At Chez Roux:

Malachi *enters Chez Roux, glances at Corso, ignores him, goes straight to the bar, orders drink, takes it to a booth.  Sits down, notices a copy of the latest Pomp & Circumstance magazine on the table.  Is going to ignore it, then something catches his eye -- mention of an interview with Manouche inside.  He raises his eyebrows, flips through the magazine, finds the interview, reads it, grinning*  Cheers, Manouche ... I'm sure Portsmith will be tickled pink to see a six-page spread all about you in her favorite magazine ...

Local Pirate Makes Good!

Deppville’s Biggest Lottery Prize Claimed by Sole Winner

Pomp and Circumstance caught up with lottery winner Manouche Roussel Blake as she was overseeing the finishing touches on her stunning new home – a refurbished old mill on the outskirts of town.

Interview by Tootsie Fitzcarraldo

Photographs by Colonel Brittany Hanson

P&C:  Congratulations on your win.

MRB:  Cheers, thanks a lot.  I’m ... trying to get used to it.

P&C:  So why an old mill?

MRB:  Couldn’t find a new one.  No, actually, I just stumbled upon it—quite literally—and fell in love with it.  That simple.

P&C:  It’s deceptive, it’s bigger than it looks at first glance.

MRB:  Aye, when I first saw it, I thought it were two buildings.  Now I find it’s actually three—a main house, a guest house, and the mill house itself, which still has the old wheel an’ all, the lot.

P&C:  So the main house has three bedrooms, living room, a sitting room, study, and the guest house has two bedrooms, and there’s another bedroom in the mill house. 

MRB:  And a music room in the mill house, as well … and a separate building that contains an art studio, of sorts.

P&C:  That’s a lot of space …

MRB:  Daft, innit?  Perhaps I’ll take in some lodgers.

P&C:  Are you going to follow the tradition of lords and ladies of the manor, and give your home a name?

MRB:  Aye, I am.  I’m calling it Rártigíllichal.

P&C:  Rar-ti-gilli—

MRB:  Rartigillichal.  It’s a Rom word … ah, Gypsy word … for nightingale.  Lovely bird with a beautiful song.

P&C:  Ah.  Unusual choice.  What’s the old Greek myth, of the princess who was treated badly by her lover, was it?  The gods turned her into a nightingale, and she spent the rest of her life lamenting her fate in song …

MRB:  Lament she did … but she kept singing.

P&C:  We would like to take this opportunity to express our sympathies regarding your husband, poet William Blake.  Any news yet on his whereabouts?

MRB:  No.

P&C:  Well, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we know he would be thrilled with your recent good fortune.

MRB:  That he would.  Cheers, thanks a lot.

P&C:  So besides the beautiful new home, what else would you like to do with your money?  Any ideas?

MRB:  Well, I’m considering buying land and just leavin’ it be.  I feel our town and surrounding areas are getting over-developed—y’know what I’m on about, housing projects and the like.  I reckon on buying acres here and there and letting ‘em go as nature intended.  Savvy?

P&C:  Very controversial.  I rather imagine you may run into opposition from Commander Portsmith on that.

MRB:  Well, the Commander and I have a very unique relationship, as it were.  She’s actually very reasonable … once you convince her to see reason, that is.

P&C:  Word on the street is that you’re now richer than the Commander, is that true?

MRB:  That’s what I hear.  But let’s keep that between you and me, mate.  I hate to see a grown public official cry.

P&C (laughs)  Fair enough.  You certainly have arrived … now that you’ve even had your portrait painted by the famous and very in-demand artist, Jean Montsegur.

MRB (embarrassed)  A bit ostentatious, in a manner of speakin.  He actually approached me.  Blimey, what was I supposed to do? 

P&C:  We think you made the right choice. 

MRB:  He made me look right dramatic.  However, I do play the mandolin, so at least it ain’t an altogether unrealistic depiction, as it were.  (laughs)

P&C:  Do you have any plans for the future, at this point?  How does a nouveau riche pirate plan to spend her days?

MRB:  Same as she did when she were scramblin’ in the dirt for her next meal, luv.  Live ‘em.  Just live.

