.
(Pause.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
You cannot make things right between us, Victoria.
MRS. HAWKING:
I know it’s too late for me. But it is not too late for everyone.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Well. You’ve said your piece. Now go home.
Scene 8
(The Hawking parlor. MARY lets in CLARA to MRS. HAWKING.)
MARY:
Thank you for coming, madam.
CLARA:
Yes, well, let’s carry on with it.
MARY:
Of course. It seems we have two objectives in this—
(Enter MADAM MALAIKA from deeper in the house.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
Three. Three objectives.
MRS. HAWKING:
Malaika. Why are you—?
MADAM MALAIKA:
I looked into what you said. You were right; Frost’s men are the ones hunting my charges. I cannot permit them to remain within her grasp. Even if it means again dealing with you.
MRS. HAWKING:
Thank you.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I do what I must for those I am responsible for. The choice was clear.
MARY:
In that case… we have three objectives. Nathaniel’s rescue from Mrs. Frost. Safe passage for the refugees she’s trafficked. And dealing with the woman herself.
MRS. HAWKING:
It’s all the same problem. Put paid to Frost, and that’s the beginning and the end.
CLARA:
Not if we don’t find where she’s keeping Nathaniel.
MRS. HAWKING:
I have considered that, Clara; I’ve been at this some time longer than you. It all comes down to her— a lesser mind could not manage so complex an operation beneath all notice. Take her out, and all of it comes crashing down.
MADAM MALAIKA:
The real question is, how? What is your intention? To kill her?
MARY:
I beg your pardon, madam?
MRS. HAWKING:
She will not stop unless something stops her. We all know that.
CLARA:
Would you— is that— do you consider it?
MARY:
Surely— surely not.
MADAM MALAIKA:
One does what has to be done, miss.
CLARA:
(To MRS. HAWKING) And have you before?
MRS. HAWKING:
This is not a game, Clara.
CLARA:
My God. (To MARY) Did you know that?
MARY:
No, madam. I never did. I suppose I thought…
MRS. HAWKING:
For heaven’s sake, it’s not been necessary in some time. How was it supposed to come up?
MADAM MALAIKA:
You must know, even if you wanted to, it won’t work. She keeps guards about her wherever she goes, day and night, at home and afar. Even if one of us could get near to her, they wouldn’t come out alive.
MARY:
We’ve had great success laying traps for our enemies with the police. Frost has so many criminal endeavors, surely there’s one of them that would betray her to them.
MRS. HAWKING:
Do you think she has no officers in her pay? And even so, I have been digging about for months for something to hang her on! But there’s nothing— nothing that can be traced back to her. Her layers and layers of proxy agents protect her.
MARY:
Then— why not begin with those layers? What are they, how do they shield her, so that we might begin peeling them back?
MRS. HAWKING:
There are more than we can count— her operatives, her false fronts, even her thrice-damned husband.
CLARA:
Her husband?
MADAM MALAIKA:
Mr. Dawson Frost. She keeps the man drugged on opium, so she can act freely in his name.
(MRS. HAWKING produces a document to show.)
MRS. HAWKING:
See here, I intercepted documents sent to his solicitor last week. It’s a request to review his financial investments, signed as if in his hand.
CLARA:
Dawson Frost, you said? How odd!
MRS. HAWKING:
It’s a faked signature, Clara, that’s the whole matter.
CLARA:
Not that; I sign for Nathaniel all the time. For God’s sake, why take a man’s name if you can’t use it?
MRS. HAWKING:
I assume that you aren’t running a criminal empire behind it! What is your point?
CLARA:
That Dawson Frost has gone abroad recently to the continent— before that thing was supposed to have been signed.
MRS. HAWKING:
How do you know that?
CLARA:
Did you think I wouldn’t do my research on this woman? I saw it in The Lady. Which I’m sure you don’t read.
MADAM MALAIKA:
But how even could that be? As far as I saw, the man was practically an invalid; he hadn’t the wherewithal to leave his dressing room.
MRS. HAWKING:
And why would she send him abroad, if she had work for him to be carrying out here? Why risk drawing attention to her scheme?
MARY:
We can’t be certain without knowing for sure where he is.
MADAM MALAIKA:
And for that we’d have to search the house. She keeps the place like a fortress; you found that firsthand, I think.
MRS. HAWKING:
Then what about you? You worked for her; did you learn nothing that could be of use?
MADAM MALAIKA:
I learned that one does not lightly cross Kingmaker. And I have too much at stake to make the wrong move.
MRS. HAWKING:
We’ll have to gather information somehow! Stake out the house, monitor Frost’s movements—
CLARA:
To what end? How does tracking down an opium addict get us any closer to Nathaniel?
MRS. HAWKING
Because we must discover Frost’s doings, Clara! How else do you expect me to save him? Wait until he’s talked her to death?
CLARA:
I have had quite enough of your sneering, madam. Considering it’s your fault he’s in this mess.
MRS. HAWKING:
My fault? He went behind my back! Do you know how much trouble it would save me if I didn’t always have to mind that boy?
CLARA:
For God’s sake, he’s not a boy! You were at his wedding, the births of his children— he’s the one who manages your money! Why do you insist on calling him that?
MRS. HAWKING:
Because it seems I’m always responsible for him as if he were! And otherwise— he becomes his uncle. And I am quite through with that.
CLARA:
It always comes back to this. You know, there’s one thing I’m glad of in all this. You may have placed him in terrible danger. But at least he’s not here to see just how little you regard him.
(CLARA exits.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Are you pleased with yourself, Mary? You wanted to bring us together in this. And now you’ve done it.
(MRS. HAWKING exits.)
MARY:
I’m sorry, madam.
MADAM MALAIKA:
You did not make her what she is.
MARY:
She’s… not been well. Not since… well, this business began with Mrs. Frost.
MADAM MALAIKA:
It goes much farther back than that, I imagine.
MARY:
You know, she thinks the world of you. Even after all that’s happened, I have never seen her care so much for… anyone, as she does for you.
MADAM MALAIKA:
History is a rope. It ties us together, and it holds us down.
(Pause.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
You’re her apprentice, are you not? Is this the path you intend to walk?
MARY:
Yes, madam.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Then you ought to know what awaits you. If you pursue this work.
MARY:
What do you mean?
MADAM MALAIKA:
It destroys us all, in the end. Her anger, her hardness? It may have brought her to this life. But it only grows worse, the more battles you fight. The greater the lengths it asks you to go.
