The Armchair Detective and the Castle of Mandrake Part Two: Series Two by Shimwell Ian

Author:Shimwell, Ian [Shimwell, Ian]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Shimwell's Scripts
Published: 2013-01-30T16:00:00+00:00

Act Three

(Almost breathless, TRENCH bursts into the drawing room.)

TRENCH: Debsy.

(TRENCH is greeted with convivial laughter.)

TRENCH: Debsy, what’s happened – you screamed?

DEBSY: (Who’s laughing.) I know, I’m sorry – you see I thought the rat was attacking me and… you won’t believe this. (She sinks into more laughter.)

RHET: It was hilarious, Trench.

SADE: You do look worried, though.

MANDRAKE: Allow me to take up the story – and I apologise Trench, it was all my fault. Debsy here, thought rat was lunging for her throat and naturally screamed but, I’m almost ashamed to say, it was only this glove puppet on my wrist that just so happens to look like a rat which caused all the commotion.

TRENCH: Yes, very clever, Mandrake.

MANDRAKE: It was a harmless prank, that’s all.

RHET: Oh come on, Trench – can’t you see the funny side of it?

TRENCH: All I’m going to say Rhet, is that ignorance is bliss.

(MARLOWE enters the room.)

MARLOWE: Luncheon is now being served. If you please…

(Slowly, the guests move to the dining room.)

(Calmer music changes the scene.)

MARLOWE: I trust everyone enjoyed luncheon. Now, for an unrelated announcement: Myself and the servants, despite extensive searches, have been unable to locate the dratted rat, so we are officially abandoning the search.

DEBSY: Trench, wake me up when he’s finished, will you?

MARLOWE: However, if you happen to observe said rat, please bring the matter to the attention of one of the staff immediately.

TRENCH: I wonder where rat has disappeared to though? What do you think, Sade?

SADE: Probably scarpered from this creepy castle – I wish I could.

TRENCH: Hmm, but all the outer doors are locked though…

RHET: We could start the rat-hunting game again? Any volunteers? (There is a moment’s silence.) No, I didn’t think so.

MARLOWE: Thank-you Rhet, but no. Master has decreed that after this morning’s exertions, a period of rest is in order. As a leisurely stroll through the grounds is also out of the question, due to the inclement weather, you are welcome to browse in Master’s extensive study; relax in the drawing room or play billiards or cards in the games room.

(MANDRAKE opens the door and enters.)

MANDRAKE: Where later, I shall be playing Bridge partnering Marlowe here. I dare anyone to challenge us. We have never failed yet to make our contract, is that not so, Marlowe?

MARLOWE: It is indeed as you say, Master.

TRENCH: Bridge, Mandrake? I bet even that was an obscure previous clue…

MANDRAKE: Speak up, Trench – was that a challenge?

TRENCH: Yes, it most certainly was…

(Thoughtful music changes the scene.)

TRENCH: You’re all alone – where’s everyone gone?

SADE: I’m not sure about Mandrake and Marlowe, but I think Rhet and Debsy are browsing in the study.

TRENCH: Sade, you sound so down. Come on, what’s wrong?

SADE: Can’t you hear them?

TRENCH: Hear what?

SADE: Listen.

TRENCH: (Who listens for a moment.) All I can hear is the howling wind and the driving rain – wait yes, I can just… (Faintly, we can hear the howling, barking hunting dogs.) …hear the hunting dogs. Do they disturb you?

SADE: I just don’t like this castle, Trench.

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