"LIFE OF RILEY" "Based on Alan Ayckbourn's play Life of Riley" "It's springtime." "One day in May..." "There." "I can't say I like this marmalade much." "No, nor can I." "Why did you buy it?" "I couldn't tell." "I'm not inside the jar." " They didn't have " " I'd rather go without." "Just a second " " What?" " Let me finish." " Really?" " I have more lines." " Are you sure?" " Look." "I say," ""They didn't have the usual."" "Then you say," ""I'd rather go without."" " I thought you'd said it." " What?" ""They didn't have the usual." I thought you'd said it." "Not at all." "You didn't give me time." "I didn't?" "You went right on with, "I'd rather go without."" "Before I could even say, "They didn't have the usual."" "So of course it made no sense." "Could you possibly listen to what people say sometimes?" "Colin, you don't listen." "You never listen." "Do you?" "I was listening." "You never listen in real life." "You weren't speaking." "I thought you'd finished." "That was a pause." "The script says "slight pause."" "How am I supposed to know?" "Try following the script." "Right here." "You keep pausing." "How can I tell?" "When you stop, I go." "There are two characters." "If you stop, it's my turn." "I don't know why you agreed to be in this play in the first place." "Nor do I." "I mean it." "You don't take it seriously, you skip lines, you interrupt others." "I really can't figure out why Peggy Parker picked you." "Saved by the bell." " God, that phone!" " I'll answer it." "It hasn't stopped ringing from the moment I got in." "We leave in one minute." "Peggy Parker hates us being late for rehearsals." "Monica!" "Monica!" "What are you doing, Monica?" " You're out here?" " Hello." " What are you doing?" " Tidying the playroom." "Ah, that's right." "Are rehearsals going well?" "No one's here yet." "Hello." "Good trip?" "The usual boring conference." "You get the picture." "Long way to go to get bored." "Is Tilly around?" "Your daughter's at a party with a boy." "That's the second one this week!" "The third." "Right, I'll go and unpack." "If you have any washing, just leave it there." " I'll put it with the rest." " Thanks." " Nice hotel?" " What?" "Was it a nice hotel?" "A basic chain place, a broom cupboard with a kettle." "A pack of ancient biscuits, a narrow little bed." "You could have taken a double." "A double?" "What for?" "I was thinking on my way home, Tilly has a big birthday soon." "In September." "There's plenty of time." "We need a huge party to celebrate it." "You said that for her thirteenth." "How many huge parties do you plan to throw?" "Sixteen's a big one." "Age of consent, after all." "I think she's jumped the gun there." "I don't understand." " It's not what she told me." " Obviously." "I'll get changed." "You bastard." "Are you ok?" "I get the impression you came out for a quick smoke." "Monica." "Come on, old pal." "I moved in here way too soon." "We should have waited." "I couldn't have waited." "You're kind." "I'm a real pain, aren't I?" "Are you sure you're all right?" "Yes." "Damn it!" "Damn it all to hell!" " Who was it?" " Nothing." "Just work." "You were talking for ages." "What time is it?" "The clock in the hallway struck six fifteen minutes ago and the living room one just struck five." "They're out of step again." "Sort them out." "It's driving me mad." "I'll see to it when " "Besides, which one is right?" " Neither one." " So what time is it?" "Seventeen minutes to seven." "That's it, we'll be late." "We're late." " Are you all right?" " Yes." "It was a colleague, a specialist from Manchester." "He had some rather bad news." "Manchester?" "He's quite renowned." "Hinchwood." "Jeremy Hinchwood." "Hinchwood?" "Do we know him?" "No, I don't think so." "A leading cancer specialist." "I referred a patient to him a week ago." "He's just given me his diagnosis." " It's not very good." " I see." " Yes." " That's life." "In this case, only one or two months more of it." " One month?" " Six at the most." "That's dreadful!" "Does your patient know?" "Hinchwood said he'd written to him." "He called him earlier to explain the situation and the ramifications." "And I'm here to pick up the pieces." "That's horrible!" "Six months." "It's no time for anything." "If someone told me that, I'd die of shock." "This fellow won't." "He's not the type." "When it happens, it'll happen fast." "For now, he has a few good months ahead." " Do I know him?" " Kathryn." "What does he do?" "You can tell me that at least." "For heaven's sake, you're not interrogating me!" "You're such a gossip." "I can't tell you anything." "I'm his GP and I must respect patient confidentiality." "Surely you can tell your own wife?" "No, not even my own wife." "Especially a wife who'll tell all and sundry." "Why be married to a doctor if I can't hear things first?" "If you won't share?" "Why am I married to you?" "That's a whole other issue." "What does the man's job matter anyway?" "If he's a bus driver, say, it could be dangerous." "If he drops dead at the wheel with a bus full of school kids." "And the bus crashes into a frozen lake." "Precisely." "I imagine the bus company has insurance for such an eventuality." "You mean the driver's covered?" "Drowned and covered!" "I wonder if it's the same for schoolteachers?" "Schoolteachers?" "So he's a teacher!" "Maybe." "No." "We should be going." "We'll be so late, Peggy will blow a fuse." "I'll get the car out." "Kathryn... you'll try to wheedle it out of me but I won't say a thing." "You mustn't mention a word of it to anyone." " What?" " George." "Not a word to anyone." "You promise?" "I'll be out front." "George." "A schoolteacher?" "George Riley." "Dear God, not George Riley, please!" "Jack, it's Kathryn." "I have some terrible news." "I felt you should be the first to know as you're so close." "It's George." " Yes, George Riley." " Kathryn!" "Coming!" "Just a second!" "Colin let it slip out." "You know how he can't keep a secret." "He told me just now." "Promise me you won't tell anyone." "You promise?" "You're sure?" "Six months?" "That's what Colin told her." "Could they be wrong?" "I don't know." "I've no idea." "Maybe." "George!" "Not George!" "I'm so sorry for you." "You're so close." "My best friend." "My oldest friend." "Something like this takes the breath right out of your body." "Perhaps they're wrong." "The papers are full of medical errors." "Want me to get you a scotch?" "Yes." "I'll get you a scotch." "Wait here." "Maybe that's them." "I'll go." "Stay here." "I have to call George." " Think he knows?" " No idea." "Careful what you say." "It'd be horrible if you broke the news." "It's