JOLYFF: ACT TWO: SCENE SIX

ACT TWO: SCENE SIX

The Warden’s study next morning. WHITE is praying before the altar. PHILLIPS enters carrying papers, sees WHITE at prayer and goes to look out the window. Presently WHITE stands up and turns to PHILLIPS.

PHILLIPS I went back to the Golden Rose last night. The girl will testify.

WHITE She will?

PHILLIPS I trust Master Cole has remembered he’s going there with me this morning for statements?

WHITE He’ll be here shortly.

PHILLIPS Eagerness personified.

There is a slightly awkward silence

WHITE How did you get the girl to change her mind?

PHILLIPS I lied to her. I told her Jack Swaddon meant to throw her on the streets for bringing trouble on his head. Then I told her your sister would only give her protection if she made a statement.

WHITE So you lied twice?

PHILLIPS Expediency.

WHITE Do you often lie from expediency, Master Phillips?

PHILLIPS I try to avoid it.

Another silence

WHITE And after you returned from the tavern?

PHILLIPS I was obliged to lie a third time. You obviously know about it.

WHITE At least the Hostiarius believed you.

PHILLIPS He’s a fool.

WHITE It’s as well you delayed him. College is in your debt.

PHILLIPS Thank you, but he’s not yet stopped for good. And don’t forget, he may try to hold the Kingsgate attack against us as well.

WHITE Kingsgate. I’d forgotten.

PHILLIPS It depends how far we can discredit him. Since his stories suit the Council, it may suit them to ignore proof of his debauchery.

WHITE How long can you hold him off with your promise of Lord Paget’s assistance?

PHILLIPS He’ll grow suspicious after six days.

WHITE Six days. And this college has stood for a hundred and sixty-six years.

PHILLIPS Warden, it’s not your fault.

WHITE It’s my responsibility. Ten Wardens before me have kept it safe from harm.

PHILLIPS None of them lived in times like these.

WHITE Is Jolyff keen to go to London with Master Forde?

PHILLIPS Not at all.

They look at each other with the germ of an idea

WHITE If he needed forcing to contradict the Hostiarius, it wouldn’t be worth the risk. It might rebound on us…

PHILLIPS But if he were willing even to moderate Master Forde’s story…

WHITE Do you think it would work?

PHILLIPS He’s suffered a lot these past days. You might do much with kindness.

WHITE Then, after all, we have a chance.

PHILLIPS A slim chance, which might backfire.

WHITE I’ll talk to Jolyff this morning, then he must be kept out of Forde’s reach. How long to take your statements at the tavern?

PHILLIPS A morning, if Master Cole hurries up.

WHITE I’ll send a message.

Puts head outside door a few moments then shuts door again

So, God willing, we may dismiss Hostiarius Forde this afternoon.

PHILLIPS Then await his next move. Suppose he tells the Council we forced Jolyff to contradict him?

WHITE Jolyff would have to appear before the Council.

PHILLIPS And College’s fate would rest with one of its Scholars.

Silence, broken presently by COLE entering

COLE I do apologise, Warden. Oh, I see Master Phillips is here already.

PHILLIPS Naturally.

COLE And what have you two been discussing?

WHITE Everything’s been made clear.

COLE Clear?

PHILLIPS Don’t you trust me, Master Cole?

COLE Since you ask, no.

WHITE Master Phillips will explain on the way to the Golden Rose.

COLE I don’t want his explanations!

PHILLIPS I’ll see you later, Warden.

Exit PHILLIPS.

COLE He’s hoodwinked you!

WHITE Just go with him to the tavern, Master Cole, now!

Exit COLE. WHITE sits at his desk and runs his hands through his hair.

Blackout. End of scene.