Tom Jones by Ross Ericson

Author:Ross Ericson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781350133693
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2019-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

Act Two

Scene One – The Inn At Upton

There are two internal doors as well as the front door, stage left, and the back door, stage right. On stage there are several chairs and tables and a serving trestle.

Mrs Fitzpatrick sits at a table stage left, reading. At a table stage right is Ensign Northerton and Mrs Waters. Northerton is drunk and amorous. Fielding enters.

FieldingThis is the famous inn at Upton . . .

NorthertonBring me more ale.

Fielding. . . halfway between Bridgewater and London.

The Landlady appears from behind the trestle and brings a jug to Northerton.

FieldingHere we are expecting the imminent arrival of Tom Jones who, despite his initial intentions, will be arriving here shortly. You see, after leaving Mr Allworthy’s house, he intended to head to Bristol, take on board a ship, and seek his fortune at sea. (Takes a seat.) Unfortunately, as is the humour of some country folk with strangers, he was given directions that have sent him entirely in the opposite direction. (Northerton whispers something in Mrs Waters’ ear. She slaps him and exits to her room behind one of the internal doors. Tom enters.) Ah, speak of the devil.

Tom (To Landlady.) Excuse me, madam, I am looking for a room for the night.

LandladyNo rooms left, it’ll have to be a blanket on the floor.

TomOh, I see . . .

LandladyWould you care for a drink and a bite to eat?

TomYes, yes, that would be grand, it has been a long and tiring day.

NorthertonPlease, sir, join me if you will.

TomWhy, that is most kind of you, sir.

Northerton fills a mug for Tom.

NorthertonWill you toast the king with me, sir?

TomI will, sir. The King.

NorthertonThe King (Tom takes a sip but Northerton drains. Tom does likewise and Northerton refills their mugs.) Name’s Northerton, the King’s Third foot.

TomTom Jones, at your service, sir.

NorthertonMay I ask you where you are bound for, Mr Jones?

TomWell, I was heading for Bristol but I find I was given erroneous directions so now find myself heading for London. And you, sir, where are you bound for?

NorthertonScotland, sir, to join my regiment. We are marching against the rebels and are expected to be commanded by the glorious Duke of Cumberland himself.

TomThe Duke of Cumberland. (A toast.)

NorthertonThe Duke of Cumberland.

Once more Northerton drains his mug but Tom doesn’t this time. Northerton notes this with a smirk when he goes to refill his mug.

TomWell, sir, it should be a magnificent adventure.

NorthertonOh, that indeed it will.

TomI am a man that suddenly finds himself at large in the world, in search of what life may have to offer him. I have a mind that I may like to take a commission in a regiment of the King’s Army.

NorthertonWell, it’s a fine life sir, if you have a mind to it. And it is an excellent choice for a gentleman adventurer.

TomIndeed.

NorthertonYou are a gentleman, are you not, sir?

TomI toast you sir and wish you well in your fight for liberty and the Protestant religion.

NorthertonThe Protestant religion? The Protestant religion? I fight not for no preaching parsons, sir.

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