MARY:
She told me what happened between you. But she was a careless girl when you knew her; there has been a lifetime since then. Now… she’s a hero. She’s my hero.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I remember what it was to be caught up in the force of her. So that you believed that there is nothing she could not do.
MARY:
Before I met her, I was no one. A maid girl alone in the world, never so much as noticed except to stoke the fires or clear the trays. And then I met Madam, and she brought me into her service… and then my life began. I owe her everything.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Perhaps so. But if you follow after her, you will go where she goes. And eventually, you will walk that path alone.
MARY:
No. No, it doesn’t have to be.
MADAM MALAIKA:
This has been my burden for twenty-seven years. I know whereof I speak.
MARY:
So you’ve… traveled the world, carried so much… and you’ve always been alone? Surely, in twenty-seven years, there’s been someone who stood by you.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Some have tried. Once, there was one that I thought… I would try to keep. But he had responsibilities that held him. And mine would always call me away.
MARY:
But… how do you bear it? Isn’t it destroying you?
(Pause.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
Even as we speak. But that’s the truth of it.
MARY:
No. No, it can’t be the only way. Even Mrs. Hawking… she has me now, and Nathaniel. And it’s done her good, it’s changed her. I must believe that.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I hope you’re right. For your sake. Before she changes you.
MARY:
Everything I am, I am because of her. Without her, who would I be?
MADAM MALAIKA:
You would be Mary Stone. And who is that?
Scene 9
(Frost’s hideout. NATHANIEL dresses in clothes that have been left for him and struggles to tie the necktie. MRS. FROST and ROLAND enter.)
MRS. FROST:
Having trouble? I suppose you don’t often do that yourself.
(She takes the tie and does it for him.)
MRS. FROST:
You know, you’re not the spitting image, whatever they say. He was broader in the shoulders, I think, and deeper in the chest. A war horse, rather than a thoroughbred. But that face… is just as anyone could remember it. Every lady in London must be giving you the glad eye.
NATHANIEL:
…I couldn’t speak to that.
MRS. FROST:
Still, you’re certainly a lucky man. Looks, money, good name in this city. Lovely wife, darling children. It’s enough to make anyone wonder— why ever do you do this?
NATHANIEL:
I told you— I’m not going to talk to you.
MRS. FROST:
Hm. I wouldn’t advise that, given that I know where all your people live, and I find mine much more expendable. Roland, dear, what was the name of that new recruit who was so eager to prove himself with a rough job? In case we need to send someone after the children?
ROLAND:
Joe Quinn, ma’am.
MRS. FROST:
Joe Quinn, thank you. I’ll be sure to let him know if our guest here is uncooperative. Now, to the point— why all these would-be heroics, scrambling after Mrs. Hawking as she leaps from roof to roof?
NATHANIEL:
To help people, do good in the world. Is that so hard for you to imagine?
MRS. FROST:
Not at all; I suppose a young man like you has always had a touch of the knight errant. It’s why you enlisted a few years back, wasn’t it?
(She looks through her file until she finds a picture.)
MRS. FROST:
Look here, your first military uniform! Heh, I don’t know why I said “first.”
NATHANIEL:
It happened that I wasn’t cut out for it.
MRS. FROST:
Whatever went wrong?
NATHANIEL:
Why do you ask what you already know? (Sighing) They lashed me to a desk in the armory, and I thought if I was to do nothing but account books, I might as well do the ones at home.
MRS. FROST:
Well. We can’t all be heroes. There are not many men like your uncle. But I suppose you’ve finally found your talent— clearly you’re better at all this than you ever were at soldiering.
ROLAND:
Heh. Not good enough, if he’s here.
MRS. FROST:
A fair point! But enough that Mrs. Hawking has kept him around.
NATHANIEL:
No mean feat, if I may say.
MRS. FROST:
I’m sure! Tell me, what does your wife think of this work at which you’ve been so diligent?
NATHANIEL:
She couldn’t be prouder.
MRS. FROST:
Really? Well, I suppose she couldn’t be too cross— after all, we know what you do with anyone’s disapproval.
NATHANIEL:
What does that mean?
MRS. FROST:
I understand if you’re not used to it! From everything I gather, you’ve always been rather the golden boy. Until recently, that is. Mrs. Hawking is quite hard on you, isn’t she?
NATHANIEL:
I don’t do it for the praise.
MRS. FROST:
Don’t you?
NATHANIEL:
I beg your pardon?
MRS. FROST:
Not that you don’t mean well. But honestly, dear boy, there are ways to do good that don’t risk your life and set you against the rest of your family. And for what? A moment’s regard amidst the ire? Why do you need that so badly?
NATHANIEL:
I— wouldn’t expect you to understand.
MRS. FROST:
It’s rather sad, if you ask me. Hanging so much of yourself on someone else’s word. Especially when it won’t come to anything.
NATHANIEL:
You don’t know anything about it.
MRS. FROST:
Indeed? When you and I have both seen it happen before?
(Pause.)
MRS. FROST:
You and the Colonel were very close, weren’t you? Must have been; you called your son in his honor. Shame he never met his namesake; little fellow came just a bit too late.
NATHANIEL:
By a bare month. But he did hold my daughter in his arms. That meant a great deal to me.
MRS. FROST:
He was a remarkable man. Handsome, capable, honorable. In a lifetime of decorated service, he only ever made one mistake— loving Victoria Stanton. And he paid for it for the rest of his life.
NATHANIEL:
It wasn’t so simple. She was hard done by her own life.
MRS. FROST:
Oh, certainly. If by hard done, you mean she was the daughter of a governor loved by a worthy man. Jesus wept. If I had a fraction of the advantages you lot were born with, I’d be running the empire. But she had it all, and she cared for none of it. Not even him. And that was when I knew.
NATHANIEL:
Knew what?
MRS. FROST:
What a monster she was.
NATHANIEL:
Oh, spare me. He was not perfect either; I’ve made my peace with it.
MRS. FROST:
She destroyed him, you know. Have you made your peace with that?
NATHANIEL:
They made each other miserable. Anyone could see that.
MRS. FROST:
I suppose it was no secret. Unlike… other things about the Colonel.
NATHANIEL:
What other things?
MRS. FROST:
Oh, come now. It wasn’t as if he talked about himself, even close as you were. Don’t tell me you didn’t wonder. Perhaps, for example, about the work for which he was commended by the queen?
NATHANIEL:
I know about the knighthood.
MRS. FROST:
Oh, indeed? So you know what took him abroad so often, after he and Mrs. Hawking came to London?
(Pause.)
NATHANIEL:
Soldiering, of course. What else?
MRS. FROST:
Oh! So you don’t know, then! Now, this wasn’t easy to get a hold of, even for me. But it was worth it. If it strikes your fancy.
(She gestures to ROLAND, who brings her a case of records.)
NATHANIEL:
What the devil are you talking about?
MRS. FROST:
Why, dear boy, don’t you see? That’s from the queen’s private archives. It’s your uncle’s record… service, and otherwise.
NATHANIEL:
Why have you brought this to me?
MRS. FROST:
Because I know how badly you want to know what’s in it. You must have so many questions about the man who was almost a father to you. Questions you can never ask him, and no one else you know has an answer you can trust. Everything is all here. All of it, right here.
NATHANIEL:
Well. I told you before. I won’t betray her. Not even for that.
MRS. FROST:
I understand, dear. You’re not ready yet. But you may as well take something for your trouble. Since you’ve already given me means to break her.
NATHANIEL:
What do you mean?
MRS. FROST:
Why, Malaika Shah. You remember she once did a service for me? I reached out and made her an offer for her precious refugees. I’ll call off my operatives and let them go free, if she delivers Mrs. Hawking to me. I’d say the choice is clear— and you can bet she’s learned the lesson that you haven’t yet. So I would not count on Auntie’s mind being on a rescue. She’s about to have far greater worries than you.
ACT II
Scene 1
(The bell rings in the Hawking parlor. MARY enters to open the door to ARTHUR.)
MARY:
Arthur! There you are! You’ll have to be quick. Have you got something?
ARTHUR:
No. No, I’m sorry, Mary. I haven’t got anything. This Mrs. Frost— she’s spotless. I dug through every record I could get my hands on, and the only mention of her was as a client of some solicitor whose premises saw a break in last week.
MARY:
A break in at her solicitor’s? What for?
ARTHUR:
That’s it, we don’t know. They couldn’t even find anything stolen. I’m so sorry, Mary.
MARY:
You did your best, Arthur.
ARTHUR:
But it’s worse even than that— they just handed down word, Mary. All officers to keep on the lookout— for some renegade in a black hood, armed with knives who slips in through transoms to steal valuables and slit throats.
MARY:
You mean…
ARTHUR:
Someone’s set them chasing after your mistress. I don’t think they know her name. Or even that she’s a she. But they know she’s about, and they’re looking for her.
MARY:
Madam said Frost had men on the force.
ARTHUR:
I can try to— say something to my Captain, to call them off the hunt—
MARY:
No. We can’t risk calling you in as the cavalry this time. We’ve got to finish this another way.
ARTHUR:
Then I’ll help some other way. I feel right rotten that they took Mr. Hawking right in front of me. I should have just broken my cover—
MARY:
He was my responsibility. And I let him down. It’s always been dangerous, but I never thought… it never felt so close before. And Nathaniel— he’s supposed to talk, not fight. I thought he was the safest of all of us. But now he could die, because I couldn’t save him.
ARTHUR:
We can still find him, Mary, it’s not too late. There has to be more I can do. I’m inside her operation now, and I’ve heard some things— there has to be some use we can make—
MARY:
No.
ARTHUR:
I know you can’t let me in on everything— but with Mr. Hawking’s life on the line—
MARY:
No, Arthur! Don’t you see I’m in trouble enough?
ARTHUR:
This is not your fault.
MARY:
I lied to my mistress, Arthur. The person who taught me everything I know, and trusted me with all her secrets. With Nathaniel taken, and Madam so angry… I feel so alone. And now you working as a spy in the gangs…
ARTHUR:
They told me not to tell anyone. I thought you’d understand.
MARY:
Of course, it isn’t that! But what happened to Nathaniel… it could happen to you too. If she catches you working for us.
ARTHUR:
We’re all of us taking risks, Mary.
MARY:
That’s so. But I can’t lose anyone else.
ARTHUR:
Here, now— no one’s lost. Not Mr. Hawking, and not Mrs. Hawking to you. You’ve been through too much together. You’ll come through this, and I’ll do whatever I can to see you do it.
MARY:
How is it that you can bear all this for me?
ARTHUR:
Because I love you.
(Pause.)
ARTHUR:
I hadn’t said it, but… I think I have for some time now. I know you’ve had a bloody lot on your mind. But you can’t go on thinking you’re alone in this. Not if I can stand by you.
MARY:
It’s all right. I love you, Arthur.
(They kiss. MRS. HAWKING enters behind them.)
ARTHUR:
I’ll keep my ears open. Whatever you need, I’ll come running.
MARY:
Thank you.
(ARTHUR exits. MARY turns and sees MRS. HAWKING.)
MARY:
Madam. I thought you were out.
MRS. HAWKING:
I was chased. On my way out of the port authority. By police officers, yelling about the black hood they’d been put on the hunt for.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
How long?
MARY:
Madam—
MRS. HAWKING:
First the cases behind my back. Now— you and that policeman… how long have you been lying to me?
MARY:
Over a year.
(Pause.)
MARY:
Please, madam—
MRS. HAWKING:
How could you?
MARY:
We only meant to spare you. You have not been yourself.
MRS. HAWKING:
So you betray me instead? What does that policeman know? What have you told him?
MARY:
Not much. Not everything.
MRS. HAWKING:
For God’s sake. Is this why you were so keen to have him on? So you can carry on beneath my very nose?
MARY:
I was going to tell you, madam. I swear. I only— I only—
MRS. HAWKING:
I thought you understood. What it meant to live this life, do this work.
MARY:
I told you, I can’t do it like you do.
MRS. HAWKING:
You can’t do it at all if some man can decide it all for you!
MARY:
Arthur isn’t like that! He’s a good man.
MRS. HAWKING:
And yet a man still. Why would you take that risk?
MARY:
Because… I care for him.
MRS. HAWKING:
More than everything we’ve done here?
MARY:
You know what this means to us. What you mean to me.
MRS. HAWKING:
Then how could you lie?
MARY:
Because of what you mean! Because to disappoint you, in anything, is more than we can bear! It’s why we keep your secrets and bear your anger. It’s why Nathaniel is in that woman’s trap. Don’t you see by now, that we’d do anything for you?
MRS. HAWKING:
Anything… but what I need. I’ve heard that before.
MARY:
Do you think we did this to hurt you? What were we to do, when women came begging for help? Watch their hearts break on their faces that you turned them away?
MRS. HAWKING:
You could have faith in me! Faith that everything I did, I did to a purpose and a greater end!
