by Dara Harper
PHOEBE: Take care, Father.
SAM: Indeed, and the same to you... Phoebe, don’t forget about Sunday.
PHOEBE: Maiden Lane.
SAM: Now get back to your reading, my dear.
(PHOEBE opens her book.)
(SAM exits.)
(Blackout.)
Scene 4
CLAUDE stands alone reading a letter. SAM stands next to him.
CLAUDE:
February 27th, 1776
Dear Brother,
I am appalled that you would ask me for funds to aide in the American Revolution at a time when our people are still in chains in this island and throughout the New World. You are ready to die for their cause and you are convinced that Washington is your friend, but I am certain that he would never take a bullet for you.
The island is quite different from the place you left years ago. Slaves are revolting everywhere. Many have runaway to the live in the mountains. I am writing you this letter asking that you send funds to help us concur the French. Soon, Saint-Domingue will be a free nation of color!
Sincerely,
Your Brother,
Claude Fraunces
SAM: Claude, you are sadly mistaken. Washington is my friend. When he sees my face, he does not see my color. He sees a man who is his confidant. He has as much trust in me as he does in Hamilton, Jefferson, and all the rest. It isn't wrong for me to put self-preservation above all else! The colored race will never succeed if we continue to limit ourselves. I am one man and I cannot save our people. The best I can do is to look after my own family. Besides, if a man does not like his station in life, it is his own responsibility to change it, no matter his color.
(Blackout.)
Scene 5A
It's early in the afternoon at the tavern. GUSS finishes sweeping and takes the chairs down from the table. His clothes are a bit sloppy, but clean.
GUSS:
(Singing.)
Swing low, sweet chariot.
Coming for to carry me home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see?
Coming for to carry me home,
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
(SAM and PHOEBE enter.)
SAM: Guss, this is my daughter, Phoebe. She will be working in the kitchen.
GUSS: Much obliged.
PHOEBE: Nice meeting you.
SAM: Now go to the kitchen and help Maple prepare lunch.
PHOEBE: Father, you know I've never anything cooked before.
SAM: And today, you'll learn. A most important man will be dining with us today.
GUSS: General Washington, sir?
SAM: He got back to the city last night after spending time at his Virginia estate.
(To PHOEBE.)
Go on now, he'll be here at noon sharp.
(PHOEBE exits.)
(SAM notices how GUSS grabs a fork and places it on the table.)
SAM: You mustn't touch silverware in that manner.
(SAM snatches the fork out of GUSS' hand and shows him the proper way to hold it and arrange it on the napkin.)
GUSS: Sorry, sir.
(SAM looks GUSS up and down.)
SAM: Stand up straight a moment.
(GUSS obeys him.)
SAM: Have you a mirror in your rooming house?
GUSS: No, sir.
(SAM tucks GUSS' shirt in and smooths out his collars.)
SAM: You must take more pride in your appearance. Don't make it so obvious to the world that you had a humble start in life. From now on, I would advise you to come in early and go to the cellar. I have a full length mirror by the lantern, there is also a comb and a small basin filled with water. Take a bit of time to make yourself presentable before the start of your shift. You work for me now, and it is imperative that you don't look out of place.
GUSS: Yes, sir.
SAM: Rest assured, I do not mean to insult you. Guss, you have truly impressed me with your work ethic.
GUSS: Why thank you. I'm so tryin' hard not to mess up. I learned more off of you then anybody I ever worked for.
SAM: I've also noticed that you have not partaken in spirits or the company of brothel women.
GUSS: Well, yes sir, I'm savin' my money now. Bit by bit.
SAM: That's good to hear, young lad. You finish up out here, I'd better get to the kitchen and make sure my dear daughter does not ruin General Washington's lunch!
GUSS: Yes, sir.
(SAM exits.)
(GUSS continues to clean.)
(Blackout.)
Scene 5B
It's after lunch at the tavern. A few hours have passed. GUSS collects dirty dishes and places them on a tray. He hums a tune to himself as he works.
(THOMAS enters and looks around.)
THOMAS: Guss, have you seen General Washington's...
(THOMAS spots a paper scroll on the floor, behind a chair and snatches it up.)
THOMAS: No bother, I found it.
(THOMAS waves goodbye and walks towards the door.)