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *looks at Kat sleeping, smiles at her tenderly, finds himself a new shirt and goes downstairs into the living-room. He takes the photos from the shelf, the ones Godley brought downstairs from the study and Daphne took down. He goes to the study and puts them back in the box where he had stored them, then he goes through the papers on his desk and removes all material that has to do with Victoria, the autopsy report, police reports, all the letters, all the documents where she is mentioned and puts them in the same box. Next, he collects all the small items around the house that still remind him of her, including all her jewellery and the small porcelain figurines she was so fond of, the books she read as well as some of the paintings. Then he goes to one of the empty rooms where all Victoria's gowns and dresses are stored in a closet, takes them all down and packs them away. He searches a while for the attic key, then takes the all the things he collected up to the attic. He is about to seal the box when he remembers the small photo he was used to carry with him, retrieves it from the pocket of the jacket he was wearing, stares for long at the photo where she is smiling her innocent and bright smile, and then puts it in the same box and seals it* Good night, Victoria, sleep well...

Abberline *goes to an empty room between the study and the master bedroom, looks at the pale rose wallpapers, the window with white lace curtains and a peaceful view into the garden partly shaded by the trellis growing wild, tries to imagine a crib, that white big chair Kat showed him, but then he forgets what the rest of the things needed were, he thinks how the room will look with toys on the floor, when his vision suddenly clouds and when it clears again, he sees a little girl in a white dress sitting on the floor tugging a white teddy bear by the ear, and she lifts her dark eyes and looks straight at him, he starts and she fades. He feels how his heart's racing, he goes to the bedroom, sits by the bedside and wakes Kat, touching her arm* Kat, I saw her, I saw Chiana.

Kat *Smiles at him*  Did ye luv?  Was she not beautiful?  I saw 'er once as a babe in yer arms. Aye it were glorious, ye, 'er and Raven were there as well.  *Thoughtfully*  It were a reflection in a glass.  *Pauses startled by the idea that comes to her. Looks toward the mirror where she'd seen Selena's actions with the rings before.*

Lady Cynthia *steps out of the taxi, pays off deNiro, takes a mirror and checks her hair and lipstick, then she marches to the door in her high heels the color of which matches exactly her beige linen suit. She stops to take a look at the house and the surroundings, nods to herself* I can see he has used the our inheritance well...*Then she rings the bell*

Abberline *to Kat* I'll open the door. Where did Selena go? *goes downstairs and opens the door, stops when he sees his sister. They both look at each other for long saying nothing*

Lady Cynthia: Well dear brother, aren't you going to let me in.

Abberline *shrugs, moves aside so she can pass in*  I have got a few minutes to spare.

Lady Cynthia *smiling at him*  You haven't changed a bit, dear brother.  So where is your charming bride?

Kat *Descending the stairs, glares at her* Abby, luv?  We really shoul 'ave that exterminator in.  We seem to be gettin' o'er run with vermin.

Lady Cynthia *smiles to Kat*  There you are, love.  How nice to see you again.  I hope you aren't too tired, you look somewhat..dishevelled.  *to Abberline*  Do you have bugs in the house.  How horrible.  You should take better care of your ...expensive property.  I remember how Victoria was always so careful in taking care of you and the household.

Abberline *smiles at Kat, takes her hand*  So what do you want?

Lady Cynthia *still looking at Kat, up and down, to Kat*  Darling, I really think you should have a rest. Is that the latest fashion in Deppville, interesting, very interesting.  Well this isn't Milano or Paris or not even London. *to Abberline*  Did you get that chest?

Abberline:  I did.

Lady Cynthia: In think that we have something to discuss about, dear brother. You don't mind me taking a look at the house. *to Kat*  I remember how Victoria consulted me about the decoration of the house. Being a lady with a good education she did a good job at it. I really could help you too, darling.*wrinkles her nose, looking around, steps into the living room*

Kat *Grinding her teeth, staring daggers at her* Abby luv the air 'as suddenly turned foul in 'ere. I think I'll be off te Sparrow Lane 'til the stench*Looks pointedly at Cynthia* leaves.

Abberline: Take care of yourself. I promise the air will be just fine when you come back... *to Cynthia, following her into the living-room* I know what you are trying to do comparing her to Victoria, but you won't get far with that. If I had wanted a 'lady' I would have married one. State you business and get out.

