Transcript
BILLIE
(WHISPERING) Who’s that sitting over there?
ALFIE
(WHISPERING) She looks like the lady in the portrait back in the banqueting room. The one like a Chinese empress.
BILLIE
(WHISPERING) It must be King George’s girlfriend!
LADY CONYNGHAM
Are you three just going to stand there whispering, or are you coming in? You’re just in time!
ALFIE
What for, your majesty?
LADY CONYNGHAM
Not your majesty! I’m just Lady Conyngham. My husband is the Marquess, which makes me a Marchioness! Though I am the king’s favourite.
ALFIE
Favourite what?
LADY CONYNGHAM
Just favourite.
BILLIE
What did you want us for, your ladyship?
LADY CONYNGHAM
Why, cards, of course. I always play cards after dinner, and I can never persuade Prinny to play.
BILLIE
Doesn’t he like cards?
LADY CONYNGHAM
He hates cards! He’d much rather talk. Or he sometimes organises concerts in here, which is most inconvenient. And he likes to dance.
BILLIE
Dancing?
LADY CONYNGHAM
Yes, parties and riding are two of his favourite things. You know he broke the record for driving a carriage from London to Brighton when he was younger?
ALFIE
Really! How long did it take?
LADY CONYNGHAM
It normally takes six hours, and he did it in four and a half! Can you imagine! That’s ten miles an hour! It’s unthinkable! But then he was rather reckless in those days.
ALFIE
But we can get to London in an hour.
LADY CONYNGHAM
Don’t be ridiculous. That’s impossible! Now run along, children. The footman will be bringing a light supper soon, and he won’t be pleased to see you here.
ALFIE
(TERRIFED) The footman?! Come on, you two, let’s go!