ringing." "Yes, he's outside." "He's on the phone." "There's no answer at his place." "Hello, Jack." "Good to see you." "How are you?" "Give me a minute." "I'm sorry." "Hello, Jack." "I'll try his cell in case he's out somewhere." "Poor Jack." "It must be especially hard for him." "What terrible news." "It was a real shock." " What news?" " About George." "George Riley, dear." " You know, the cancer." " The cancer?" "He's dying apparently." "Six months left to live." "Good God!" "I thought you knew." "Of course he knew." "Of course I knew!" "I didn't know anyone else did." "Who told you?" " Jack did." " Who told him?" "Kathryn." "Kathryn told him." "How did you know it was George Riley?" "It wasn't hard to guess." "So much for patient confidentiality." "Does George know yet?" "Yes." "The specialist wrote to him and then called him today." "Why didn't George tell anyone?" "So as not to upset us." "You know him." "Jack's trying to call him but he's not answering." "It's horrible." "He's all alone in that tiny cottage." "Since that horrible woman walked out." "What horrible woman?" "His wife, darling." "George's wife." "What's her name again?" " Monica." " Yes, she must be told too." "Why?" "Well?" "No answer on his cell either." "I left a message." "Perhaps we should go round there." "Think so?" "He must be in a terrible state." "He'll need us to rally round him." "I'd hate to see us all turn up." "Of course." "He'd rather be alone." "You left a message, that's enough." "He'll call if he needs us." "My advice is to leave him be." "Give him time to let it sink in and reflect in peace." "George?" "I can't see him reflecting in peace!" " Was his answering machine on?" " No, it rang and rang." "See, he's at home and doesn't want to answer." "Unless he's lying there unconscious after an overdose." "Jack, really!" "I'm sure he's fine." "George would never do such a thing." "Why George?" "Why did it have to be him?" "It's always those full of life who go first." "The tiresome, humdrum ones live forever." "I promised you a scotch, didn't I?" "Would you like something?" "It's not wise before a rehearsal but " "Tea or coffee perhaps?" "A scotch sounds lovely." "They say it's good after a shock." " That's a total fallacy." " Really, I thought" "You're better off with a glass of water." "Explain that to a Saint Bernard." " I'll get the scotch." " I'll go." " You're sure?" " I'll try to call him again." "He's devastated." "After all, they're such close friends." "Fuck!" "Where are Peggy and company?" "She's usually bang on time." "Why George?" "Why?" "I was in two minds about taking this part." "Peggy couldn't find anyone else." "You're ideal." "You'll be a wonderful Ginny." "She's in her twenties." " It says that?" " She's supposed to be 27 or so." "Where does it say that?" "I've done this play three times before and, believe me, you're the perfect Ginny." "Far and away the best." "It's ideal casting." "You look young." "You're vivacious." "With just a hint of worldliness in the eyes." "You're sweet." "No, you know what I mean." "That's the character." "Innocence with the idea she's been around the block." "Enough!" "She's supposed to severely flirt with me." "In the play, I mean." "True, that is a bit absurd." "Don't be mean." "Why couldn't Colin and I flirt severely?" "Flirt severely is an oxymoron." "Forgive me." " Did you reach him, dear?" " No, still no answer." "I'll do this." " Kathryn?" " Thank you." "Just a drop." "A drop more." " Colin?" " No thanks." "I'll share Kathryn's." "No, you won't!" " Thank you." " Darling?" "Well, here's to " "Yes, to " "Listen," "I've been thinking these last few hours." "We're all George's friends." "Especially me, of course, I'm different." "His best friend." "His oldest friend." "I love that guy!" "But we all feel that for him." "Affection, I mean." "I've known George since we were at school together." "The same school where he teaches now." "We were both only children." "We shared the same dreams and ideals at first." "Like brothers." "Until George chose one path and I took another." "He stayed here." "He married a fellow teacher, Monica." "Whilst I " "I met Tamara and made some money." "We had Tilly, then came back here." "But George stayed loyal to our old dreams and ideals." "Whereas I " "I sold out!" "But he never criticized me, never accused me... of selling my soul." "And now the time has come when he'll need every bit of love we can give him." "I think that all of us, in our various ways, owe him that at least." "Well said." " I couldn't agree more." " Absolutely." "To George." "Excuse me, I'm sorry." "Where's he going now?" "Maybe that's him." "In any case, Jack is a complete mess." "He's known George for ages." "You heard him." "So have you, actually." "Not as long as Jack has." "I'm sorry, I can't help myself." "Don't worry, it's only natural." "Grief is a perfectly normal reaction." "In most people." "That was Peggy." "Jeff was round there and he wants to leave the show." "How kind to let us know!" "Honestly!" "The first day of rehearsal." "Wonderful timing!" "She tried her best but" "No." "We'll manage without him." "At least he was young." "She has to replace him." "As there are only three of us to perform a four-hander, tonight's rehearsal is canceled." "Let's see, who do we know?" " We must know someone young." " Of course." "Don't you have any young patients?" "I fear they're all older than me." " George." " What?" "Couldn't George do it?" "I don't know the play but if you're stuck " "He's no spring chicken." "Have you seen how old we are?" "Maybe it's not such a bad idea." "Do you really think he can act?" "In Peggy's shows, that's not necessary." "It can help but" "He wasn't bad in that school play." "Tilly had a small part." " My Fair Lady?" " He sang in tune." " He won't need to sing." " Even better." "Maybe he's the answer." "He has other things on his mind." "He won't want to " "Why not?" "It'll give him a goal, being in this with his friends." " He has six months?" " More or less." "The show's in September." "He'll be there for the first night." "There's no harm in asking him." "We'll need Peggy to green-light it." "George is a bit gray for the part but if he dyes his hair " "I think it's just what he needs." "What do you say, Tamara?" "It's up to you." "He has a lot of scenes with you." "He'll be your boyfriend after all." "Let's see what he thinks first." "Spring is over." "It's summer now." "One day in July..." "I can't say I like this marmalade much." "Nor can I." "Why did you buy it?" "I couldn't tell." "I'm not inside the jar." "They didn't have the usual." "I'd rather