MARY:
They had faith in you, madam! We could not look them in the eye and say, “I’m sorry, but Mrs. Hawking is not who you thought she was.” We had to be certain they saw you. Saw you for what you are.
MRS. HAWKING:
And what is that?
MARY:
A hero.
(CLARA lets herself in through the front door.)
CLARA:
Well, madam, have you solved the case of the missing opium addict? Or do you perhaps intend to spare a thought to your nephew?
(MADAM MALAIKA comes in through the window.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Christ on the cross, Clara, I had to shake a police chase today. If I must explain this to you one more time—!
CLARA:
You’ll what? Say something cutting so I work harder for your favor?
MADAM MALAIKA:
Making great progress here, I see.
MRS. HAWKING:
Tell me you’ve got something we can use!
MADAM MALAIKA:
Hardly. I staked out her estate in the hope that something had changed since last I saw it. The security is even tighter now; I watched them search through even an ice wagon on a delivery. She’s dug in and made ready, for whatever we could throw at her.
CLARA:
Then what? Where does that leave things?
MADAM MALAIKA:
This was a vain enterprise from the start.
MRS. HAWKING:
What would you have us do, abandon it? If we do nothing, she wins!
MADAM MALAIKA:
If we make the wrong move, she wins! Do you not understand? I will not put my people at risk because you cannot bear to stand still!
MARY:
Madams, enough! We must not lose sight of what’s at stake. None of us have been idle; we must have found something we can make use of. We are our only chance— what have we learned since last we spoke?
CLARA:
Nothing. We have nothing.
MARY:
That can’t be; we only don’t know it yet. You said you’ve done your research, tell us what you’ve learned.
CLARA:
I… looked into her social calendar. She’s taken every invitation that’s crossed her desk— luncheons, teas, parties, as if she means to keep herself in the public eye. She moves in very high society; I’m surprised I’ve never encountered her before.
MRS. HAWKING:
Your name is Hawking; she’d have nothing to do with you. What is there in this?
MARY:
Madam, please! Now, I’ve done my looking into her gang activities. On the contrary, it’s all gone very quiet— dug in, as Madam Malaika said. And I spoke to— a contact of mine in the police department. The closest he found to anything involving Frost was a break in at her solicitor’s where nothing was stolen.
CLARA:
That’s all? That’s all he had?
MARY:
Not quite. It seems Frost has made use of her inside men. She’s sent them all hunting for the mysterious figure in the black hood.
MRS. HAWKING:
She means to keep me from operating, blast her!
MARY:
We’ll have to take even more care. Now, Madam Malaika, is there anything else you learned from the house?
MADAM MALAIKA:
As I said, the security is tighter than ever, even her personal guard. When she left the grounds, half a dozen men left with her. Infiltration with her at home would be impossible, but even with her bodyguards away it would be a nightmare.
MRS. HAWKING:
Will she set the police against you too, I wonder?
MADAM MALAIKA:
I’ve given her no reason to believe I’m working with you.
MARY:
Now, the other Mrs. Hawking. What have you got?
MRS. HAWKING:
I did as I said I would and tried to track down the husband. All the travel arrangements were made; tickets, manifests, berths on a ship across the Channel. But even before the police chased me off, I found no record the harbor authority saw him through customs, so it’s not even clear he was on that ship. God knows where he is now.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Wait a moment. These parties Frost is attending— is she hosting any of them? Holding anything at home?
CLARA:
What? No, she’s out for all of them. Why do you—?
MADAM MALIKA:
Dawson Frost is neither at home nor abroad. He’s dead.
MARY:
What? Are you sure?
MADAM MALAIKA:
She kept the man drugged enough to level an ox. It was only a matter of time before it became too much. And that ice delivery— too much if she has no plans to entertain. Finally it’s happened, and she has a body to hide.
CLARA:
Why ever is she keeping it?
MRS. HAWKING:
Because she wasn’t ready. She’s hardly above disposing of a husband if it suits her, but this was a mistake; she wasn’t ready to lose her figurehead.
MARY:
That’s why she contacted her solicitor! She has to put his affairs in order before anyone discovers that he’s gone.
CLARA:
Could that be what the break in was all about? Something of Dawson’s that she didn’t want her solicitor to know about?
MRS. HAWKING:
The man’s will. She switched out his will, to make changes without drawing attention.
MADAM MALAIKA:
So that when his body is shipped back from wherever he supposedly he died, everything will already be in her favor.
CLARA:
Why, that cunning harpy! Is this it? Is this how we get her?
MADAM MALAIKA:
On what? He was an addict; an overdose would not look like murder.
MARY:
Even if she didn’t intend it, she must be responsible for his death. Couldn’t we send in the police for that?
MADAM MALAIKA:
What police? The ones she’s bribed into her service?
CLARA:
No. No! How can it be that this woman has hidden her husband’s body in her cellar, and we can do nothing about it!? That’s madness!
MRS. HAWKING
Oh, God.
MARY:
Madam?
MRS. HAWKING:
I know what has to be done.
MADAM MALAIKA:
What?
(MRS. HAWKING looks at her hard.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
What?
MRS. HAWKING:
It is a terrible thing.
MARY:
Terrible thing— madam, what do you mean—?
CLARA:
Let her speak.
Scene 2
(A fancy tea party. CLARA attends with MARY. MARY holds CLARA’s new astrakhan.)
MARY:
You look beautiful, madam. And formidable.
CLARA:
It’s what I always aim for. But I’ll confess I don’t feel it. How do you do this? Walk into these battles, knowing everything relies on you?
MARY:
Because… there’s nothing else for it. You never know what you can do until you must.
CLARA:
I was so afraid of something like this. I don’t know if he ever was. He was so sure. About what he was doing, that it was the right thing to do.
MARY:
He’s very brave.
CLARA:
Perhaps so. But I don’t know if he ever really believed he was in danger. He was too good at it— she was too good. And, whatever happened, she would see that it all turned out in the end.
(Pause.)
MARY:
Madam… I’m sorry.
CLARA:
Oh, goodness.
MARY:
I’m sorry I couldn’t protect him. We meant to look out for one another. Especially… without Madam there to do it for us.
CLARA:
Please, don’t do this, Mary.
MARY:
It’s only… I know you’ve been cross with me. And it sounds as if… you have been for some time.
CLARA:
Good heavens. Ridiculous, aren’t I? Cross with my impossible auntie’s maid for keeping her secrets. You’re a good maid, what else could you do? But heaven help me, I found I couldn’t look you in the eye.