Lady Cynthia: I see, but it seems to me that you had no choice. I know. She seduced you and forced you to marry her when she got pregnant. *turns to look at the hall* You have quite a house here. How do you manage it with an inspector's pay?

Abberline: I understand. You want a share of Grandmother's inheritance. *looks at the clock on the mantelpiece* Your few minutes are gone. If you have something to discuss with me, I can meet you where you are staying, but I don't want you ever here again.

Lady Cynthia: You have something to hide. You are afraid of what I could see. I am staying at Chateau Blanchefort, and  I am waiting for you there.

Abberline: Good. Get out.

Lady Cynthia *casts a thoughtful look on him as she passed by to the door* Where is that son of your bride?

Abberline *holds the door open to her without a word and slams it shut after her*

At Sparrow Lane:

Ichy *to Sparrow Lane trying to find out if there are more cameras hidden in the house, he is about to slip in through the back door when he suddenly sees Kat enter the house. He puts the spare keys back in his pocket and goes to the front door, opens it and goes in after Kat* Kat, it's me, Ichabod. I came to warn you about the surveillance. I found one camera in the foyer, but there could be more hidden in the house. Someone is keeping an eye on you.

Kat *Startled*  Bloody 'ell!  Ichy please I got 'nuff worryin' me mind without them thin's that be floatin' about in yer 'ead.  Savvy??  Best be off 'fore Abby turns up and finds ye 'ere and be thinkin' the worst, eh?

Ichy:  Doesn't he let you go anywhere on your own?  But I talked to him at the Office and I told him that I had warned you. He did not pay much heed, regrettably. *takes the little camera from his pocket and shows it to Kat* See, see what I mean. I found this here, right here *shows her the place he found it* Someone is watching you. You should be more concerned about that than the Inspector finding you talking to me. What are you doing here? You should not come here alone, and you should watch your back at Bournemouth House. *clears throat* If you ever need a safe place, Kat, turn to me.

Kat *Eyes doubtfully at the thing Ichy shows her which looks nothing at all like a camera to her. Sighs, shakes her head* Poor Ichy. What 'as 'appened te ye? Ye should see a doctor but be sure 'is name's not Rainey. Now please go. There be naught 'ere te 'arm me, savvy?

Ichy *takes her by the arms, whispers agitated into her ear* You are in danger here and you are in danger at Bournemouth House. You have to get out of here at once. Don't go back there! Please trust me, I am trying to save you.

Kat *Nervously* Now Ichy, let go of me. Ye be scarin' me, luv.

Ichy *still whispering, holding her close* But you should be scared. Don't you listen to me at all? You need a safe place until I have found out what this all is about. What are you doing here anyway?

Kat *Sighs, looks sadly at him* I be 'ere te wait for the exterminator . The place be infested with spiders.*Winces slightly, waiting*

Ichy *starts, ready to bolt, gulps, looks around him with wide eyes, but controls himself* Spiders? We have to get out of here immediately! *drags her out of the house to the lawn and sighs with relief having rescued her, then looks at her sadly and embraces her carefully* Let me protect you, Kat.

Kat: Ichy What can I say te convince ye? I know yer meanin' well but I don't be needin' no protection, savvy? Now please just run along 'ome and let me be 'bout my business, eh?

Ichy *still more sadly, looking her in the eyes* As you wish *sighs* But please, Kat, heed my warnings. *turns to go, hesitates, then pulls himself together* I want you to know, that.. if something happens, or you decide...Kat,  you can always return to me.

At Bournemouth House:

Selena *having entered the house through the back, while Abby was occupied with Lady Cynthia, quickly crept upstairs to her room with packages from Vicky’s.  She changes into an extremely sheer black lace slip and lace stockings.  She checks herself in the mirror, shakes her abundant red hair out so that it tumbles about her shoulders, nods, satisfied.  She then opens her door so it’s standing ajar, positions herself on the floor, lets out a loud shriek as if in pain, and begins to rub her ankle; waits*

Abberline *about to leave after Kat to Sparrow Lane when he hears her shriek, he turns and goes to find her, comes to her door and stops, taken aback, swallows at the sight of her, unable to avert his gaze* Selena? Are you hurt? *his eyes takes in her face, her glorious hair, her garments, and he knows that he's in trouble...*

off stage: her room was downstairs...not that it is important...