go without." "You say that but" "If you ask me, you should have bought jam." "That's ridiculous." "Not at all." "I mean it." "Colin, for pity's sake, stop it!" "What?" "That noise with your paper." "You rustle it on every syllable I utter." "I'm only doing what I have to do." "That rustling sound drives me mad." "It's written here." "They're both reading the Sunday papers." "Can't you do it quietly?" "It drowns out my lines and ruins my timing." "How can I hold a comic pause with you making that racket?" "I was just filling the gaps." "What gaps?" "The gaps you keep leaving when neither of us speaks." "They're not gaps, they're pauses." "Pauses for laughs." "Really?" "To leave room for the laughs." "There'll be laughs." "At least we hope so." "We're lucky to have George on board, aren't we?" "Yes, you're not wrong." "I saw a bit of his scene with Tamara." "She's going to be terrific too." "She was really into it." "In fact, so was he." "They're too old for the parts though." "It's worse and worse." "I don't believe it." "Yes, darling, what is it?" "I can't, my love, I have too many " "Yes, that's right." "I know it's not ideal." "I have to go." "I'm in a meeting." "Yes, I love you too." "Take care." "You're already here?" " How are you?" " I'm doing ok." " Busy?" " Run off my feet at school." "So much paperwork, there's hardly time to teach." " How's country life?" " Wonderful." "You're so isolated here." "It's quiet." "Restful." " Happy?" " Very." "Is this about George?" " Has he called you?" " No." "He said he was going to." "How is he?" "All things considered - It's early days yet." "With the drugs he's on, he's in shape physically." "Not in any pain." "Good." "It's more on a psychological level." "I can't imagine what he feels." "That was never really possible with him." "What?" "No one ever knew what he was thinking." "I gave up trying after eleven years." "I tried calling him actually." "In vain." "No, that's not true." "I kept hanging up when I got the answering machine." "I didn't know what to say." "A message to say what?" ""George, it's your ex-wife." "I was sorry to hear the news and I didn't mean all the things I said when I left you."" "I couldn't do that." "I'd be lying." "It would be hypocritical." "After all, I meant every single thing I said to him." "I won't take them back." "He's all alone, Monica." " He's got no one since you left." " I gave him opportunities." "His friends are gathering around as best we can." "I stuck with him as long as humanly possible, Jack." "He needs you, Monica." "George needs you to come back." " Did he say that?" " Yes." "He wants me to or are you saying that?" "He didn't use those very words but I know George." "In his heart, he wants you back." "Another mystery." "George's heart." "An enigma even more complicated than his mind." "If" " If he took the first step, would you consider it?" "If he begged you for forgiveness?" "I have a new life here." "It's too late." "Just the few months he has left." "I've found another man who really needs me." "And, thank God, a man I can read like an open book." "You could take a break for a month, surely?" "Take a break?" "He can understand you need to put things on hold temporarily." "What are you saying?" "You're as crazy as George!" "On hold?" "It's not a DVD player!" "Play, pause, freeze-frame, fast forward, rewind." "That's not life!" "That was the trap with George." "After one of our countless rows, he'd come back ten minutes later, with that little boy look of his on his face." "He'd say, "Sorry, old girl, let's forget that and start again."" "We'd rewind the last hour and rerecord over it just like that." "Know what?" "That's why nothing changed between us." "We never learnt, never referred to it, as if it never happened." "Now I have someone who simply loves me." "No, who loves me simply." "Who loves me a lot." "I think." "I hope." "Who's never said a mean thing." "A gentle, kind, considerate man who wants to make me happy, as I do too." "I won't abandon George." "He's my friend." "I want his life to end happily." "I won't give up, Monica." "I'll come back." "Do as you want, Jack." "Good luck." "Hi." "I'll be going." "Good to see you, Monica." "We'll talk soon." "Perhaps." "Nice to have met you, however briefly." "It's all right." "Don't worry." "It's all right." "I don't believe it!" "You're not at my entrance yet?" "Not quite." "Someone could have called me." "It's not like Peggy." "Her rehearsals usually run like clockwork." "It's her main quality as a director." "I told you, it's not all Peggy's fault." "George was forty minutes late." "I left the practice in a panic to be here on time." "It wasn't easy." "We're snowed under with people off on vacation." "They come in at the last minute to have fillings replaced." "Tea or lemonade?" "Lemonade." " Just a drop." " I'll have some too." "Until it's my turn." "Honestly, it's easy enough to make a quick phone call." "You're right." "Isn't it that bloody stage manager's job?" "What's her name?" "Anthea or something?" "Kathryn." "Peggy says keep it down." "We're trying to rehearse!" " Is it my turn soon?" " No, not yet." "Not so loud." "We're working." "Tell them to hurry up or I'm going home instead." "Here we are." "Not too cold I hope." "Straight from the fridge." "It looks delicious." "Hang on, I'll get some napkins." "This looks so good." "You must give me the recipe." "It's only lemons." "Lemons and water." "Wonderful." "Cheers." "To our play." "It's a bad sign that George was late for the rehearsal again." "Has George always been late for everything?" "I don't remember." "Probably." "You've known him for years, haven't you?" "Almost as long as Jack has." "Years." "George is many things but he's not a clock-watcher." "You can say that again." "I live with a clock-watcher." "Colin spends his time setting the clocks right." "It borders on the anal." "He's a doctor, it goes with his job." "Appointments and so on " "Colin has a clock up his arse." "I can hear him ticking in bed." "It's a countdown." "He's a bomb." "Lucky you." "I didn't mean that kind of bomb." "Sexually, we've been in the doldrums for a long while now." "As they say in westerns, the wagons don't come this way no more." "Thank God." "You don't have that problem with Jack?" "No, not the same problem anyhow." "That's it." "We're up to Sheila's entrance." "So we're on time?" "Apparently, we're only seventeen minutes behind schedule." "George already knows most of his lines." "You too, I hope." "More or less." "Roughly." "Roughly?" "Aren't you rehearsing?" "It's not my turn yet." "How's George managing?" "He'll be excellent." "Much