Episode 1: Strange beginnings

Euphemia
A play written by Christel Dahwa
 scene 1- The Harrington Household

The Harrington family are having breakfast served by the servants.

Lady Harrington: Girls, next month is the Debutante ball, as you may know. I have made
sure the best and only the best gowns are bought for you.
Jemima: I beg your pardon? (Chokes on tea)
Lady Harrington: We’ve spoken of this several times girls! It is important that you find
yourselves noble, rich husbands and do as is expected of you.
Jemima: You mean all that we’re made for.
Lady Harrington: Marriage is a bliss! Maybe you can learn from your Papa and—
Jemma: And you? You both almost barely look at each other. I mean look at him.

Lord Harrington is seated quietly reading the day’s paper.

Jemma: Is that what you’d wish we’d learn from? I doubt so.

Lady Harrington sips on her tea quietly as she is embarrassed and pale. A servant then
barges in with a letter on a platter. She walks towards Lady Harrington and whispers in her
ear handing her the letter.

Lady Harrington: Excuse me.

scene 2- Montebello house

Louis is in his study analysing the books and bank statements. Euphemia barges into the
study and sits before him.

Euphemia: Louis! Pourquoi m'enverrais-tu jusqu'en Angleterre ?(Louis! Why would you
send me all the way to England?)
Louis: (Sighs loudly) It is what is best for you, Effie. Papa and Maman wanted you to go and
be with the Harrington’s.
Euphemia: Why? So I may go pretend to be entitled and fancy?
Louis closes his books and walks towards Euphemia.

Louis: No. It will benefit you and you shall realise how when the time surely comes.

Euphemia lets out a big grunt and folds her arms.

Euphemia: I shan’t be good at drinking tea like them!

Louis: Alors vous apprendrez. (Then you shall learn.)
Euphemia: Louis!
Louis: Quoi? You shall go with Juliette tomorrow at dawn.

Louis walks out of the Study leaving a frustrated Euphemia banging her fists on the chair
repeatedly. Juliette walks in and sits right next to her.

Juliette: Madame Euphémie, rassurez-vous ! (Madam Euphemia, cheer up!)

Euphemia: I shan’t be in high spirits when I am forced to leave my home to reside in a place
where I am a stranger surrounded by strangers.
Juliette: You shan’t also disrespect your Mother’s wishes for you. All the want is a family for
you.
Euphemia: Tu es ma famille Juliette. (You are my family Juliette.) (She holds Juliette’s
hands firmly.)
Juliette: I am not enough! I cannot provide you all the great things a wholesome family may
bring. What I can give you is my presence.
Euphemia: But--
Juliette: We ought to go and pack your belongings, oui?
Euphemia: (Huffs loudly) Fine!

Juliette smiles warmly and walks out of the room leaving Euphemia seated there quietly.

scene 3- At the dock

At Dawn, The Lanne’s children say their farewells as Euphemia prepares to leave.
Louis: The Harrington Family shall be awaiting your presence when you get there. Be on
your best behaviour and do as instructed. I shall visit after the season.
Euphemia: That is if I even find a husband. (She looks down and plays with the ruffles of her
dress.)
Louis: You shall. If not, you shall try again the next season.
Euphemia: Shall I ever come back home?
Louis: Je t'aime, Euphémie. (I love you, Euphemia.)
Euphemia: I love you too!

Euphemia begins to cry as they hug. Louis pulls out and bids farewell to Juliette as
Euphemia goes aboard the ship.
As the ship begins to move further from shore, Louis waves at his sister as she drifts further
and further into sea.

scene 4: At the Harrington’s Household

Lady Harrington is walking down the stairs instructing servants as her daughters walk
alongside her.

Jemma: A Duchess, Mama?

Lady Harrington: Her older brother is the soon-to-be Duke of Montebello since their
parents have passed on.
Jemima: But she’s practically money right? I mean, how did you know her parents so?
Lady Harrington: Desiree was my dearest friend. She titled me the God-mother of her first
and only daughter.
Jemma: So, why is she coming thus far when she still has family?
Lady Harrington: Girls! (She stops in her tracks and exhales sharply.) It is our duty to make
her feel welcomed and not rather questioned. Though we do not share blood with you, she
shall become your instant family. I shall begin my duties of the day and she shall arrive this
afternoon.