Selena *looks up at him, her eyes smouldering, her voice soft*  Oh, Fred … *she smiles*  I feel so foolish!  I seem to have turned my ankle … could you help me, please?  *she tosses her head, a thick lock of her beautiful hair falling over her face ... she shifts slightly, giving him a better view of her body in the tight, sheer slip*

*off stage -- ROTFL!!  It would appear that we're disregarding stage direction more and more as the scenes get steamier!  Mr. DuBois has his work cut out for him, with such a pack o' amateurs!*

Abberline *with a husky voice, trying not to look at her, crouches down*  Oh, Selena ... of course ... *he lifts her up in his arms and carries her over to the bed, her eyes now locking with hers when he lets her down almost reluctantly*  I shall call the doctor ... *turns to go*

Selena *grasps his arm, pulls him back*  Oh, wait, I don’t really think a doctor is necessary … please, sit down here on the bed … if you could just … rub my ankle for a moment, I’m sure it’ll be fine.  Those strong hands of yours … that should do the trick.  *she raises her leg so he can take her ankle in his hands … one of the straps of her slip falls down from her shoulder; she gazes at him, holding his eyes with hers, smiling sweetly ... well aware that she chose her color of lipstick well; it makes her lips appear even more full*

Abberline *reaches out with his hand, still staring into her eyes, his fingers stroking her ankle, then gliding upwards as if they had a will of his own*  Does this .. make you feel ... better?

Selena:  Much.  *takes his hand in hers, slowly brings it up to her bare thigh above the stocking.  Sits up, leans closer to him, pressing her body against him, murmurs close to his ear*  You have a very healing touch … you’ve managed to make me forget all about the pain … *she reaches up, pulls the other strap of her slip down over her shoulder*

Abberline *letting her guide his hand, looks at her pulling the strip, feeling her silky skin beneath his fingers, makes an attempt to break loose, but she keeps him with her hand, he looks at her and suddenly kisses her hard and long on the mouth, then immediately, returning to his senses, pulls himself away from her* No.

Kat:*Having returned, notices how quiet the house seems. She goes through the kitchen and sees Selena's open door.She approaches and sees Abby kissing Selena on the bed.*  What the'ell do ye think yer doin'!!!!!!

Abberline *pulls himself from Selena,turns around, opens his mouth, but he's out of breath and he sees there is no way he can explain this, he faces her without being able to say anything for a time, feeling guilty under Kat's stare* I - I was just .. helping her...

Kat *Staring at them taking in Selena's attire or lack of* 'elpin' 'er do what exactly? Perhaps I should just leave ye to it  then. Shouldna I. *Shaking with rage*

Abberline: She... she sprained an ankle.. Kat, don't go *reaches out a hand towards her*

Kat *Dangerously*  She sprained an ankle and so ye were for givin' 'er mouth te mouth.  *Sneers*  Pirate I may be, but I'm not bloody stupid!!!

Abberline *sighs, lets his hand fall, looks her in the eyes* No, I am the bloody stupid one, but I guess that doesn't help me much. Please forgive me.

Selena *jumps up, hobbles on one foot, favoring the injured ankle*  Please, Kat, dear, you mustn't misunderstand ... your husband was just being a gentleman, helping a lady in distress.  Now I would feel just terrible if I caused a problem between you two ... *smiles sweetly at Kat*

Kat *Snarls* Give it up sister. I be not buyin' That lil number yer wearin' iffen ye'd checked with me first I coulda got ye a discount. Ye be dressed if ye can call that dressed for seducin' not sprainin'. Savvy??

Selena *eyes wide*  Oh, so then it’s true, you DO have vested interest in that Vicky’s store!  Vicky himself told me all about you, but I didn’t believe it.  I told him it was impossible, he must’ve meant someone else.  Surely the wife of a dignified man like Inspector Abberline wouldn’t have financial holdings in a store like Vicky’s … well, one never knows, does one?  Vicky seems to think very highly of you, dear … you certainly broke his heart at some point, the way he runs on.

Kat *Menacingly* I'm goin' now te fetch my sword. If ye wanta continue breathin' I suggest ye be findin' somewhere te 'ide!!

Abberline *listening to Selena surprised, then turns to Kat*  What?  Is that true?  And that Vicky - a he?  You got some explaining to do, Kat.