MARY:
I never meant to lie to you. I thought it was for the best. But I’ve made that mistake too many times.
CLARA:
I felt a fool, wounded by the house girl for doing her job. But… you’re not only the maid, are you? You’re Nathaniel’s dear friend. I thought perhaps… you and I could be as well. But then, I first approached you to handle Auntie for me, so perhaps I deserve what I get. And heaven knows you were lying for Nathaniel too.
MARY:
Are you angry with him?
CLARA:
He broke his promise. He said he’d always come home. To me, to his daughter and son. Why shouldn’t I be angry?
MARY:
He wants to do good, madam. We all do.
CLARA:
I know. Which is why I’m not angry. I’m frightened. And so desperately sad. What do you think they’re doing to him?
MARY:
Don’t— you mustn’t allow yourself to dwell on it. Or you’ll never be able to act to save him. We can’t do it without you.
CLARA:
So much rests upon this. Nathaniel’s very life. What if I fail?
MARY:
I thought the same thing, when I began. But if nobody does anything… nothing can be done. As I said— you never know what you can do until you have to. After all, you stare down Mrs. Hawking without batting an eyelash. You are the bravest soul I know.
(Enter MRS. FROST.)
CLARA:
There she is. Come now, Mary, it’s time.
(MARY helps CLARA into her astrakhan.)
MARY:
I’ll be waiting outside. It’s a beautiful coat, madam.
CLARA:
It’s my birthday present.
(MARY exits. CLARA approaches MRS. FROST.)
CLARA:
Mrs. Frost. Isn’t it?
MRS. FROST:
Yes. And who might you be?
CLARA:
I’ve heard so much about you, madam. Your standing. Your work in this city. I wanted to meet you in person.
MRS. FROST:
How very flattering, Mrs…? What did you say your name was?
CLARA:
I didn’t. But it’s Hawking. Mrs. Nathaniel Hawking, as a matter of fact.
MRS. FROST:
Indeed! I am acquainted with your husband’s family.
CLARA:
Oh, we know you. And because of that, madam, I simply had to tell you myself.
MRS. FROST:
Tell me what?
CLARA:
That we are coming for you.
MRS. FROST:
(Laughing) My goodness, madam!
CLARA:
Your reputation indeed proceeds you; you are a formidable woman, with all your powers, and all your engines, cloaked in all the gentility of a true lady. But… you’re not, are you?
MRS. FROST:
I beg your pardon?
CLARA:
I know your type. The pretension is chiseled on you. Weren’t you a colonial governess whose father was a ship’s cook? What would you have done without marriages to rich old tradesmen to bring you out of the backwater?
MRS. FROST:
Why, you have done your research.
CLARA:
Oh, mostly certainly. But I need no dossier to know a bitter, upjumped scold when I see one. Tell me, at your age, has all this left you as tired as you look?
MRS. FROST:
I’d have a care of the price of my words. If it came out of my husband’s hide.
CLARA:
You’d do better to think of your own. Auntie dear will be taking her swing at you at the ball on Saturday, but looking you in the eye now is enough to leave me certain— you’re already finished.
MRS. FROST:
I see. Well, I cannot speak to any of that, but I must ask… if you know my ways, my works, everything I’ve done… what makes you think this occasion will be any different from every other who has tried me?
CLARA:
Because this time you’ve crossed me. And I will see you answer for it.
MRS. FROST:
Well! I must say, this has been exceedingly amusing, but I fear I must be on my way. Good day, Clara.
CLARA:
Mrs. Hawking. I am Mrs. Hawking.
(MRS. FROST exits. DR. ENFIELD enters.)
CLARA:
Dr. Enfield.
DR. ENFIELD:
Ah, there you are, my dear. I simply had to tell you, things are going splendidly; I’m ever so glad you suggested we attend today. We’ve raised nearly half again the money already, and it’s all thanks to the benefactors you charmed.
CLARA:
I’m so pleased to hear it.
DR. ENFIELD:
You are indeed a wonder, Mrs. Hawking. Only— forgive me, but something seems amiss on your face just now.
CLARA:
Oh, my, is it so plain?
DR. ENFIELD:
To me it is, dear lady. Is something troubling you?
CLARA:
I must confess, sir, there is. And I don’t at all know where to turn.
DR. ENFIELD:
Fear not— if there is anything I can do to ease your mind, it would be my honor.
CLARA:
Oh, doctor, that would be very kind. Though I must warn you… it may be quite serious.
DR. ENFIELD:
Tell me everything, madam. You need bear this alone no longer.
Scene 3
(The Hawking house. MRS. HAWKING sees MADAM MALAIKA off.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Are you sure you have everything you need?
MADAM MALAIKA:
It’s all here. I’ve got the needles for the guards, and the powders. I know the house, and I’ve broken into places like this before.
MRS. HAWKING:
You said it was suicide to try to breach that house. And who knows what state the body will be in? How will you get it up the stairs?
MADAM MALAIKA:
There’s a dumb waiter, a very large one. And by now, there should not be much of him left to move.
(MRS. HAWKING helps MADAM MALAIKA dress.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Here. Allow me.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Tighter, please. To keep the wrist stable.
MRS. HAWKING:
What happened?
MADAM MALAIKA:
A very old wound by now. But there was no one to set it then, so it never properly healed.
MRS. HAWKING:
You should not be going in alone.
MADAM MALAIKA:
There’s no one else. And I can work alone just as well as you can.
MRS. HAWKING:
Of course. You are a remarkable operative. Head and shoulders above any other I’ve seen. The two of us together would be unstoppable.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I’ve heard those words from you before. After all these years, how can I even bear to hear them?
(Pause.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
It took me years to forget about you. And I hated myself for how I missed you. Did you ever know what you did to me?
MRS. HAWKING:
I know that I failed you—
MADAM MALAIKA:
More even than that. I was so lonely when we met. And so weary I didn’t even know it, until you gave me a drop of hope. I had nothing and no one but you— and then you were gone. And who could I turn to? Little more than a criminal, and a danger to anyone who knew me?
MRS. HAWKING:
I have never regretted anything more.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
We are not the girls we used to be, Malaika. And you have spent enough time carrying all your burdens alone.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I thought there was no other way. That bonds would weigh me down, place those that mattered to me in danger. But… even you have your girl, your nephew. And I don’t know if I can bear it anymore.
MRS. HAWKING:
You needn’t any longer. Not if you don’t want to—
MADAM MALAIKA:
It can’t be you, Victoria. Too much has happened for us to go back.