better than me." "You'll be great." "You always say that, then you're great." "What are you doing?" "I'm looking over my lines." "Sorry, I'm disturbing you." "Want me to go over them with you?" "No, it's ok." "You're sure?" "I don't mind." "I'm glad to help." "I was thinking - We could put up a tent, a small marquee, for Tilly's birthday." "She wants a marquee?" "Just a small one." "I haven't asked her." "Why not ask if she wants a marquee?" "It wouldn't be a surprise." "She doesn't need a marquee." "Where are you going?" "I need to check my lines." "I can help you, I said." "No, it's ok." "Come on, like we used to in your acting days." "I helped you learn your lines, remember?" "I usually knew them better than your partner." "I'd be at the first night, in the front row, saying the lines under my breath with him." "Better than him most of the time." "Not always under your breath either." "All right, then." "Here." "Top of the page." "Do George's lines." "You read Greg." " Top of the page?" " Top of the page." "Know what?" "I've been thinking." "Perhaps we should get married." "Soon." " Is this a proposal?" " Yes." "It sounds like one, doesn't it?" "You can see it that way." "What did I say?" "As good as George, aren't I?" "No, you're not as good as George." "Is this a proposal?" "Is it a proposal or not?" "Drat!" "Is it a proposal or not?" "Yes, it is one." "I don't know what to say." "I love you very much." "More than I've ever loved anyone, I think." "They kiss." " And, probably " " Kiss?" " A quick one." " It's not in the script." "No, we added it." "And, probably " "I'll say yes one day but not at the moment." "I see." "Who have you known apart from me?" "How many other girls?" "Well " "Really known." "You see what I mean." "Well, I " "To be honest " "Then she says, "I'm the first, aren't I?"" "I know." "I know what she says." "You're the first." "The only one." "You know that, Tamara." "The first." "You always will be." "The only one." "Yes." "Tamara!" "It's your turn soon." "Coming." "No, not now " " Who was that?" " What?" "On the phone." "Was it serious?" "No." "That chap with the big car?" "What did he want again?" "Nothing." "What do you mean, nothing?" "What are you so upset about?" " I'm not upset!" "It's just " " What?" "Nothing!" "Nothing at all!" " It's you." " What are you doing here?" "I promised George I'd pick up his washing." "His machine isn't working." "I wondered why the door was unlocked." "I was upstairs." "So why are you here?" "I came round on the off-chance " "I have to help him with his lines." "He's not here." "This house is a pigsty." "It can't have been cleaned since Monica left." "You followed me, then?" " I'm sorry?" " You followed me here?" "Are you serious?" "Why on earth would I follow you?" "No, I passed you in town, quite by chance." "I guessed you were coming " "Yes, I did follow you." "To see if George and I were at it like rabbits?" "I thought you were about to do something you'd regret." "Well, he isn't here." "Otherwise, we would have been." "Really?" "Are you serious?" "Not really, no." "Excuse me, I have my work cut out." "I can help." "You're not dressed for it." "This?" "It's just an old thing " "You'll get all dirty, I warn you." "So let's get dirty together!" "Thanks for coming over, old chap." "I appreciate it." "Giving up your afternoon." "Sit down." "A drink?" "Beer?" "Coke?" "No, thanks, I had a pot of tea at home." "Work to catch up on, see." "Paperwork." "What a drag." "No, Sunday afternoon is my clock day." "What?" "I try to synchronize all our clocks." "How many have you got?" "Principally, two grandfathers, plus one that was my parents' and another I bought for our twelfth anniversary." "Alas, none of them are very good timekeepers." " But a clock should be." " Exactly!" "One tends to gain two or three minutes a week." "Another loses and then stops for no reason." "It's annoying as it messes up the chime." "The chime?" "It's out of step with the hour hand." "Yes, that's a problem." "The hands can be on seven and the clock will chime four." "I need to rewind the whole chiming cycle." "Nine to ten hours of time." "The thing can strike fifty-five times in just a few minutes!" "That drives Kathryn crazy." "So I adjust them when she's out." "No one's disturbed that way." "In fact, she must be out." "Somewhere." "I've no idea where she is." "I'm boring you silly with my clocks." " You wanted to see me?" " It's " "I'd like your opinion." " As a doctor?" " No, as a friend." "Your opinion as a friend." "It's personal." "Private, even." "Normally, I'd discuss it with Tamara." "Your wife is the first person you turn to." "Or your best friend." "In my case, George." "Usually, I'd turn to him before anyone." "But in this case, I can't." "Why not?" "Because it's to do with George." "And Tamara." "George and Tamara." "Noticed anything?" "How do you mean?" "Oh, I see." "No, I can't say I have." "They seem to get on very well in rehearsals." "Lots of warm laughter." " Too warm maybe?" " Not at all." "It's the play and their parts." "They're lovers." "In the play." "They throw themselves into it." "So I'm overreacting?" "Definitely." "Come on, Jack." "Tamara would never do that." "She's the perfect devoted, loyal wife." "Just think about it." "Why on earth would she cheat on you?" "You're right." "There's no reason." "George is your oldest friend." "No doubt." "But without Monica, he's a bit more of a loose cannon." "He's rolling around the deck." "Pointing at everyone and threatening to go off any second." "Run for shelter, lads, and lock up your women!" " More or less?" " Point taken." "But in Kathryn's case - there's no need to lock her up." "Cannonball proof, is she?" "That's new." "Your nice little wife has left all that behind her?" "Left all what behind her?" "Her wild oats and all that." "Kathryn?" "Wild oats?" "What are you talking about?" "Maybe not wild but not tame either." "Like all younger women." "All but Kathryn." "When we got married, she was " "I was the first." "Wonderful." "Fantastic." "Rare too." " She saved herself for you." " I did too." "I didn't do any rolling around the deck." "Fantastic." "I won't keep you any longer." "You have to get back to your clocks." "I hope I've been of help, Jack." "Thank you, old chap." "It's kind of you." "Really." "I'll see you out." "It's good to get out of that dust mine." "I've never seen a place so filthy." "Right " "Where can we sit?" "Hang on." "When men live on their own, they're a real problem." "I wonder how they manage to survive." "Is Jack like that?" "I've managed to housebreak him." "Over the years." "I'm never away