(PHOEBE enters wearing an apron.)
(PHOEBE and THOMAS gaze at each other.)
THOMAS: How do you do, milady.
PHOEBE: Hello.
THOMAS: Until next time, Guss.
(THOMAS exits.)
(Horses gallop away.)
GUSS: General Washington sure got an appetite, don't he? Ate that chicken right down to the bone! Notice how he called me by my name?
(Mimics Washington)
"Guss, get another round for me and fill it to the brim!"
PHOEBE: Who was that man that just left?
GUSS: You talkin' about Thomas... that's one of his bodyguards. As I understand it, General Washington don't go no where without a bodyguard. Not even to the latrine. Lots of people want to hurt that man, 'specially them Brits.
PHOEBE: Do you know Thomas?
GUSS: Used to drink with him from time to time, but I gave that up. Not much good ever come from drinkin'.
PHOEBE: He sounded like a foreigner, any idea where he's from?
GUSS: Can't rightly say, my guess would be that he's an Irishman. Most everybody come to New York from some other place. Like me, I'm from Louisiana and–
PHOEBE: I'm certain General Washington will be safe with Thomas. I can just tell.
GUSS: It's a scary thing to have to lay down your life for another man. I couldn't see doin' it myself. Only person I'd lay down my life for is my wife, when I get one, and my children if the Lord blesses me to have some.
PHOEBE: I think it's noble... what Thomas does. I think it takes a special type of man.
GUSS: Hope he gettin' paid enough.
PHOEBE: I don't believe a man like Thomas is concerned about money. He is seeking something greater...
(SAM enters.)
SAM: Well, my dear, what did you think of your first day of work?
PHOEBE: I liked it very much.
SAM: Just a week ago you didn't want to work here and now you see how wonderful it is. Young minds are high on passion and low on logic. Very soon, after you are married, we will be having a similar conversation about Jonathan. My Phoebe is engaged to a charming businessman. Come now, Phoebe, I will prepare the horse and carriage to take you home.
(SAM and PHOEBE exit.)
(Blackout.)
Scene 6
PHOEBE stands alone reading a letter.
PHOEBE:
March 4th, 1776
My Sweet Thomas,
I now know that it is possible for one to fall in love in an instant because it happened the first moment I saw you. It makes no difference to me that you once served in the British Army because you are on our side now. I treasure all the stories you shared of your journey from boyhood to manhood and I live to be in your presence.
It seems that Father is determined to marry me off to the suitor of his choice, but trust that Jonathan Lewis is no match for you. I will tell Father about us very soon, and I am sure he will oblige when
you ask for my hand.
I am so anxious to be near you and to have your lips upon my lips once more. You invade my dreams and I always picture your bright blue eyes and your handsome smile.
Perhaps, we should go to Europe together. There, we could be married and live peacefully. I want so desperately to be your wife and to give you many sons.
Forever yours,
Phoebe Fraunces
PS. I will be waiting for you at our secret place tomorrow afternoon.
(Blackout.)
Scene 7
JONATHAN stands alone reading a letter.
JONATHAN:
March 5th, 1776
Dear Sir. Samuel Fraunces,
I write this letter to officially ask for Phoebe's hand in marriage. It will be an honor to be your son-in-law. Rest assured, I will provide well for Phoebe and our offspring. They will want for nothing.
I will be in New York on business next week and I look forward to finalizing the details of our wedding.
Most respectfully,
Jonathan Lewis
PS. I kindly request that you update your will so that I inherit Phoebe's properties and estates. This is a most important matter.
(Blackout.)
Scene 8
It's late afternoon at the Fraunces house. SAM sips a cup of tea as he sits in the rocking chair. PHOEBE is on the bench, fidgeting with her powdered wig.
SAM: Stop that at once and put it on.
(PHOEBE puts her wig on.)
PHOEBE: Father, what time is he coming?
SAM: I’m expecting him soon. You will be very pleased when you meet Jonathan.
PHOEBE: Father... I just wish I could have a man of my own choosing.
SAM: Trust that Jonathan is far better than anyone you choose for yourself.
(Someone knocks on the door.)
SAM: In a few moments, you will be face to face with your future.
(SAM smiles and goes to answer the door.)
