THE SECRET LIFE OF JAMES TESTER

CURTAINS OPEN TO SHOW CATHERINE MORLEY LOOKING THROUGH PAPERS ON THE DESK . DOOR BELL RINGS OFF STAGE. ENTER ANNIE FOLLOWED BY TAMARA SMIRNOFF.

ANNIE Madame Smirnoff to see you Mrs. Morley

CATHERINE Thank you Annie. There are just two more to come now.

ANNIE Yes Madam. EXIT ANNIE

CATHERINE GOES OVER TO TAMARA , THEY SHAKE HANDS.

CATHERINE How do you do, Mrs. …….. …

TAMARA Actually it’s Madam, not Mrs. I’m not married at the moment and prefer to be called Madam or Ms.. Or Tamara , I don’t mind which.

CATHERINE Right….right. I was about to say, have you had a good journey?

TAMARA Yes, quit e good, the traffic wasn’t heavy. DOOR BELL RINGS. The road was pretty clear. ENTER ANNIE Mrs. Tester, Madam. ENTER ANNABEL TESTER.

CATHERINE Good afternoon Mrs. Tester. THEY SHAKE HANDS I hope you had a pleasant journey. I ‘m Catherine Morley., I am or rather, was Mr. Tester’s solicitor. Let me introduce you. Mrs. Tester meet Madam Smirnoff. ANNABEL AND TAMARA SHAKE HANDS. I’ll explain why you have been asked to come here when the third person arrives. KNOCK ON DOOR ENTER ANNIE.

ANNIE One of the workmen wishes to speak to you personally Mrs. Morley. I asked him if he could come another time but he says it is urgent, concerning the repairs to the roof.

CATHERINE Yes, thank you Annie, I’ll deal with it. Please tell the workman I shall be with him in a few minutes.

ANNIE Yes Mrs. Morley then I’ll go to keep my appointment at the dentist’s. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

CATHERINE Yes, you go, I can manage now. EXIT ANNIE. Ladies, would either of you like a drink, sherry or orange juice perhaps?

ANNABEL No thank you.

TAMARA Have you any whiskey? James always had a good single malt I remember. Make it a large one please.

CATHERINE POURS A LARGE WHISKEY. Water or soda?

TAMARA What! spoil a good whiskey? No thanks, just as it comes.

CATHERINE OFFERS CRISPS AND BISCUITS BUT BOTH REFUSE.