long." "And Tilly's there to look after him." "Here we are." "Hang on " "Sit down." "It should hold up." "Thank you." "I'm still not convinced this tea is safe to drink." "I rinsed the mugs in boiling water." "Pity there's no milk." "Well, there was but" "Yuck!" "Don't remind me." "It looked like green chicks or alien life forms " "How can anyone let milk turn into " "George was always like that." "Even in the old days." "To think we nearly moved in together!" "You and George?" "That was back in the dark ages." "We were just kids." "Well, he was." "I was just a little bit older." "Long before I met Colin, of course." "Years before George got together with Monica." "But there was a time when I thought he was the one." "The man I'd settle down with." "I had no idea you were so close." "Very few people knew." "Except for - my dear mother, of course, when I came running home to her." "I sought refuge in her skirts." "Why did you do that?" "I had no choice, darling." "I was pregnant." "George and I never took precautions." "I was an innocent young thing and he didn't care." "I had to get rid of it." "Adoption?" "I see." " Does Colin know about it?" " No." "I told you, no one knows." "Except for my poor mother." "I don't think George ever told anyone." "Except maybe Jack." "But maybe not." "You know how men can be when they get together." "They never talk about serious things, do they?" "I find that the case with most men." "Then there's George." "George listens to you." "He gives you his full attention." "Don't you agree?" "Have you noticed, as a woman?" "It's such a rare and wonderful feeling." "As if you were the only one all of a sudden." "You feel so important to him." "So vital." "In those months I spent with him in that studio apartment, he succeeded, as if with a magic trick... in slowing down time." "He made it stand still." "Everything bustled on around us but we were there, he and I... as if suspended in limbo." ""Let it happen, my love."" ""Let it all pass by."" "I reckon he can still do it after all these years." "The magic still works." "Yes." "When George taught Tilly, she was mad about him." "A real crush." "She was only nine." "It was the same thing every night:" ""I love him, Mommy, I love him!"" "How did Jack react?" "Jack?" "He never knew a thing about it." "His darling daughter?" "He couldn't have coped with it." "This tea is disgusting." "I need to get to work on this sorry excuse for a garden too." "If he gets you in this state again, I'll rip the phone off the wall!" "He can't do this." "It's harassment." "I'll have him arrested!" "I'll go round and beat him up." "Enough is enough!" "I'm sorry." "You're going back then?" "Back to this George fellow?" "I don't know." "I've no idea." "Damn it all to hell and back!" "What are you doing out here in the dark?" "I was in the dark." "Drinking and thinking." "Is this scotch?" "You only drink scotch when you have a cold coming." "You're not coming down with something, are you?" "Don't ask me, I'm only a doctor." "Don't pass it on to me anyhow." "I'll have a scotch too, as a precaution." "Done the clocks?" "Yes, I've done the clocks." "We'll see how long it lasts." "The one in the hall has stopped!" "Shit." " Hello." " Where were you?" "I was at George's." "I told you." " Was he there?" " George?" "No." "I fetched his washing." "His machine's dead." "A mountain of it." "What were you thinking about in the dark?" "Nothing." " Wild oats." " Wild what?" "Oats." "Like porridge?" "Breakfast cereal, you mean?" "No, not breakfast cereal." "Wild oats." "Not the stuff you can eat." "Then again, porridge " "You think so?" "Then again, why not?" "What do I know?" "I think you're losing your marbles, Colin." "I'm going to have a bath." "I'm filthy." "Where were you?" "Over at George's place." "With Tamara." "We gave the place the cleaning it needed." "Come inside, you'll catch a chill." "Summer has passed." "It's autumn." "One day in September..." "I'm thinking of taking a short trip soon." "Sorry?" "I said I'm thinking of taking a short trip." "What?" "For heaven's sake, are you deaf?" "I said " "Sorry, are we going over our lines?" "No, we're not going over our lines." "Good." "I didn't recognize a word." "You're supposed to say," ""I'll go down to Kent for the weekend."" "It's not Kent anymore." "It's definitely Kent." "It says Kent in the script." "Not at all, it's Tenerife." "Tenerife?" "We've changed it to Tenerife?" "I missed that." "No, I'm saying I might go to Tenerife." "For the weekend?" "Be serious." "No, Colin." "Listen carefully." "I, Kathryn, your wife - and your ex-wife soon at this rate - am thinking of spending a few days in Tenerife." "You are?" "Who's invited you?" "George." "How about that!" "Why has he invited you?" "Because he's planning what may be his last trip once the play's over." "He wants someone to go with him and he asked me." "What about his wife?" "Monica." "She's long gone." "She's out of his life." "She's very happy with her farmer." "She's never coming back to George, despite all Jack's efforts." "I'm the obvious choice." "I don't see why." "He needs someone to take care of him." "Someone with a few medical skills." "To be there just in case." "You have no medical skills." "You're a receptionist." "In case of an emergency." "A dental receptionist!" "I've nursed people before." "I took care of Mother." "It's just a matter of being there." "Going to the pharmacy, helping out when needed " "I won't be doing his drip." "I hope not, for his sake." "You're so disdainful." "You always run me down." "You should be able to get aspirin out of a pharmacist in Spanish." "Why are you so sarcastic?" "This trip with George is all above board." "Don't imagine things." "I'm just going with him." "There's nothing freaky about it." "Nothing freaky?" "That's all we need." "Yes, that's better!" "A bit more that way." "A bit more." "A bit more." "Just a bit more." "There, that's it." "Perfect!" "Just moving the marquee a bit to stay clear of the beech tree." "Is it too close to the house?" "Look at those fellows." "Real professionals." "They'll have it up in no time." "There's something soothing about watching others work." "Not too tired, after last night?" "What?" "Oh, that." "You weren't asleep?" "The phone rings at an ungodly hour." " You pick it up." " You weren't asleep?" "You answer." "You say, "Hang on, darling, I can't talk here." "I'll take this downstairs."" "You put the phone down." " You creep downstairs." " You weren't asleep?" "You take the call in your study." "Over the extension, I hear you say," ""Hang on a second, darling."" "I never said darling." "You