Lady Harrington walks away with her servants leaving Jemma and Jemima on the stairwell.
Mrs Borough comes up the stairwell and bumps into the two girls.
Mrs Borough: It is time you both go up for your fittings, yes?
Jemma & Jemima: Yes, Mrs Borough.
Mrs Borough: Chop chop! (She claps along with her words.)

The girls run along the stairwell and Mrs Borough follows behind them.

scene 5(i)- In the carriage

Juliette and Euphemia are seated in the carriage in silence. Euphemia looks outside the
small side window as they pass through the town.

Euphemia: How long shall I be here?

Juliette: I have not been informed so. I am sure your dearest brother shall send a telegram
when you shall be summoned back home.
Euphemia: Imagine me, of all the people, drinking tea and going to balls or soirees. (She
sighs loudly.) Utter rubbish!
Juliette: Seems utterly fun, if you ask me. I could imagine you’d fit in perfectly.

Euphemia sighs and looks outside once again. The carriage stops and the door is opened.
Juliette grabs her hand.

Juliette: If you shan’t do this for yourself and your future, do it for your Mother. She loved
you and only wanted the best out of you and for you.

Juliette exits the carriage and helps Euphemia out. The servants all come out of the
Harrington Household in straight lines and assemble before Euphemia.

scene 5(ii)- At The Harrington Household

Lady Harrington, Jemima and Jemma walk towards Euphemia and takes a bow.

Lady Harrington: Your grace, pleased to make your acquaintance.

Euphemia: No need for all the formalities, you were my Mothers’ dearest friend. Euphemia
would be just alright.
Lady Harrington: These are my daughters, Jemma and Jemima.
Jemma & Jemima: Pleased to meet you Euphemia.
Euphemia: The pleasure is all mine!

She hugs them both. They stand there in shock and don’t show any affection back.

Euphemia: So, this is Juliet!

Juliet: Pleased to meet her ladyship Harrington. (She takes a bow.)
Euphemia: She is like family to me so, I would kindly request that she be put in the same
room as I and be treated as my equal.
Lady Harrington: Of course, if it so pleases the Duchess.
Euphemia: Well, I shan’t not be the duchess since my brother so wishes to find me a noble
English match. Shall I even hold that title if I marry an Earl or a viscount like you have
yourself.

Euphemia laughs in an unladylike manner and walks up the front stairs to the servants. Miss
Borough steps forward and curtsey’s.

Mrs Borough: Your grace, I’m Mrs Borough.

Euphemia: Why don’t you call me Euphemia? Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it?
Mrs Borough: If it pleases you.
Euphemia: And who might this young girl be, Lady Harrington? (She points at one of the
younger servants and moves closer to her.)
Lady Harrington: This is Lyric Rosewood. She’s new in the kitchen.
Euphemia: Well, shall a lady of her beauty be summoned to do dirty kitchen work? I desire
her to be my lady-in-waiting.
Lady Harrington: Of course. Now, might Mrs Borough delight you in a tour of your room?
Euphemia: Why? I believe Lyric knows this place, yes?
Lady Harrington: Yes.
Euphemia: Then we must make haste, Lyric.
Euphemia clings onto Lyric’s arm and enters the doors with her skipping up and down. The
servants take up all Euphemia’s luggage.
Jemima: She has quite the barbaric laugh, Mama. Shall I too be allowed to laugh as she
does?
Lady Harrington: No, Jemima. You shall only laugh in a lady-like manner else, you may not
find a husband.

Lady Harrington walks up the stairs into the house and her children follow behind her.

scene 6- The Van Rensselaer’s Household, New York

The Van Rensselaer’s are seated having lunch in their beautiful backyard having breakfast.

Tracy Van Rensselaer: Darling Harry, I’ve heard heart-thrilling gossip that the daughter of
a very wealthy French Duke is preparing to be introduced into society.
Harry: Since when has English gossip been of our importance.
Tracy: Since your father died!