Kat:  I walk in on ye bein' all o'er Miss 'olier than thou and ye be askin' me questions?  *Shoves past him*  Leave me 'ell alone!!!

Selena:  It's true.  Go down to the store, ask for Vicky, he'll tell you.  Imagine, something like that being kept secret in a small town like this.  *shrugs*  Oh well.  I'm sure you two can work it out.  After all, it's in the past, right?  Although to hear Vicky talk, it sounds like he was campaigning for Kat's heart pretty stridently in very recent days.  He would certainly like to see it as more than just a business relationship.  Do you know, Kat, when he heard that I know you, he actually told me details, even to the point of how he loves how you feel in his arms!  He was talking to me as if I were his favorite bartender or something.  I quickly put him in his place, told him that was inappropriate and that I would hear no more.  *looks at them both*  Well, you two have things to talk about.  *turns to Abby*  Fred, dear, thank you so much for your help.  My ankle feels much better.  I think I'd better go rest it.  *she turns, hops back to her room*

Abberline *takes her by the arm as she is trying to push past him*  No, Kat , we'll have to sort this out ... She seduced me, I had no intention ...  And I want an answer, though it seems that your silence confirms your liaison with that 'Vicky'.  You can play the innocent victim as much as you want - when you tell me that she was lying.  Was she?  *tightens his grip on her arm*

Kat:  Vicky's a bloody business partner, nothin' more!  Now let go of me!

Abberline:  And what are you going to do if I release you?

Kat: I intend te put as much distance 'tween me and that she devil as 'umanly possible!!!  ‘Cause next time I lay eyes on 'er it'll be with sword in 'and!!!!  Savvy???

Abberline:  I will fire her, I promise, I'll get her out of the house, but you aren't going anywhere.  *still holds her arm hard*

Kat:  Let go!  Ye be 'urtin' me.

Abberline:  I'm not.  I am not letting you run away one more time.

Kat:  Just 'ow ye gonna stop me if that be my aim??

Abberline:  Is it your aim?  Don't run from me because of this.  Promise me and I will release you.  *his hand leaves bruise marks on her arm, but he has no intention of letting her go*

Kat: I give ye me word as a pirate.  Now let go!

Abberline:  Don't know what that is worth ... *reluctantly lets her go*

Kat:  It's bein' worth least as much as yer weddin' vows!

Abberline:  I haven't changed my mind about them.

Kat:  'ave ye not?  Coulda fooled me.

Abberline:  I already apologized.  What do you want me to do?

Kat:  I want ye te get rid of 'er.  Call a bleedin' ambulance iffen ye 'ave te,  Though I 'spect if someone were te yell fire she'd be outta 'ere at a dead run.  Then come upstairs and explain the why of it te me.  Best be quick or I be thinkin' the two of ye took up where ye left off.  Savvy?  *Turns and goes upstairs.*

Abberline *relieved to see her go upstairs and not leaving him instantly, he brushes his hair from the eyes with a nervous gesture, lights a cigarette and returns to Selenas room, opens it without knocking, not looking at her* Miss Coombs, it is best that you leave immediately.

Selena:  Certainly, Mr. Abberline … I’m already packing.  It’s all right, you can look, I’m wearing a perfectly dignified robe.  *she folds a few items of clothing, places them in a suitcase on the bed.  Comes over to him*  I do hope you’ll be able to straighten things out with your wife.  I didn’t mean to cause trouble, but … at the same time, you’re such an honorable man.  I hate to see you being taken advantage of by a woman who isn’t honest with you about her dealings in town.  If you were a beloved family member to me and I saw all this going on, I would probably drag you into town myself and have you speak to that Vicky.  I realize that’s hardly appropriate, given our business relationship.  But … I can’t help the way I feel.  I seldom come across genuinely good men, Mr. Abberline, and … I … I simply would hate to see you end up in a scandal, that’s all.  I … I care about you.  *she places her hand on his arm for a moment, leans close enough so that he can smell her perfume, then she backs away.*  I’m sorry it didn’t work out.  As soon as I’ve packed and get dressed, I’ll go.  *turns back to her packing*

Kat *Once upstairs, changes her clothes.  Pulls one of his robes on and belts it.  Then retrieves her shovel fro under the bed looks around and finds the perfect place for it.  Then she waits*

Abberline *quietly* Thank you, Selena.... Miss Coombs, perhaps I will do that...*for some reason he feels unable to turn and go away, he watches fascinated her packing* I am sorry, Miss Coombs, my wife...She's... I'll give you full pay and I want to say that I will give you good references if you want *feels himself like an idiot, just standing in the doorway, trying to think what kind of shade her hair color actually is, and looking at her languid eyes, she's tempting and dangerous and he begins to wonder how she can be a housekeeper* Miss Coombs, how did you find us?