creep back up." " I never said darling." " You creep back up!" "You quietly replace the receiver so as not to wake me." "So you weren't asleep." "You creep back downstairs." "I hear you talk to that bitch for an hour and a half before coming back to bed with freezing cold feet at 5 a.m." "I'm sorry I woke you." "Did you listen in?" "I wasn't going to sink so low." "I don't care but give the slut your cell number so I can sleep." "She has it but won't use it for some reason." "Who knows why she uses the landline." "For my benefit, Jack, that's why." "So that I know she's still around." "I'm trying to sort it out, Tamara." "But Sally's being awkward." "She's difficult." "Intransigent." "You poor lamb." "Thank you." "You don't think all this might just be your fault?" "I can't deny that." "You'd better not." "You fucking selfish bastard!" "What the hell are you doing?" "It's ok, lads." "No worries." "Carry on!" "Just a minor domestic spat." "You're doing a great job there!" "Damn it." "I'm not leaving you, I promise." "I'll be back every night, Simeon." "Every night." "I'm not moving back in with him." "I'm just looking after him." "He'll manage alone at night." "I'll be here with you." "I'm not leaving." "And, afterwards, I'll never leave again, I promise." "Jack's right." "Technically, I'm still married to George." "And now he's " "What's it going to look like if I abandon him in that" "What will people say?" "And how am I going to " "You've no idea how much I love you." "I'm going now." "See you this evening." "Sure you don't need the car today?" "I miss you already." "Love you." "Bye." "See you later." "I'll be back soon." "Fucking hell!" "Damn it!" "I've broken my foot!" "We put the band - a local rock band, friends of Tilly's - just over there, see?" "Yes, I see." "I had them build a stage." "Not bad, is it?" "It looks good." "And the bunting." "Very impressive." "That marquee's big." "They don't come any smaller." "I've pulled out the stops for my little girl." "I bet it cost a lot." "Who cares." "It only happens once, doesn't it?" "My little princess is sixteen." "She's a lucky girl." "Tamara says I spoil her rotten but I'm her dad, aren't I?" "It takes what it takes." "You had something to talk about." "Sorry, I forgot with all this." "Come on, let's sit down." "Thank you." "All right, I'm listening." "I hate to bother you with this." "I had a very odd conversation with Kathryn this morning." "I was wondering what you'd make of it." "Sorry." "Excuse me." "I'm sorry." "I said yes!" "Yes, all right!" "Shit!" "The office." "Forgive me." "Carry on." "I was talking to Kathryn and she said... she was off on vacation." "That's nice." "The two of you?" "No, that's just it." "She's going with someone else." "Sorry to hear that." "She intends to go away with George." "George and Kathryn?" "But not you?" "Apparently not." "To Tenerife." "For two weeks." "All above board, she says." "Nothing freaky, as she put it." " She says that now " " She swore." "Even if George is less than one hundred percent" " With George, it can soon get " " Freaky." "Risky." "Are you going to let her go?" "How can I stop her?" "She's pretty stubborn." "I'd never let my wife go on vacation." "With George." "I'd lock her in the broom cupboard." "Kathryn says she's going as a nurse." " For George." " So she says." "To play doctors and nurses?" "It's a tricky situation." "How can you play this?" "Unless you forbid her to go." "I can't lock Kathryn up." "Figure of speech." "Thanks for your advice, Jack." "Sorry I can't be more helpful." "No, you've been very useful." "You've given me food for thought." "If I have any other ideas, I'll call you." "This looks better already!" "Well done." "It's less dreary." "It won't be such a shock for Monica." " Is she here yet?" " No." "She said sometime this morning." "Where's George?" "Still asleep, I think." "I haven't heard him yet anyhow." "I'll wait till he wakes up before I start breakfast." "It's all right, I'm doing breakfast." "No, I'll do it." "I bought some eggs specially." "I'll see to it." "You're busy with all this." "I'm doing breakfast." "Leave it to me." "You can drop off the washing and get home to Jack." "But I've bought sausages." "I'm doing breakfast." "George doesn't like sausages." "Really?" "He always eats them when " "I got him the Sunday papers." "So did I." "He can read them twice, he's so scatterbrained." "Tamara!" "Really." "You don't have to stay with me." "Get home to Jack." "Come on, he'll be waiting." "No, he's not waiting for me." "Things were a bit stormy." "We had a row." "I threw lemonade over his favorite shirt." "I was so livid, I almost" " Forget it." " Almost what?" "I almost took George up on his offer." "What offer?" "To go with him to Tenerife." "Tenerife?" "He asked me the other night after rehearsals!" "Right out of the blue, he said," ""Fancy a quick trip, kid?" "Once the play is over?"" "What did you say?" "What do you think? "No way, George."" "You were right." "But I admit I was tempted." "A woman with fewer scruples would have leapt at the chance." "Probably." "Imagine if I'd said yes." "Jack's face - His wife and his best friend." "Can you imagine?" "You're both here?" "Having fun?" "Hello, Monica." "Hello, Monica." "Welcome back home." "Only temporarily." "Thanks for holding the fort." "I'll take over." "I've brought the Sunday papers and his favorite lambs' kidneys from the farm shop." "He'll have a hearty breakfast." "Where is he?" "Still asleep." "He doesn't change." "He was so cheerful on the phone." "He's really enjoying the play." "It was a brilliant idea to get him involved." "He's as happy as can be." "He needed something to focus on." "If not, he gets bored and starts to brood." "He's a big kid." "He's in shape right now." "He even suggested that we go on vacation together." "That shows how good he feels." "George usually loathes trips." "Crazy, isn't it?" "I told him," ""Forget it." "I'll never go away with you again." "Forget it!"" "Jack!" " They're knocking it back." " What?" "The group." "They're knocking it back." "Yes." "Maybe." "You're not dancing?" "It's a bit too wild for me." "Middle age." "It's a bit loud." "We had it that loud at their age, if not louder." "George and I used to have a blast mixing stuff." "AC/DC, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd." "Look at Tilly dancing with George." "What a picture." "They'd have painted them once." "Pre-Raphaelite?" "With her hair and in that dress, don't you agree?" "Pre-Raphaelite?" "Yes, perhaps." "I'm no expert." "I leave all that to George." "George can rattle on about art and all that for