Everyone’s cutlery stops and Harry looks up at his mother then away from her. He frowns
and continues eating.

Tracy: Harry, what I mean is, it’s no secret that your father secretly left us in debt. You can
help us fix that by marrying that beautiful rich Duchess.
Harry: Aren’t you the woman who taught us to marry for love?
Tracy: Love stopped existing when your Father left us his debt to pay.
Harry: There could be better ways of bringing us back our fortune.
Tracy: How?!? How do you suppose you can do that here? All New York has ever known you
for is a bad habit. Your bad drinking habit and your recklessness. England, however, doesn’t
know you at all. Fix this family
Harry: Alright then. I shall leave tomorrow on condition that I may bring Libby with me.
Maybe she too could try and marry a rich match.
Tracy: I suppose she could.
Harry sets his plate and cutlery aside then walks away.

scene 7- Euphemia’s chambers

Lyric opens the door to Euphemia’s chambers and sets down her coat.

Euphemia: Is this where I shall sleep at night?

Lyric: Yes, your grace. Do you approve of it?
Euphemia: Do I approve of it?

Euphemia squeals loudly spinning from one end of the room to the other.

Euphemia: I suppose I quite approve of it. Very much! I mean, look at this view from this
window.
Euphemia walks towards the window and sits on the couch before it.
Euphemia: It’s beautiful! Do you think otherwise Lyric?
Lyric: Why would I, your grace?
Euphemia: Maybe because you too are human. Your opinion matters to me.
Lyric: Then I suppose…
Lyric sits beside Euphemia and points at a spot outside the yard.
Lyric: They could add some horses out back.
Euphemia: It’s like you read my mind!
Euphemia giggles giddily and Lyric hesitantly joins her.
Euphemia: (Sigh) I miss my mother very much. She was like my dearest and only friend, it
seems.
Lyric: Why does it seem so, your grace?
Euphemia: None of my so called “friends” came with their condolences or best wishes. Eve
after I didn’t leave the castle for months.
Lyric: Well, I send my deepest condolences to you, your grace.

Euphemia smiles and silence fills the room. She stands up and goes to the elongated mirror
and examines herself.
Euphemia: Lyric, do tell me why Lady Harrington has you in those unworthy clothes?
Lyric: Your grace, I am a servant, if I should remind you.
Euphemia: Well, you are human too! You deserve to wear all these flashy and posh clothes.
Lyric: Do not be troubled by my clothes, your grace. I am only here to serve you and do as
you please.
Euphemia: Alright then, if you truly do as I please only, I would be pleased if you tried on
this amazing dress I have.
Lyric: I couldn’t, your grace.

Euphemia chuckles and pulls Lyric to the full body mirror. She pulls out the pins holding
Lyric’s hair together and her hair flows down to her shoulders. Lyric smiles at her reflection
and swipes strands of her hair behind her ears.

scene 8- In the Harrington’s kitchen

Lady Harrington walks into the kitchen where the servants moved around with trays and
pots. Some did the dishes while some chopped the vegetables and stirred the pots.

Lady Harrington: For dinner, I have decided on the Ox-tail soup.

Mrs Borough: What for dessert?
Lady Harrington: Tonight I’m thinking Gooseberry pie. Euphemia adores it.
Mrs Borough: She is a rather giddy girl isn’t she.
Lady Harrington: Well, she is just like her mother, so free spirited.
Mrs Borough: Ma’am, I am afraid this is England. Ladies are to be less spirited. All we are
to do is drink a cup of tea and smile. There is no time for free.

Lady Harrington chuckles lightly and smiles small staring deep into Mrs Borough’s eyes.

Lady Harrington: It seems maybe you have forgotten your manners in your cup of tea, Mrs
Borough. I need not to remind you that I am the viscountess, Lady Harrington, yes? All you
are is plain, old and smiling Mrs Borough. Don’t get so high off your tea.
Lady Harrington walks out of the kitchen and Mrs Borough stands there in shame. All
servants mutter at one another and try not to stare at her.

Mrs Borough: What are you all muttering on about? Get to work!