Selena:  Word gets around, Mr. Abberline.  I don’t recall exactly … ours is like any other community.  When jobs open up, everyone knows about them, and we freely discuss their worth.  *she moves toward him, still favoring her ankle, comes very close to him, and he looks worried; but she only reaches past him to grab a blouse hanging on a hook on the door behind him.  As she reaches for it, her robe slips a little, revealing a bit of the slip underneath.  She seems unaware, quickly grabs the blouse, steps carefully back over to the suitcase, folds it as she continues talking*  To be honest, there were a few who warned me against taking this job.  Your wife … no, I probably shouldn’t say anything, what difference does it make now?  Let’s just say her … passionate nature and fiery temperament are legend around here.  You should be aware that it may not be easy to find someone else.  It might be better to hire a male nurse for awhile, instead of bringing another woman into the house.  *she turns to look at him, the thick lock of russet hair falling over her face again; she tosses it back, smiles amicably*  Just a thought.

Abberline: No, Miss Coombs, a male nurse is out of question. You can't really suggest that I could leave her in the house with an unknown male *he looks appalled at the bare thought* Selena...er.. Miss Coombs *he stares at her hair and her face, knowing that he has already said all that needs to be said, that there is no reason for him lingering still in the doorway* I am sorry for the trouble she caused you. And I am very sorry about my behaviour. *after a pause* Selena, I am very sorry to see you go.

Selena:  I’m sorry, too.  *reaches in her pocket, pulls out a card, approaches him*  Here … here’s a number where you can reach me, it’s my cell.  If you change your mind and want me to come back … or if you’d just like to talk sometime … give me a call.  *hands him the card*  And I am truly sorry I caused any trouble.  *she stretches up, hand on his arm, and brushes her lips against his cheek, pressing against him for a split second, her perfume wafting around them; then she’s quickly standing before him again, as if it didn’t happen.  Smiles*  And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d better get dressed.  *looks down at robe, peeks inside, looks back at him, smiles again*  Y’know, a pretty slip and silk stockings do wonders for a girl’s morale … even if they’re under a suit.

Abberline *puts the card in his pocket, blushes for some reason he doesn't understand himself*  Of course, Miss Coombs.  Selena ... I wish you luck ... *backs off, turns around and finally he's able to leave her, but he has a picture of her in a slip and stockings in his mind as he walks up the stairs and goes to the bedroom*  So, she's leaving.  And I'm here.

Selena *finishes her packing, then removes robe, dresses in a comfortable, conservative suit.  She puts on flat shoes, takes her bags, leaves her room, still favoring the ankle, walks out the door of Bournemouth House.  She considers a cab, then decides to walk; Chez Roux isn’t far.  She arrives, checks in, goes to her room, sets everything down, and takes out her cell phone, taps in a number*  Hello, I need to speak to Commander Portsmith, please … no, I will NOT wait until you finish your magazine article!  Put her on NOW.  *pauses*  Hello, Commander?  I made some progress today, but we’re at a standstill for the moment.  I think you and I should meet and discuss the situation.  Oh, and Commander … tell that Lady Cynthia that she’s going to have to step up pressure, but that she may need a new approach.  I think she should join us for our meeting.  Tomorrow morning at ten?  Fine, I’ll be there.  *closes her cell phone, puts it back into her purse; lights a cigarette, thinking*

Abberline *stares at her* She's got nothing, absolutely nothing, Kat, you got it all ... *steps closer, forgetting instantly both Selena and the male Vicky*  You got it all I need and want.  *stares at her in the dress, then steps close and sweeps her up*  and that's all mine to take ...

Kat *Running her hand up through his hair, brushes her lips on his neck, whispers*  Good answer.

Abberline *puts her down on the bed*  And now we are done with talking ...