hours." "Well, there you go." "Sixteen and pretty as a picture." "That's true." "Jack, for the umpteenth time, can you take them those clean glasses?" "They've run out!" "Yes, pussycat, right away." "Tell Tilly to stop dancing with George!" "She can dance with a boy her age for a change!" "You tell her." "It's her party after all." "I'm staying out of it." "She's all keyed up." "By the way, what happened about George and Kathryn?" "That trip?" "ls it sorted out?" "Not really." " They're still going?" " As far as I know." " You don't mind?" " No." "Well, yes." "I do mind." "It pisses me off, to be honest." "What'll it look like?" "My wife off to the Canaries with another man!" "What will people say?" "What does Monica say?" "Monica?" "No idea." "She's left her farmer to move back in with George." "He can't go off with another woman." "Perhaps he's taking them both." "A threesome?" "George maybe but I can't see the other two agreeing." "No, that's not Kathryn's style." "I feel so lost, Jack." "I feel so..." "lost." "You should speak frankly to Monica about it." " Frankly?" " Point-blank." " To Monica." " The only way." "You think so?" "She's just over there." "See her?" "Monica!" "Can you come over here?" " Want me to talk to her?" " Please." "All right." "You haven't taken them yet?" "I don't believe it." "I have to do all the work!" "We're paying people for that." "Why would you do it?" "The caterers are here to help you." "Will you take those glasses over?" "Damn it!" "Tamara, just calm down, will you?" "I'll do it." "No, leave them!" "Calm down." "People are staring." "Let them stare!" "I don't give a damn." "I don't care about our shitty marriage!" "It's Tilly's party." "Think of her." "Screw Tilly!" "Screw her!" "But she's our daughter." "No, your daughter!" "Your daughter!" "She's a little brat, spoiled rotten and totally self-centered!" "And it's all your fault!" "Is something wrong?" " Monica." " Is Tamara ok?" "She's just blown a fuse, that's all." " Shall I talk to her?" " No, leave her." " Sure?" " She's fine." "You came with George?" "Yes, we both came on the bus." "Good to see you together again." "Even if it's only temporary." "Yes, temporary." "George is showing off his dance steps as usual." "I haven't had one dance with him all night." " Want to dance with him?" " Not really." "I can ask Tilly to " "No, leave them be." "It's her birthday and it's not my kind of music." "George has always been more with it." "Did you call me over for something?" "Yes." "I wanted a quiet word." "Not the ideal place." "I know." "There's a slight problem." "Colin asked me to have a word with you about it." "Maybe you know about this business with George and Kathryn." "George and Kathryn?" "Yes, going on vacation together." " On vacation?" " To Tenerife, apparently." "George and Kathryn?" "You didn't know?" "To Tenerife?" "Who told you?" "Colin." " Who told him?" " Kathryn." "That she's going with George?" "She says George asked her." "She's not going." " She isn't?" " Certainly not." " How do you know?" " Because I'm going." "Oh, I see." " He's going with you?" " Obviously." "So it's not you and Kathryn going with him?" "Are you serious?" "I'm his wife, remember." "Kathryn can go away with her husband." "What would I look like?" "I totally agree but maybe George hopes you'll both go along." "Kathryn for the nursing and you for... the other stuff." "George, me and Kathryn?" "The three of us?" "That's absurd." "It's obscene." "I hope you're joking!" "Excuse me." "George!" "Damn it." "What have you done now?" "What have you said to Monica?" "There's a problem." "George has double-booked." " He's asked Monica to go away." " To Tenerife." "He's asked Kathryn too." "He's not going with Kathryn." " No." "Monica said " " Nor Monica either." "Of course not." "She doesn't want to go." "That's not what she said." "Too bad, she isn't going." "Why's that?" "Because, in the meantime, George asked me to go." "He's taking me." "I've accepted." "Damn it!" "Ok, Jack?" "You spoke to her point-blank?" "Yes, point-blank." "As point-blank as can be." "We need to sort this out." "It's already sorted out." "He's coming with me." "You two have no right to him." "As much right as you." " I'm his wife." " You left him!" "You dumped him to move in with that- that farmer, who I'm sure is very nice, but" "He's very nice." "Simeon's a farmer and kind as can be." "There you are." "Wonderful." "Like your husband, incidentally." "He'd be even nicer if she wasn't having an affair with George." "For the hundredth time, I'm not having an affair with George." "Call it what you like, dear." "Always so lovey-dovey, simpering all the time in rehearsals." "We see you, you know." "Just the other day, in the middle of my scene." "We were rehearsing." "At that rate, you'll be absolutely perfect." "Jealous?" "Listen here." "I knew George way before the two of you." "We had... such complicity, intimacy, closeness " "Until you dumped him to marry Colin." "I was there at the start of George's life." "On the threshold of my own life." "I was at the previews and the first night." "I truly believe" "I've earned the right to be there with him... for his final bow." "Just listen to you!" "What's this sentimental claptrap?" "This poetic bullshit?" "We're not on stage!" "I could slap you, you minx!" "Try it and see!" "I'm going for a walk while you two idiots sort this out." "George is going with me and that's final!" "Stop it!" "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry." "No, I am." "I'm sorry." "Why don't we ask George what he wants exactly?" "Because this is probably what he wants." "Meaning?" "It's not bad." "All these women fighting over him." "Every man's dream, isn't it?" "I suppose." "I'm not really sure George is like that." " So what is he after?" " You can never tell." "Perhaps he's just trying... to sort our lives out." "To open our eyes." "Before he goes." "Who can say?" "It's the end of autumn." "Nighttime." "The play's last night..." "Lovely evening, wasn't it?" "The show was good, don't you think?" "I loved it." "Colin really surprised me." "I didn't think he'd be that good." "Tamara was a bit wooden and strained at times." "As for Kathryn, she can only play herself." "But that's not a bad thing." "And George, well, he was... good." "Did you like it?" "You didn't say anything." "I prefer movies." "We'll go the cinema next time." "When I get back." "You're still leaving?" "Tomorrow morning?" "First thing, the morning flight." "You've not changed your mind?" "I have to go, Simeon." "I'm doing it for " "For him?" "For George?" "For me." "It's very mild for September." "That