She walks out quickly and follows behind Lady Harrington.

scene 8- At the Lymington’s Household

Noah joins his mother, who is having a cup of tea in the lounge. He walks to the other end of
the room and pours himself a glass of scotch.

Noah: I shall marry soon, Mother. It is my duty now to inherit the estate, I shan’t let father
down lest he turns in his grave at that sight.

Noah walks towards his mother and sits beside her.

Lady Lymington: Your father would be proud of you. You’re his only child and soon his only
success!
Noah: That is if I marry.
Lady Lymington: Enough of that! Tonight, the Harrington’s have invited us to dine with
them. I hear that they are hosting the Duchess of Montebello and she will be introduced to
society this coming season. Perhaps—
Noah: Mother, I would rather prefer a love match than one you decide for me.
Lady Lymington: Perhaps if you focused less on playing catch up with Giles, you could have
realised how highly Jemima thinks of you.
Noah: I have known Jemima my whole life, she always has fitted the ‘sister’ persona. Giles is
my best mate nonetheless.
Lady Lymington: Well then Giles might be the reason you do not find a wife who thinks
highly of you.
Noah: Maybe that is not what I desire, Mother. I desire a wife who sees herself as my equal.
Lady Lyminton sighs and gets up from her seat. She gently lifts Noah’s chin and gazes deeply
in his eyes.

Lady Lymington: Then perhaps your match is not in England.

She kisses his cheek then walks out of the lounge. Noah gulps down the last few sips of scotch
and exits the room too.

scene 9- Euphemia’s chambers

Lady Harrington hastily opens the door and is met by the site of Lyric and Euphemia
giggling about like little girls. Their attention quickly diverts to a shocked Lady Harrington
and the Lyric changes her facial expression to a more worried one.

Lyric: Madam, I—
Euphemia: She looks rather dazzling, doesn’t she, Aunt Patricia?
Lady Harrington: Have you elegantly dressed your help, Euphemia?
Euphemia: If Lyric where to be my help, I desire that she be dressed to her absolute best,
just like Juliette is. After all, she cannot be parading around the Duchess of Montebello
dressed in those sad excuses for garments. Plus, her beauty isn’t made for those.
Lady Harrington: Hmm. Would you excuse us, Lyric?
Lyric: Yes, ma’am.

Lyric shyly walks past Lady Harrington trying to avoid her gaze. Lady Harrington shuts the
door and walks towards the bed where she sits beside Euphemia.

Lady Harrington: You remind me so much of your Mother.

Euphemia: How so?
Lady Harrington: She always loved questioning authority, which was and still is something
no British lady has ever tried to do. All we do is spill our words into a cup of tea and get
married.

Lady Harrington holds both of Euphemia’s hands in hers and rubs them with her thumb.
Lady Harrington: She had a kind heart like yours too. Despite her being the daughter of the
one of the wealthiest Prince’s, she still saw her servants as equals.
Euphemia: Do you perhaps have a problem with that?
Lady Harrington: I don’t but, the whole of England would think you are utterly mediocre for
dressing a maid like an upper class non-peasant.

Euphemia slides her hands out of Lady Harrington’s grip and keeps them to herself.

Euphemia: Unfortunately, I cannot find an ounce in my body that cares of how England
perceives me. After all, I didn’t watch England raise me and then slip through my fingers.
Lady Harrington: That is not what I am saying.
Euphemia: Then what are you trying to say?
Lady Harrington: I’m saying, it is important for you to fit in.
Euphemia: And I shall! I promise you. Just let me do it my way.

Lady Harrington sighs.

Lady Harrington: Alright, Lyric can dress as you please but, you cannot do that again to any
other servants without consulting me.
Euphemia: Oh thank you, Aunt Patricia!

Euphemia squeals loudly and hugs Lady Harrington tightly.

Lady Harrington: Alright now. Clean up for diner, we have guests and you’ll get to meet my
husband and eldest son. Please, please try to do things the British way.
Euphemia: I shall do my best and be on my most exquisite British behaviour.

