Woman in a Dressing Gown Page #7

That he smothers the food

you've cooked in sauce,

whatever it is, whole dollops of sauce.

You know a thousand things about him.

I know a million.

That's what being married means.

To know a man inside out

and still love him.

I'm sorry.

I can't see any point in my staying.

Georgie, wait! Amy, be fair!

Be fair? You say that to me? Be fair?

Yes, I do!

You talk about me and my fortunes

as if there was only one side to it.

Heaven knows I'm no angel,

but I've tried, Amy.

For years, I've tried to make

something of our life.

I've worked. For what? For this?

You call this a home?

It's just a roof over your head.

- But we've been happy, Jimbo.

- (He snorts)

- Well, you say we've been happy.

- It isn't happiness now, Amy.

Years ago, perhaps.

But not now. Now it's just habit.

We're married and we've learnt

the habit of living together, that's all.

You never told me, not once.

I thought you loved me.

Oh, I do, Amy.

I do love you.

But in a different way now.

There's only one way to love.

- I'll go, Preston.

- Wait!

He can go with you.

- You want that, Amy?

- Course I want it.

What do you take me for?

The quicker, the better.

I don't need you any more, Jimbo.

I can work. I can find a job.

Brian and me,

we'll manage, manage well.

Maybe this is the best thing

that could happen to me.

For years I haven't thought of myself,

only of you.

Now it's changed. You go tonight.

I want you out of my home,

with her, tonight!

All right, then, if that's the way

you feel about it. I'm sorry, Amy.

Don't be sorry.

That's too soft, sentimental.

Won't go down well with her!

I'll pack a case.

Wait downstairs! Downstairs!

Mrs Preston.

You won't believe this.

I am deeply sorry.

Yes.

Sit down a minute.

I'll help him pack.

He never knows where to find anything.

Um... I don't mean to be unkind, but...

when you saw what was happening,

couldn't you... somehow have found

the strength to leave him alone?

You're so pretty.

So attractive.

You could have anyone.

You've got your whole life in front of you.

Jimbo's not for you.

I'm not just saying that.

I know him. He's...

he's weak like me.

We make a pair.

You make me sick.

You mustn't think too badly

of your father.

I don't. I just want to know

what kind of a...

woman you are.

What kind of a woman could do this

to my mother, to our family?

That's all I want to know.

People can't help their feelings.

- You make me sick.

- You're young.

You pray.

You pray hard

it never happens to you like this.

Socks.

I'll darn your others,

have your shirts and things cleaned up.

Remember... remember to...

Amy, there's still a lot to settle.

Brian and money. The divorce.

Brian will decide for himself.

The divorce,

you must do what you think best.

About money, I told you

I don't want any.

Mrs Harper's promised

to help me get a job.

- Amy, you don't want to work.

- Oh, yes, yes, I do, Jimbo.

I meant what I said in there.

I see so many things now.

I need to work.

I'm not gonna sit down and weep

for the rest of my life.

This old case, it's seen better days.

That's that. Good luck, Jimbo.

You'd better go. She's waiting for you.

Where is she?

She said she'd wait for you downstairs.

Say goodbye to your father, Bri.

He's leaving.

Goodbye, Dad.

(Door shuts)

I'll look after you, Mum.

We'll be together.

Both of us.

He was in such a hurry to get to her,

he didn't even take his case.

He'll be back for it. I'll leave it outside.

I'll pick them up, Mum.

No, you get some tea.

Get some fresh tea.

(Clock chiming)

(Clock chimes the hour)

(Clock chimes the hour)

It's no use, Georgie.

You're right. I'm no good at fighting.

But now you don't

have to fight any more.

Leaving her just now, she seemed...

so helpless.

Perhaps she's what she is

because I'm what I am.

I can't do it, Georgie.

- (Dog barks in the distance)

- I can't.

I've got to go back.

You haven't got to do anything, Preston.

You mean it's what you want to do.

It's what I've got to do, Georgie.

Like I always said, you can't bear

hurting anyone, least of all her.

Look what I've done to you.

I should have known.

I should have been stronger.

Well, you're strong now.

I always wanted you to be sure.

All along, I wanted you to be sure.

Now you are.

What did she say?

What did she say to make you change?

It's just, it's been too long

between Amy and me.

I can't fight that.

I can't fight that, Preston.

Georgie.

(Georgie sobs)

(Sobbing) Please go.

Please go before I beg you to stay.

Forgive me, Georgie.

Try and forgive me.

Please don't say any more.

Please go.

(Departing footsteps)

(Whispers) Preston.

(Sighs)

(Door closes)

I've spilled your things.

She's gone.

You can't do it, you know.

You can't throw 20 years of your life

in a case and walk out.

What can I say to you, Amy?

Nothing to say, Jimbo.

It's all right.

Everything'll be all right. You'll see.

All those things I said.

I didn't mean to hurt you, Jimbo.

I wouldn't hurt you, not on purpose.

We'd none of us

hurt each other on purpose.

It'll be all right from now on.

It'll be all right, I promise.

You know what?

I'm gonna scrap this old dressing gown.

Honestly. I never realised

till tonight how shabby it is.

Anyway, a woman should dress.

She shouldn't slouch around all day

in an old gown.

Place won't seem the same without it.

Leave that. I'll do it later.

You go and talk to Bri.

(Door clicks)

Dad?

I've got to give

another speech tomorrow.

Will you have a look at my notes?

Course I will.

Let's see.

Let's have a bit of music.

- (Music plays)

- (Radio static)

(Orchestral music plays on radio)

(Orchestral music plays on radio)

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes