Belle Page #18

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JOHN jumps up, desperate for eye contact through the

commotion...but LORD MANSFIELD fixes ahead, moves off.

DIDO stands, caught by her own breath. JOHN turns to her.

She begins to sob. For the first time he pulls her close,

WIDE on the court room - JOHN holding DIDO as she sobs.

Through the judges’ exit - a figure, in the shadows. REVEAL

LORD MANSFIELD, taking in DIDO and JOHN, affected.

EXT. WESTMINSTER HALL. STREETS - DAY.26124124*

JOHN watches as DIDO races back to the carriage. ON their

reaction - LORD MANSFIELD stands waiting.

As DIDO and LORD MANSFIELD come before each other. Everything

in their eyes - restrained emotion over a long beat.

DIDOYou may not blame Mr Davinier...My attendance today is

absolutely at my own volition...for matters which concern me.

LORD MANSFIELDI am fully aware, Dido.

He fixes on JOHN. JOHN is apprehensive.

JOHNM’Lord...I am inspired by your

decision today. We will not go

backwards from here.

LORD MANSFIELD(burdened)

History will judge if your

optimism is warranted...(beat)...

You are a man of conviction.

JOHN swallows hard, emotion rising, stinging his eyes.

JOHNI am trying to be.

LORD MANSFIELDThen your efforts are not in vain.

DIDO moves to JOHN’S side, taking his hand. LORD

MANSFIELD’s eyes drop to their clasped fingers.

LORD MANSFIELD (CONT’D)

I have not changed my mind. She

is to marry a gentleman.

He turns and begins to move to the carriage. JOHN stares

at the ground, humiliated. DIDO is incensed.

99.

DIDOAnd Mr Davinier is not a gentleman?

Her voice rings out, furious. LORD MANSFIELD stops...

LORD MANSFIELDHe is...indeed...Dido.

(he speaks carefully)

And that is why he ought to have

a job befitting one.

DIDO(a whisper - defiant)

My affections are with him, Papaa.

I wish for nothing...

nothing, if not to be his wife.

She stares into LORD MANSFIELD’s eyes - he takes in JOHN.

LORD MANSFIELDIf you would Mr Davinier, I would

like you to attend my chambers inthe morning. There are matters I

would like you to assist me with.

JOHNYour Lordship?

LORD MANSFIELDAnd if you think it a good

idea...I wish to facilitate

your entry to the Inns of Court.

JOHN(tentative)

That is to serve my qualification

to The Bar?

The question LORD MANSFIELD once put to JOHN, is now answered.

LORD MANSFIELDIndeed...(humbled)...Capabilities

such as yours are clearly

deserving of such considerations.

JOHN breathes heavily, also humbled, as his tears surface.

JOHNI..I think it a very good idea, sir.

LORD MANSFIELD nods, then finally moves off. JOHN can’t

take it in. DIDO is breathless, eyes brim...

JOHN (CONT’D)

Can it be true?

100.

DIDOOf course. He sees what I see.

His words were as clear as...

JOHNNo! That your feelings for me are

so? That you would be my wife..?

(off her reaction, )

Because, I cannot conceive of alife without you...and if...ifsuch were all that were beforeme, Miss Lindsay, then my heartwould never beat the same again.

DIDOIt is not. It is not all that is

before you Mr Davinier...

(begins sobbing) I love you...for

all that you are, and with

all..all that I am.

He breaks down now too, wiping her tears before kissing her

through his own sobs. Then tears turn to laughter.

We draw back on the couple - two fragile figures, amid the

bustle of London town.

ON the MANSFIELD crest as LORD MANSFIELD’S carriage moves

off, a solitary figure inside, staring straight ahead.

THE END101.

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