Lady Harrington smiles and walks out of the room.

scene 10- The Harrington Household

Later than evening, the Lymington’s are welcomed by the Harrington’s at dinner.
Lady Harrington: Azalea! Always a pleasure to have you over for dinner.
Lady Lymington: Well, dinner is not even enough to catch up. We must have share a cup of
tea soon then maybe I can help with all the Debutante duties.
Lady Harrington: You know I cannot say no to help, especially from my dearest friend.

Lady Harrington and Lady Lymington laugh a little.

Lady Harrington: Noah, haven’t you grown into a man.

Noah: We all have a responsibility to take.
Lady Lymington: (in a whisper) We hope to find him a match this season.
Lady Harrington: Well, shall I introduce you both to Euphemia?
Lady Lymington: I don’t see why not.

They all walk into the dining hall where they meet Jemima, Jemma, Giles and Lord
Harrington.

Lady Harrington: She must be running a bit late.

Lady Lymington: Well, it is custom for an upcoming woman to take her time looking her
very best. I seem to be liking her already.

Giles and Noah greet one another with a brief hug.

Giles: You must enjoy the responsibility so much that you forget to meet your very oldest
friend.
Noah: I take full responsibility. I greatly miss you Giles.
Giles: Same here, old friend.

Noah takes a brief look at Jemima who pretends to not notice him look at her.

Noah: Jemima seems to have been doing great for herself.

Giles: After all she is a to be introduced into society. It is a must for her to pick herself up.
Noah: I believe I need to pass my greetings to them both. Excuse me.
Noah walks in their direction.

Jemma: Noah, you menace.

Noah: Come on! I know you dearly missed me.
Jemma: How many years has it been? Five? Or perhaps ten?
Noah: Just a year, Jemma. I guess when you miss someone, a day can be nearly a decade.
Jemma: Or, the fact that you remember how long it has been, maybe you are the one who
missed me dearly.

Noah chuckles deeply then shifts his gaze to Jemima who stood there silent and shy. He
gently grabs her hands and plants a gentle kiss. Jemma growls in disgust.

Noah: Jemima.
Jemima: N-Noah. How- Um- Are-
Noah: You look elegant. I guess the summer has been treating you well, yes?
Jemima: Not as well as it has been treating you.

Jemima laughs awkwardly and instantly feels embarrassed after what she has said. She
covers her mouth.

Jemma: This is so hard and utterly embarrassing to watch.

Jemma walks away and stands beside Giles who engages in heart-felt conversation with his
Father.

Noah: Are you excited for the debutante ball?

Jemima: I should be, but I find myself not ready to say the least.
Noah: Well, I’m very sure you’d steal all eyes. Perhaps even the eyes of the Queen herself.

Jemima looks down and smiles fiddling with her fingers. Noah gently places a finger beneath
her chin and lifts it gently.
Noah: It would surely be hard for the Queen to notice you if you keep your head hung.

Noah and Jemima piercing each other with their sharp gazes. Noah’s finger still rests on her
chin as she becomes lost in his gaze. Suddenly, the door loudly pushes open interrupting
them both. Noah snaps back into reality and quickly diverts his gaze to the door. Euphemia
runs in holding her gown up then stops at her tracks.

Euphemia: Pardon me, Aunt Patricia.

Lady Harrington: All is well. A lady must take her time or else she shan’t look her best.
Lady Lymington: So I shan’t be introduced?
Lady Harrington: Excuse my manners. My God Daughter, Euphemia.
Lady Lymington: Your Grace.

Lady Lymington bow’s down.

Euphemia: Pleased to meet you, Lady Lymington.

Lady Lymington: Please do meet my son, Noah.

Noah walks over and leans forward then gently takes her hand to his lips and kisses it.

Noah: Your Grace. The pleasure is all mine and welcome to England.
Euphemia: You are indeed warm at heart.

Silence fills the room as Noah and Euphemia share an intimate gaze.

Lady Harrington: Since we are all accustomed to one another, shall we proceed to dinner?
Euphemia: We shan’t let the food get cold.

Euphemia says all her words still keeping a strong gaze with Noah till she makes her way to
the dinner table.
 scene 11- The Van Rensselaer Household, New York

Harry is in his chambers packing up his luggage when his sister, Libby storms into the room.

Harry: I hear people in England prefer that newbies are accustomed with their manners.
Some which include knocking, maybe?
Libby: (in a rather angry tone) I don’t desire to be there with you of all the peoples.
Harry: No worries about me then. My dearest friends mother has agreed to host us and
prepare you to enter society. She believes you are very eligible.
Libby: I do not wish to be married now.

Libby paces around the room angrily and stomps her feet.

Harry: God, Libby! Aren’t you one selfish American. This has ceased to be about you and is
now about us, the Van Rensselaer family. We are in debt and will not be able to bear shame
to this family’s name.

Libby signs in anger and storms out of the room.

scene 12- The Harrington Household

After dinner, small groups of chatter are formed. Euphemia stands by the balcony lurking out
at the stars.
Whilst in chatter with Giles and the twin girls, Noah notices Euphemia at the balcony,

Jemma: I think, Giles, if you found yourself a wife, it could make this ‘title’ of yours look
more deserving.
Giles: And I think, if you got rid of your character, maybe you could find yourself a
deserving husband.
Noah: Excuse me.

Noah makes his way to the balcony.

Jemma: If you ask me, I think Jemima might have to start searching for other matches this
season. Your wait for him is pathetic.
Jemima: He just needs time.
Giles: This is utterly disgusting. The way you both discuss my best friend as if I am not here.

Giles walks away from the conversation.

Jemma: You’ve been waiting since we turned thirteen. Luckily, we’re seventeen now and this
should be behind us. We’re ladies and other better lads, than Noah, are going to want us.
Perhaps rich Princes or even dukes and future kings.
Jemima: But, didn’t you see the way he looked at me today. I felt as if I was the only person
for him and he was the only person for me.
Jemma: You felt. If you ask me, it seemed as he could still feel the presence of any other
person in here and the possibility of a match out there for him.
Jemima: He loves me and I can feel it!
Jemma: Just because he told you that you got prettier over the summer, you reciprocated
love from him?
Jemima: I’ll tell you this. You’re jealous! You probably want him now but it’s too late and he
wants me!
Jemma: I’m just looking out for you!
Jemima: You’re just looking out for yourself because you’re selfish and so full of yourself.
Jemma: I’ve been closer to him than you could ever afford to be. Don’t you think if I so
‘desired’ to be with him I could have a long time ago?
Jemima: You love putting up this whole bravery persona but, maybe you’re just punishing
me because you weren’t brave enough to tell him.
Jemma: It’s just back and forth with you isn’t it? I’m not going to fight over a lad with you,
especially Noah.
Jemima: Just stay out of my way.
Jemma: I was never in it.

Jemma walks out of the dining room.

Noah and Euphemia stand quietly by the Balcony pretending they don’t mind notice each
other’s presence.
Noah: So…
Euphemia: I think those are my lines. Shall I remind you that I was her first.
Noah: No need for reminders.

Euphemia looks at Noah briefly then stares back at the sky.

Noah: I’m sorry for your recent loss.

Euphemia: Does the whole of London know?
Noah: Does it matter?
Euphemia: Do you think it matters?
Noah: Not to me. All I see is you not your loss.
Euphemia: So I suppose it doesn’t matter then.

Euphemia smiles at him then looks away.

Noah: I too lost my Father last season. Wasn’t the best but all we can do is coupe. Live in
the present?
Euphemia: Do you seem to like your present very much?
Noah: I do now. Do you?

Euphemia and Noah share an intimate and passionate prolonged gaze.

Euphemia: (in a soft whisper) I do too

Noah: Then I guess you’re all set, yes?

Lady Lymington and Lady Harrington’s gradually loud chatter interrupts Noah and
Euphemia.

Euphemia: Sounds like something is going on inside. It’s time we leave.

Jemima watches Euphemia and Noah enter the dining room from outside by the balcony. She
slightly frowns in envy at the sight of the two being together.

Giles: Jealous much?

Jemima: He didn’t have any facial expression and plus she just got here today. I like her
much and trust that it’s not him she will fancy in the ned of all this.
Giles: Just get over yourself. You shan’t marry him even if he fancied you.
Lady Lymington: Giles! Jemima! We shan’t leave without you biding us farewell.