dinner afterwards was top-notch." "It's true." "Peggy's productions are what they are but she does a great last-night dinner." "Her parties always go with a bang." "I'm sorry, I screwed up our first scene." "I forgot my lines." "My mind went totally blank." "You rescued me." "I wasn't sure whether to come in but the silence lasted so long." "It was endless, even by your standards." "I thought it was a pause for laughs but since no one was laughing, I went for it." "You did right." "My mind was on other things." "Tomorrow morning's departure, perhaps?" "Partly, yes." "Still set on going?" "Yes." "It'll be fine." "I've done all the shopping for you." "Even... if I asked you not to go." " Would you go anyway?" " Yes." "But you haven't asked me." "Have you?" "Tilly's gone to bed." "She was dead tired." "One party too many." "Did you enjoy the show?" "I'm glad you waited till the last night." "We finally got it right." "More or less." "Tilly said she enjoyed it." "Yes, she liked it a lot." "I was watching her splitting her sides." "Did you have a good laugh too?" "I laughed a bit." "A bit?" "I couldn't take your scenes with George." "You kept fondling each other." "It was horrible." "We were acting." "George is gifted." "As an actor." "Yes." "You impressed me, both of you." "Don't go tomorrow, Tamara." "It's absurd." "I'm asking you again." "I'm begging you, don't go." "If you go, I'm going to fall apart, I swear." "Listen " "Forgive me." "I'm the one who screwed up, I know that." "I don't deserve you." "But I love you, Tamara." "I love you so much." "You know I do." "You know that, don't you?" " Yes, I know." " You know it." "It's all right." "I'm not going." "You're not?" "And leave you alone with that madwoman who calls at all hours?" "Certainly not." "You're mine, you little bastard." "Come on." " I'm cold." "Let's go inside." " Yes." "For God's sake, don't go." "Why do you have to?" "You said you love me!" "I'll be back in two weeks." "I promise." "If you'll have me back." "You're all I have and you know it." "Yes." "Trust me, please!" "I'm going to lose him." "Kathryn!" "I'd really prefer you not to go." "I'd feel much more at ease and happier if you stayed." "What?" "I insist." "Stay with me." "I insist." "Do you hear me?" "Kathryn." "Did you hear what I said?" "Yes." "I was just pausing." "For laughs?" "In amazement." "You haven't spoken to me that forcefully for years." "So what's your answer?" "Are you going or are you staying?" "In that case, I'm staying." "What?" "I'm staying, since you insist." "You're staying?" "I said I'm staying." "Listen to me for once." "You never listen to me." " George means a lot to you." " Yes." "He meant a lot once." "Centuries ago." "We've all moved on now." "Matured." "I could never have given him what he needed over time." "In bed, you mean?" "No, not in bed." "I'm not talking about sex." "I mean the endless ebullience of youth." "Ebullience?" "This may surprise you, Colin, but I used to be joyful and jaunty." "Jaunty?" "George and I laughed all the time back then." "We never stopped, especially when " "Anyhow " "The trouble was, he wanted us to stay young forever." "Whereas I, like most women, wanted to become " "Well, in the end, you have to become responsible." "I'm glad you grew up." "Matured." "I couldn't live with a woman who laughs all day long." "Thank you, Colin." "You know how to talk to a woman!" "I wasn't particularly cheerful as a young man." "No, that's true." "That was one reason why I married you." "Why else?" "Because you were never young, Colin." "Tilly!" "She's not in the house." "She's gone!" "She left a note on her bed." "Tilly's gone!" "Maybe she's in her tree house." "No, I'm telling you she's left!" "She's gone." "She left a note on her bed!" " She's gone." " Where?" "With George!" "She's left with George!" " George?" " She's taken her passport." "She's gone off with George?" "It's not possible!" "Not my little girl!" "He hasn't taken my little princess!" "George!" "You bastard!" "Two weeks go by..." "You all right?" "Sure?" "The rain's stopped but I'll take an umbrella anyway." "I'll start making my way there." "Already?" "There's plenty of time." "It's only twenty to, and thirty seconds." "I'd like to get to the church early." "I'll get the car out." "No, I'll walk." " Walk?" " On my own." "You can follow in the car." "I need a moment alone." "You're sure?" " You don't want me to come with you?" " No, not today." "I'll be fine." "Really." "As you wish." "It's one hell of a walk." "Uphill all the way." "Seen everything you wanted to see?" "Take your time." "I'm not rushing you." "I just wanted one last look." "In that case, can we go?" "Yes." "Ready when you are." " Simeon." " Yes?" "Thank you for coming." "I appreciate it." "Tamara!" "Yes!" "Just a second!" "We're going to be late." "I'm coming." "Women." "Tilly's coming down." "She's nearly ready." "I thought she didn't believe in funerals." "But you told her she had to come." "The one who yelled louder won." "She has to come, out of respect for George." "He was your friend." "She barely knew him." "Barely knew him?" "She shared a hotel room with him in Tenerife." "What more do you need?" "It wasn't like that." "And you believe her?" "Tilly, come down now, you hear!" "I'll go." "I'll get her." "Don't shout at her, not today." "She's probably as sad as we are." "I still can't take it in." "What did George have to go scuba diving for?" "Without an instructor." "A man in his condition." "Is she coming or not, damn it?" "Please, try to keep calm today." "Come on." "He was my friend." "Why?" "Why?" "Why did he do it?" "She was my little girl." "She's sixteen and she's a woman now." "I swear nothing happened between them." " How do you know?" " I'm her mother." "So why did she go with him in that case?" "Tell me that." "She said it was fun." "Fun?" "The hell it was." "Yes, fun." "Remember how much fun our life was at first?" "Come on." "Come on." "We're gathered here today to bid farewell to George Riley." "Even though, much to my regret," "I never met George personally." "But I have the impression that he was greatly loved by all those who were fortunate enough to know him." "George, so I'm told, had an overwhelming passion for life and an infectious sense of fun." "To sum him up, he was a joyous man in a world all too often devoid of joy." "In getting to know George as I have done recently, in sharing the happy memories of him with his loving wife," "Monica, his friends Jack and Tamara, Kathryn and Colin, and, of course," "Tilly of course... who, if I understand correctly, was with him during his final moments."