Doctors of Mourning by L.M. Heath

ACT II

Scene 5

One and a half weeks later. Uriah is sitting at the desk scratching out something on a piece of paper with his quill. He throws a crunched up piece of paper onto the ground. Agnes enters from US seeing Uriah with his head in his hands.

AGNES
Uriah, no need to throw things. Are you alright?

URIAH

Yes Agnes. Thank you.

ANGES

Is there anything I can help you with?

URIAH

I cannot think of anything at the moment. I was trying to sort these papers for the estate.

AGNES

Letters are still coming?

URIAH

Yes. (pause) Have you had the opportunity to talk with Leah?

AGNES

Yes I have. It is very difficult to believe she has grown quickly. Although I haven’t seen her in about 11 years, it is inevitable that she has grown.

URIAH

Yes true, true. Do you think she will learn of our activities?

AGNES

That is what is really ailing you.

URIAH

I do not want the work that has been accomplished to go to waste. I also fear that Edwin will be caught…I fear for you Agnes each time I send you to mourn.

AGNES

Uriah…do not be anxious about those matters. Edwin and you both would not put me in a situation that would harm me.

URIAH

We never desire to do so.

AGNES

You really struggle with me doing it that much?

URIAH

I must admit that I…

AGNES

Uriah, I thank you for allowing me to come into your home and be with my brother. I know some may think it improper and immodest to be under the roof of a man who is not my relative, but I thank you.

(awkward pause)

URIAH

Of course. Have you finished the dress that you were making?

AGNES

Almost I am putting the final touches on it this week, and then I will take it to my client’s house for a final fitting. If it fits she pays.

URIAH

Agnes, when you receive the money, don’t give it as house income. Keep it for yourself– you deserve it.

AGNES

Uriah, I could not do. We all need it. I have nothing I want to buy.

URIAH

Save it for a new dress of your own. A bonnet or few? Gloves?

AGNES

Why are you telling me to spend?

URIAH

I am not entirely sure.

AGNES

You better not be planning anything.

URIAH

Not that I can think of now.

Edwin enters from lab (SR) with a book in hand and sees the Agnes and Uriah close to each other talking.

EDWIN

Did I interrupt something?

AGNES

Edwin, no you didn’t.

URIAH

We were simply talking.

EDWIN

I forgot to place this book back on the shelf. Don’t mind me. I shall be out shortly.

Edwin goes to bookshelf SR, thumbs through and places it in the self. He exits US.

URIAH

I hope to someday take you to the Theatre as your first re-entry into society.

AGNES

Ah. You are planning something. You crazy man.

URIAH

I had thought of that as Edwin came in.

AGNES

Are you sure? I do not believe you?

URIAH

I can think of things quickly.

AGNES

I have not thought about officially entering society. I feels as if it has been so long.

URIAH

I do not like seeing you mourn Agnes.

They keep getting closer until they are barely an inch apart. Uriah steals a small kiss.

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I wrote this play on college and has since revisited it. This scene attempts to emulate some of the strict practices of mourning during the Antebellum and Post-Antebellum period; think of Gone with the Wind. I would love to see it preformed someday.