Giles and Jemima make their way towards Lady Lymington to bid her farewell.

Lady Lymington: And where could my darling Jemma be?

Jemima: Uh- She mentioned a headache earlier.
Giles: She seemed fine earlier.
Jemima: (in an annoyed tone) Things can change, Giles!
Lady Harrington: Well, why don’t you check on her while I walk Lady Lymington out.
Jemima: (in a sarcastic tone) Why not?

Lady Harrington and Lady Lymington walk in front while engaging in quiet gossip.

Lady Harrington: Did you see them over by the balcony?

Lady Lymington: Do you think we could have the match of the season or perhaps the
wedding with them both?
Lady Harrington: Possibly. I know love when it’s present.
Lady Lymington: If only we both married for love. We definitely didn’t get the best of
matches.
Lady Harrington: We got the best of children and hopefully soon our families can be
intertwined.
Lady Lymington: Indeed they shall. Have a great night, Patricia.

Noah and Lady Lymington walk down the front stairs and into their carriage home. Lady
Harrington watches the carriage leave then closes the front doors.
 scene 13- Euphemia’s Chamber’s

Juliette braids Euphemia’s hair by the dresser as they prepare for bed.

Juliette: Do you think you fancy him?

Euphemia: It’s too early to tell. I mean, what if I perhaps meet a better match that I truly
fancy during this season.
Juliette: You’d be stuck in a huge pickle.

Euphemia sighs.

Euphemia: I get so lost in his gaze. It’s like he sees right through me maybe even beyond me.
Juliette: Does he give you a good case of butterflies.
Euphemia: Maybe those come later on.
Juliette: You must just remember that your choice this season could be for life. You shouldn’t
be with someone you’ll learn to love; be with someone you already love.

Juliette finishes Euphemia’s braids and caresses her cheek gently.

Juliette: You must get some rest now; I hear tomorrow we shall visit the dressmaker for your
debutante dresses.

Euphemia stands up and makes her way under the sheets. Juliette turns off the lights.

Euphemia: (softly) Good night, Juliette.

EPISODE 2: NEW COURTSHIP
 scene 1- The Harrington’s

It is early morning and Euphemia is entering a carriage with Lady Harrington and Juliette.
Jemima stands by the window twirling her hair between her fingers. Her glare is full of
hatred, bitterness and anger. The carriage drives away and she watches it till it disappears.

Jemima: Seems like Mama has other priorities now, am I right.

Jemma: I thought you weren’t talking to me.
Jemima: I mean, I don’t get how she gets to go out there and do whatever bloody activities
she’s doing and we stay her and prepare for the debutantes’ ball.
Jemma: (in an angered tone) Gosh! Stop being self-absorbed for once!

Jemma storms out of the room. Jemima huffs then grabs the white ball gown on the small
manikin. She stands over the full length mirror and pressed the gown over her body. She
exhales nervously and curtsy’s slowly.

Jemima: (Softly) You may have this dance Lord Lymington.

She giggles lightly then flops on the bed.

scene 2- Madame Hearty’s store

Lady Harrington, Juliette and Euphemia are exiting the carriage outside Madame Hearty’s
retail store. They walk up the stairs into the store silently.

Lady Harrington: It is important for you to dress to kill this season. Some men look at
beauty. Outside rather than inside.
Euphemia: Is that so?
Lady Harrington: (subconsciously) Appears so.
Juliette: Be you Euphemia. Your mother taught you that’s all that matters.
Lady Harrington: Juliette, respectfully, this is England not France. The way you did things
in Montebello is different from how we do things in London. Here, society will burn you
alive!

Lady Harrington scoffs and walks away.

Juliette: Look at me. You’re Euphemia, they could even try burn you.
Euphemia: Maybe she’s right, Juliette. New environments maybe call for new ways.

Euphemia pats down her dress and begins walking around the store feeling the fabrics of the
different dresses.

Lady Harrington: This way, Euphemia! Come along now.

Euphemia follows Lady Harrington to the back of the store where she meets an elderly lady
in a lacy black dress.

Madame Hearty: Your grace. Pleased to meet you.

She bows down lowly.