(Pause.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
I know what there is between us, no matter how I tried to forget it. We are sisters, Victoria— in girlhood, in arms, as the other child of my mother. But we will never be friends again.
(Pause.)
MADAM MALAIKA:
Now. We have work to do. Both of us.
MRS. HAWKING:
You mean, my holding and waiting and doing nothing whilst the rest of you operate?
MADAM MALAIKA:
There will be eyes on you. You must make certain they see nothing. Besides… your time will come soon enough.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
I could finish it myself, you know. I’ll be close enough. Closer than her guards.
MADAM MALAIKA:
You’d finish yourself as well. You’d never get away clean.
MRS. HAWKING:
It may be worth it. If it works.
MADAM MALAIKA:
You’d rather die than trust the rest of us? No. This time, you’ll play the part you’re given. Are you ready?
MRS. HAWKING:
As best I can be. It is not a sure thing.
MADAM MALAIKA:
No. Not if it’s possible. I mean— can you do it?
MRS. HAWKING:
As you said. There is no one else.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Still. I don’t envy you. I am not the only sister you’ve lost.
(MADAM MALAIKA turns to go.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Godspeed, Malaika.
Scene 4
(Frost’s hideout. NATHANIEL waits alone.)
NATHANIEL:
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son. The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch! He took his vorpal sword in hand; long time the manxome foe—”
(MRS. FROST and ROLAND enter, carrying the record case.)
MRS. FROST:
Well, Mr. Hawking, I am afraid I have come to the end of my patience. You have your wife to thank for that. I had the pleasure of making her acquaintance the other day.
NATHANIEL:
Indeed? And— have the cuts stopped bleeding yet?
MRS. FROST:
She had some rather imprudent things to say to me, given the vulnerabilities of your position.
NATHANIEL:
My Clara? By Jove. Madam’s brought her in. I told you she was fiercer than them all. And I daresay my girl’s gotten to you.
MRS. FROST:
Victoria Hawking does not go to balls, nor does she permit wagging tongues, unless it were all to an end. So— will you tell me what you know in exchange for safe passage out of here, with the Colonel’s service records under your arm? Or will you tell Roland after he’s persuaded you in his own fashion? I suggest you choose carefully. Since I’m the only one who can save you now.
NATHANIEL:
Why should I? When you won’t be able to save yourself?
(MRS. FROST gestures. ROLAND punches NATHANIEL.)
MRS. FROST:
That’s why. And you’ll only have your answers if I have mine. Can you live with never knowing, now that you know?
NATHANIEL:
He’s been gone for seven years. He can’t hurt her anymore… and he can do no more for me. I must live with that now.
MRS. FROST:
Do you really mean to lay it all down?
NATHANIEL:
I believe in her.
MRS. FROST:
Oh, dear boy! Do you know, Nathaniel, you never look more like your uncle than when you proclaim your faith in her? Tell me, in all this time you’ve labored for her favor, what has mattered to her more? The fierce pursuit of the work that she’s dedicated her life to? Or the people whose paths she crosses along the way?
(Pause.)
MRS. FROST:
Look at me, boy. I will tell you what once I tried to tell him. She doesn’t love you. And she never will, because she can’t. Not the boy who followed her rapist about like a puppy, and looked more like him every day.
NATHANIEL:
What? He never.
MRS. FROST:
They were wed for twenty years against her will, what would you call it? You want her to love you? How can she bear to look at you?
NATHANIEL:
I— I know what you’re doing. But it won’t work. Because she’ll beat you in the end, whether I break or not. And I know where I intend to be when she does.
MRS. FROST:
Very well.
(She gestures. ROLAND ties NATHANIEL to the chair.)
NATHANIEL:
And here we are again.
MRS. FROST:
Do not mistake what’s about to happen, young man. You are reaching the end of this line. And your hero aunt is not coming for you.
NATHANIEL:
Ha! You’ve got that right. Because it’s not me she’s after.
MRS. FROST:
Oh, for pity’s sake. Roland!
ROLAND:
You know how it’s going to go, Mr. Hawking. Unless you talk.
NATHANIEL:
Well. That I can do. You know, you were right that she never could leave well enough alone. But you believe you still know her, and you don’t. Not if you can’t see what’s happening. If you think you’ve beaten her back, you’ve only made her fiercer. And if you think you’ve won, she’s coming for you.
MRS. FROST:
Is that why she sent your wife to fight her battles with sharp words?
NATHANIEL:
Because people who aren’t tied to chairs listen when a lady talks.
(MRS. FROST slaps him.)
MRS. FROST:
Are you not afraid, boy?
NATHANIEL:
I am afraid of all sorts of things! I’m afraid I’m too much like my uncle and not enough. I’m afraid my wife still thinks about my brother, that my children won’t like me when they’re older. I’m afraid I’m going to fail here, I’m afraid I’m going to die here, that I’m pouring out every last bit of myself for someone who will never find me enough— and I’m afraid I will never, ever learn when to stop talking! But, blast it all, you threaten my family! I will not stand aside and clear your way.
MRS. FROST:
You can’t save them when you’re dead.
NATHANIEL:
Then the best chance they’ll have is Victoria Hawking! Damned if I’ll do anything to take that away.
MRS. FROST:
Remarkable. Yet another man who loves her so much he’ll ruin his life for it. How does she keep managing it? Roland, I think I shall be calling upon your man— Mr. Joseph Quinn, was it? It’s time I send him to visit to Mr. Hawking’s children. In the meantime, put him through his paces. Perhaps he’ll see reason then. And you were such a handsome boy. What a waste.
(MRS. FROST exits.)
NATHANIEL:
Round two, then. Just you and me now, my man. What would you like? The cricket scores?
(ROLAND punches him.)
NATHANIEL:
Perhaps you’re more of a rugger man? Or racing; do you follow horseflesh?
(Again.)
NATHANIEL:
Literature, then! My daughter’s halfway through Wuthering Heights, and she has ever so many opinions on that ruddy Heathcliff.
(Again.)
ROLAND:
I know you’re being clever. But just one way to stop this, guv.
NATHANIEL:
Don’t blame me, sir. I thought Catherine was better off with Edgar. But I’m always soft on the nice chaps.
ROLAND:
Right, then. Your funeral.
NATHANIEL:
Best be ready, then. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name—
(Hit.)
ROLAND:
I can keep this up far longer than you can. One more?
NATHANIEL:
“And one, and two! And through and through! The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head, he went galumphing back!”