(JONATHAN enters wearing a nice suit.)
JONATHAN: Good to see you, sir.
(JONATHAN and SAM shake hands near the doorway.)
SAM: But of course. I trust that your business affairs went well today.
JONATHAN: Indeed. This is a city of commerce, and the deal I struck today will make profits for years to come.
SAM: Very well, son. Do come and meet your wife-to-be.
(SAM and JONATHAN walk over to PHOEBE.)
(JONATHAN kneels and kisses PHOEBE'S hand.)
JONATHAN: I swear on all that is pure that you are the loveliest creature these eyes have ever known.
PHOEBE: Pleased to make your acquaintance.
(JONATHAN sits down next to her on the bench, smiling even harder as he gets a closer look at PHOEBE.)
SAM: I will go and make some more tea.
(SAM exits.)
JONATHAN: I had several women to choose from, but I am so very glad that I chose you, Phoebe Fraunces.
PHOEBE: And why is that?
JONATHAN: Your father's legacy in the New World sets a new precedent for all people of color! He is one of the richest men in the city! With his blood in your veins, you are my ideal wife.
PHOEBE: I see.
JONATHAN: Have you ever been to Philadelphia?
PHOEBE: I haven't.
JONATHAN: You will like living there. It is very much like New York, just with fewer people.
(JONATHAN takes PHOEBE'S hand and holds it against his. He studies their complexions for a moment.)
JONATHAN: Somewhere in between...
PHOEBE: What are you talking about?
JONATHAN: Our children... they will be a shade between yours and mine.
(PHOEBE pulls her hand away.)
PHOEBE: Jonathan, I’m sure you will make a fine husband, but I cannot marry you. My heart is not free.
JONATHAN: You’re engaged to someone else?
PHOEBE: I will be soon...
JONATHAN: But your father told me-
PHOEBE: He knows nothing of the man I’m in love with.
JONATHAN: I ask you to please forget this other fellow and be my wife. With the wealth of our families, you and I could prosper together.
PHOEBE: I’m sorry, Jonathan. I cannot change my heart.
JONATHAN: Phoebe, it's all been decided. Mr. Fraunces promised that you would be my wife.
PHOEBE: I am not a possession!
JONATHAN: There is little difference between a woman and a possession.
PHOEBE: I belong to God and God alone.
JONATHAN: You father told me that you were strong willed, but this is far more than I expected. When we are married, I will not allow you to speak to me in this manner.
PHOEBE: The man I love listens to me. He has a gentle heart and has no concern for my lineage. And he will give me a life of happiness that you never could.
JONATHAN: So you will defy your father and marry him?
PHOEBE: I must live my own life!
JONATHAN: You are quite mad... Phoebe, there are many women who wish to wed me and this is your chance. Although I could force you, I will not. Just look in my eyes and tell me you have no desire to be my wife, and I will leave you be.
PHOEBE: Jonathan, I am in love with someone else and I could never marry you.
JONATHAN: Very well, you will live with your mistake for the rest of your days.
(SAM enters holding two teacups.)
SAM: This is my finest tea, imported from India. I hope you enjoy it.
(SAM hands one cup to JONATHAN and the other to PHOEBE.)
(SAM sits down in the rocking chair.)
SAM:
(To JONATHAN)
Will your father mind if we have it here instead of Philadelphia? I could host a grand reception at the tavern.
JONATHAN: Whatever you think is best.
(SAM picks up his teacup off of the coffee table and makes a toast.)
SAM
(To PHOEBE)
What a joyous day it will be when you are Mrs. Jonathan Lewis!
(Blackout.)
Scene 9
PHOEBE stands alone reading a letter.
PHOEBE:
June 4th, 1776
My Sweet Thomas,
I think of you always, even at the oddest of times. I picture your face and long to kiss you and be near you.
You would be happy to know that the man father chose for me ended all correspondence with me. I am entirely available for you, my love. I want nothing more than to be your wife.
Forever yours,
Phoebe Fraunces
(Blackout.)
Scene 10
THOMAS stands alone reading a letter.
THOMAS:
June 5th, 1776
My Dearest Phoebe,
I am so very glad that you chose me. I must admit the thought of you marrying another man was too to bear. We won't have to hide our love for much longer. This will soon pass and we will be together.