Euphemia: The pleasure is all mine, Madame Hearty. I’ve heard so much about you!
Madame Hearty: You have, your grace?
Euphemia: Well of course I have. I mean, who wouldn’t talk about the most elite tailor in the
whole of London.
Madame Hearty: If that is so, your grace, I shall sow the best ball gowns and dresses just for
you.

Euphemia smiles and glares at Juliette with a twinkle of joy in her eyes.

Euphemia: I so love her, Juliette. Shall we begin Madame Hearty?

Madame Hearty: We shall begin with your measurements.
Euphemia removes her gloves and enters the changing room.
Madame Hearty: (lurks at Lady Harrington) London shall brew her, my lady.
Lady Harrington: Well, why don’t you tell Juliette that?

Lady Harrington and Madame Hearty stare at Juliette in awe till she walks out.

scene 3- At the Lymington’s

Lady Lymington opens the front door welcoming Harry and Libby.

Lady Lymington: My dearest Libby!

She welcomes her into her tight embrace. The servants walk past them and collect the
luggage.

Harry: Don’t I deserve some love too, Lady Lymington?

Lady Lymington: Aren’t you a handsome lad? I hear the debutants this season are looking
extravagant so, you must dress to impress dear Harry.
Harry: Don’t fuss much about me, Lady Lymington. Libby should be the one dressing to
impress.

Lady Lymington holds Libby’s chin up with her index finger.

Lady Lymington: With these looks she could wear rags to the ball and still capture all the
men’s attention. Well, why don’t you come in.

Lady Lyminton shuts the door when they enter and leads Libby to the common room as Harry
goes up the stairwell to his chambers.

Libby: You have a wonderful home, Lady Lymington.

Lady Lymington: Well, as a young debutante, you should learn from your elderly role
models. Fixing the home is the duty of the wife. It is your duty to make sure it stay’s intact
and never falls apart.
Libby: What duties. (she snickers loudly)

Lady Lymington glares at her in confusion.

Lady Lymington: Tomorrow is the debutantes ball, sweetheart. Try as much to avoid your
American manners. In fact, act less American childish and more mature or British.
Libby: Shouldn’t a man love his wife because of who she is?

Lady Lymington seats down and pours herself a cup of tea and Libby takes a seat too.

Lady Lymington: Libby, no one loves someone who’s themselves. All you must be is a lady,
like the rest of us.
Libby: So, no unique?
Lady Lymington: No one looks for unique.

Libby nods her head and begins to pour herself a cup of tea. As she stirs, the spoon causes
awkward clanking sounds as the spoon hits the walls of tea cup. Lady Lymington glares at
her uncomfortably as she begins to blow the tea before she drinks.

Libby: We never really have afternoon tea in New York, you know? It’s actually my first
time.
Lady Lymington: (in a sarcastic tone) Clearly.

scene 4- The Royal Pavilion

Atlas is seated in the study working when The Duchess walks in a seats before him.

The Duchess: Atlas, I dearly hope you take tomorrow seriously. You need to have a duchess
to complete your whole Duke look.
Atlas: I know that but, I want something real. I mean, half of England married because they
were obliged to or they needed to end their family’s misfortune. I want…
The Duchess: A girl who’s real and doesn’t know you as the famous Duke of Brighton. I
know! Love doesn’t always prevail my dearest son. You need to follow your Father’s
footsteps.

The Duchess stands up and pats down her dress then slowly walks away. Atlas exhales slowly
then stands up and pours himself a glass of scotch.

scene 5- Madame Hearty’s store

Customers are looking around when a loud cackle from the back startles them. They all glare
at each other and Lady Harrington pulls on her ear in embarrassment. Euphemia walks out
from the back while she’s clung onto Madame Hearty’s arm and store bags in her hand.

Euphemia: Oh, Madame Hearty. I have not had a heart felt laugh in forever. This was much
fun.
Madame Hearty: Glad I could assist you today, your Grace.

Women and young ladies begin to mumble to each other quietly. Euphemia turns her face in
their direction and smiles lightly. They respond in fake smiles.

Euphemia: I’m not sure that’s how you greet the Duchess.
The Lady: Please pardon me your grace