Life In Squares by Amanda Coe

Author:Amanda Coe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2016-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

INT. NESSA’S STUDIO. 1914. DAY

[NEW DAY] NESSA holds a little oil sketch DUNCAN has done of the pattern of the branches in the sky – almost an abstract. His light touch. DUNCAN prowling round, looking at any new additions to the room.

DUNCAN

How’s Virginia?

NESSA

[BIG QUESTION]

Better, but not better. Leonard’s taking her out of London. Somewhere quiet. Best for her if there is going to be a war anyway.

DUNCAN

Golly.

VIRGINIA’s illness is somewhere NESSA can’t go for long. She puts DUNCAN’S gift on the mantelpiece/window sill, taking it in. Appreciative. But this new constraint towards him, which he clocks but doesn’t understand.

DUNCAN (CONT’D)

Not really Clive’s sort of thing, or Roger’s?!

NESSA

But mine. As you know.

[WHAT’S BEEN ON HER MIND]

Actually, I’ve been arranging what to do myself if there is a war... keeping the boys out of danger. You’re still planning to visit us in the country, aren’t you? I’ve found a house.

DUNCAN

You know me, I tend to turn up as a guest and stay as a lodger.

NESSA

A tenant, I hope. No rent, that’s taken care of. There’s a good-sized room for you. And Bunny, of course.

DUNCAN

He’ll be delighted, he’s desperate to get away and do some writing ...

DUNCAN turns round a canvas that’s been turned to the wall. An overworked nude portrait of NESSA signed by ROGER. It’s in ROGER’S ‘leopard style’ – borrowed from pointillism. NESSA is embarrassed, although not by the nudity. DUNCAN gets it. Sighs.

Very gently, DUNCAN replaces the canvas back against the wall.

NESSA

[SUDDEN]

I’m in love with you.

She hadn’t been expecting to say this. It’s the last thing she wants to be saying.

NESSA (CONT’D)

I’m sorry.

[BEAT]

I thought it was just, bodies... but erm... It’s not going to change.

DUNCAN

Nessa. It’s... you must know I’m fonder of you than any woman on earth. Than almost anyone in fact.

She’s not going to plead. The depth of her feeling is very apparent. As is her dignity. On DUNCAN.

NESSA

Yes. You’re a bugger, there it is. I don’t expect anything.

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