(Again. Then ROLAND, reconsidering, goes to get his knife.)
NATHANIEL:
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms— my beamish boy!”
(MARY appears. NATHANIEL slumps as they fight. MARY takes ROLAND down. She pats NATHANIEL awake and untied him.)
MARY:
Nathaniel! Good heavens, what have they done to you?
NATHANIEL:
Mary? Oh, my girl. How did you find me?
MARY:
Clara stared her down to make her skittish. When she came to you, we followed. But it’s all right now, we’ll see you out of here. Arthur!
(Enter ARTHUR in his disguise. He notices the record case.)
ARTHUR:
The way’s clear now, Mary, I’ve sent the guards off— Mr. Hawking! Are you all right? And— what’s that on the table?
NATHANIEL:
It’s— nothing. Nothing at all. But never mind that, it’s Frost— she’s got an agent, Joe Quinn. She’s sending him after the children—
ARTHUR:
Joe Quinn, you say? Why, you’re in luck, mate!
NATHANIEL:
What? Why, do you know him?
ARTHUR:
Know him? You’re looking at him.
NATHANIEL:
You mean… it’s you?
ARTHUR:
That’s the name I gave them undercover in the gang. Making my Irish mother proud! And I’ll tell you, I never been so pleased to be the man to knock off a few little nippers.
NATHANIEL:
And I’ve been so pleased to meet him! Thank God!
MARY:
They’ll be all right, Nathaniel, we promise. But, now— we need you.
NATHANIEL:
What?
MARY:
Dear fellow, you’ve been so brave. But I must ask you to be strong just a little while longer.
Scene 5
(MRS. HAWKING waits in a ballroom. Enter MRS. FROST.)
MRS. FROST:
Why, hello, darling.
MRS. HAWKING:
Elizabeth.
MRS. FROST:
Were you expecting me? I must say, I was intrigued to hear you were attending tonight. If you’ve come looking for your boy, I’m afraid you’ll have no luck here.
MRS. HAWKING:
I am not here for him. I’ve come for you.
MRS. FROST:
Well, I cannot say that I’m surprised. Though dear Nathaniel may still be expecting a rescue. Poor lamb doesn’t know you’ve got far greater concerns. It’s remarkable, you know— in the right light, he could be your husband. In the right light, he could be your son.
MRS. HAWKING:
Still, he is mine. I would not leave him.
MRS. FROST:
And yet you’re here, skulking around me, grinding your teeth that there’s nothing you can do. Even having joined forces with Malaika. The nighthawk and the avenging angel— it’s a clever idea, but are you sure you can trust her to help you? When she wants nothing more than a pound of your flesh?
(Pause.)
MRS. FROST:
Oh, my dear— did you think I didn’t know about that? If you believe I’ve made no use of your nephew, you are very much mistaken.
MRS. HAWKING:
Then you know I have not been idle.
MRS. FROST:
Of course you haven’t! Not for the last year and a half. And yet you have nothing. For all your work, you are still as powerless as when last I saw you, a girl trembling in nameless dread of your wedding night. Why don’t you just give it up and move on?
MRS. HAWKING:
You know I can’t do that.
MRS. FROST:
Of course not. Fate falls hard upon a hero’s shoulders. Small wonder you’re always raging— at your father, your husband, and me. But you ought to be grateful. We made you what you are.
MRS. HAWKING:
Yes. You did. So you should know I will not stop. Not until I’ve destroyed you.
MRS. FROST:
My darling girl. If you are clever enough to bring destruction on me, rest assured, I shall do as much for you. And I shall begin by sending your nephew back to you— piece by piece by piece.
(Enter DR. ENFIELD.)
DR. ENFIELD:
Mrs. Frost.
MRS. FROST:
Yes? Oh, Dr. Enfield, is it? May I help you?
DR. ENFIELD:
On the contrary, madam. I’ve come to help you.
MRS. HAWKING:
Doctor. Thank heaven you’re here.
DR. ENFIELD:
Some concerned souls have spoken to me of some very grave troubles you’ve had of late. Grave enough that I felt it was my duty to investigate. I must confess, I was very… disturbed by what was discovered.
MRS. FROST:
(Laughing) Sir, you sound quite serious! Whatever could you mean—?
DR. ENFIELD:
Madam. We found him.
MRS. FROST:
Found who?
DR. ENFIELD:
Your husband.
MRS. FROST:
My husband, sir? Mr. Frost has been taken abroad on business—
DR. ENFIELD:
Madam. We’ve been in his dressing room.
MRS. FROST:
I beg your pardon?
DR. ENFIELD:
We understand, madam. Your grief must be mountainous. Far too much for a lady’s such delicate sensibilities to bear. It’s only natural that you should break beneath the weight.
MRS. FROST:
What?
DR. ENFIELD:
I imagine it must have brought you comfort. Seeing him as if safely seated in his armchair. It allowed you to spare yourself the terrible truth.
MRS. FROST:
No.
DR. ENFIELD:
But I’m afraid, madam, there are some truths from which we cannot turn.
MRS. FROST:
But— he can’t be— how could he— (To MRS. HAWKING) You. What did you do?
MRS. HAWKING:
Elizabeth. You’re not well.
MRS. FROST:
(Sotto voce) I don’t know what you’re playing at, but if you wish to ever see your boy whole again—
(Enter NATHANIEL.)
NATHANIEL:
What ho, ladies. Enjoying the night?
DR. ENFIELD:
Oh, Mr. Hawking, is it? I’ve recently become acquainted with your charming wife.
NATHANIEL:
Oh, indeed? Lucky you.
DR. ENFIELD:
And I am only grateful she spoke up when she did. Gentlemen? Please come in.
MRS. FROST:
Sir, I’m afraid you’ve made a terrible mistake. Whatever you found— I promise you, it isn’t what it seems— my husband is— what’s this?
(Two men in white coats enter to flank DR. ENFIELD.)
DR. ENFIELD:
Mrs. Frost, it’s time to come with us. Please show the lady out, sirs.
(The men approach her. She fights and breaks away.)
MRS. FROST:
No. No. No, get your hands off me! No! This is your doing!
MRS. HAWKING:
You must let them help you, Elizabeth.
Mrs. FROST:
How could you?
MRS. HAWKING:
Would to God that it were otherwise.
MRS. FROST:
You think you’re some kind of hero? You’re as twisted as me, if you engineered this. You think that you, of all people, can convince them that I’m mad?
(The men take her in hand and she struggles.)
MRS. FROST:
Do you know what she is!? She’s the one in the mask the police are after! She’s the madwoman! You will pay for this, Victoria Hawking! You think this will hold me? I am Kingmaker! I’ll rain down hell upon you! Do you hear me, Victoria!? I know who you are!
(They drag MRS. FROST out.)
DR. ENFIELD:
My God. Her condition may be even graver than I thought. I am sorry you had to witness this unpleasantness.
MRS. HAWKING:
It was a long time in coming.
(DR. ENFIELD exits. MARY enters.)
MARY:
Well, madam?
MRS. HAWKING:
It’s done.
MARY:
I can hardly believe it. I… I don’t know if I thought it really possible.
MRS. HAWKING:
That’s the trouble. For the likes of her and me, it’s all too possible. But it’s where she belongs.
MARY:
Is it?
MRS. HAWKING:
At least, no more than she deserves.
MARY:
I suppose so. Still… I feel sick over it. She was like your sister.
MRS. HAWKING:
Hardly the only monster in my family.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Where is Malaika? Did she arrive?
MARY:
She’s not here. I don’t think she came.
(CLARA enters.)
CLARA:
I saw them take that witch, God blast her! Is he here? Is he all right?
NATHANIEL:
Oh, God, it’s you.
(He collapses into CLARA’s arms with a kiss. MARY pulls MRS. HAWKING away, and they exit.)
NATHANIEL:
(Breaking down) I thought I might never see you again.
CLARA:
Oh, darling, what’s happened to you?
NATHANIEL:
Clara, I’m sorry. I made a wrong move. I walked into the trap.
CLARA:
Please, love, no. It’s all right.
NATHANIEL:
I wasn’t clever enough. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I made you a promise, and I failed. But I held out! As long as I could, I held out.
CLARA:
Hush, love, you did well. And it’s done now, Nathaniel. It’s done.
NATHANIEL:
They told me what you did. How you took her on. How you got her.
CLARA:
It was all of us. Mary, Madam Malaika, Auntie, and me.
NATHANIEL:
They couldn’t have done it without you. Darling… you saved me.
CLARA:
Did you expect any less?
NATHANIEL:
Never. Only I’m so sorry I put you through this.
CLARA:
No fear, love. We all kept our promises. All of us.
(Pause.)
NATHANIEL:
I say… is this your astrakhan come in?
CLARA:
Oh, yes. I thought it would put the fear of God into her.
Scene 6
(The Hawking parlor. MRS. HAWKING enters to MARY and NATHANIEL.)
MARY:
Clara’s gone to telephone for the arrangements. She’ll be back with a carriage soon.
NATHANIEL:
I think she wants to take me straight to a doctor. But I just want to go home and hold my children.
MARY:
Just rest now. We’ll see to it all.
(The bell rings. MARY lets in MADAM MALAIKA.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Malaika. I thought you’d gone.
MADAM MALAIKA:
I had to see if it was done. You looked her in the eye and did not break? Hm. You are cold.
MRS. HAWKING:
Cold as I must be. And you… I must ask, did you not consider taking Frost’s offer? Even for a moment?
MADAM MALAIKA:
I did consider. But even if she granted passage to those thirty people… there would always be more that came after them. It had to end here.
MRS. HAWKING:
Thank you, for the work you’ve done. I know it meant a great deal for you to bear.
MADAM MALAIKA:
We take on the burdens so that others will not have to. I know it as well as you.
MRS. HAWKING:
Do you know what you will do now?
MADAM MALAIKA:
My charges can move safely from hiding now, but I have work everywhere. I will continue it on, so long as there is breath in me to do it. But… I have some changes to make. I have gone on so long alone… I still must decide how to remedy it.
MRS. HAWKING:
I will not seek you out. I will not trouble you again.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Thank you. But… know that I will not forget what has happened here.
MRS. HAWKING:
Nor I. As long as I live.
MADAM MALAIKA:
Then until we meet again before God.
(They clasp hands. MADAM MALAIKA exits.)
MRS. HAWKING:
(To NATHANIEL) Bearing up then?
NATHANIEL:
Just barely.
MRS. HAWKING:
Good man.
(Pause.)
MRS. HAWKING:
Mary tells me you conspired in her little secret with the policeman.
NATHANIEL:
Yes, I was.
MRS. HAWKING:
Hm. Traitor.
NATHANIEL:
(Laughing) I am yours forever. With every beat and breath.
MRS. HAWKING:
Did you really never doubt me?
NATHANIEL:
Not for a moment. And… did you doubt me?
MRS. HAWKING:
For a long time, I wondered what would become of you, if you followed me in this. But I see now. You became a warrior after all.
NATHANIEL:
Thank you. For coming for me.
MRS. HAWKING:
You’re mine. This will not happen again.
(Exit MRS. HAWKING.)
NATHANIEL:
(Choked up) So that’s what it took. Some brute beating the stuffing out of me. If I’d known, I might have done it years ago.
MARY:
Are you in a lot of pain?
NATHANIEL:
I’d still be crying like a boy if I weren’t so damn tired.
(MARY goes for the brandy and pours two glasses.)
NATHANIEL:
Oh, bless you.
MARY:
That was very brave, you know. Holding out the way you did.
NATHANIEL:
I thought I was done for, Mary. I was sure she’d break me in the end.
MARY:
But she didn’t, Nathaniel. You held out as long as you had to. Long enough to finish it. And that’s enough.
NATHANIEL:
What Madam did to Frost— putting her away like that…
MARY:
We could think of no other way. It had to be done.
NATHANIEL:
And I’m grateful. But still… the whole business gave me a chill.
MARY:
She’s a hero. Not a saint.
NATHANIEL:
You’re my hero, Mary. I wouldn’t have made it without you.
(Pause.)
NATHANIEL:
Do you think perhaps… this might set things right? For all of us?
MARY:
It’s more than what Frost has done. We lied to her for over a year, Nathaniel. And not just about the cases. I lied to hide Arthur from her— and you did on my behalf.
NATHANIEL:
But— with everything that’s happened— she has to understand—
MARY:
The damage has been done. How bad it is… I couldn’t say for certain.
NATHANIEL:
Whatever it is, it can be repaired. It has to be.
MARY:
I hope so.
NATHANIEL:
For now… sit with me. And let’s finish this brandy.
Scene 7
(MRS. FROST rages in the asylum. Enter MRS. HAWKING.)
MRS. FROST:
You.
MRS. HAWKING:
Now. Shall we talk?
CURTAIN
Photos by Daniel Fox.
