The Holly and the Ivy/Anne Catherick Decides to Help Laura/Marian Hears the Truth from Laura

Scene: "The Village Wedding"

(Laura is left alone. The church bells chime. Villagers arrive for the wedding celebrations. Her maids put a veil on her and hand her a bouquet of holly and ivy. Marian enters, kisses Laura and pulls down Laura’s veil. It is as if Laura is sleepwalking through the proceedings. Fosco and Sir Percival arrive. Glyde is congratulated by the locals. Fosco takes Marian’s arm. Laura walks up the aisle with her uncle. The marriage ceremony takes place)

[CONGREGATION]
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good

[GIRL]
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all

(Anne Catherick appears in the church)

[ANNE]
No!

(The congregation is disturbed. Laura turns round, confused. Anne has already disappeared. The ceremony continues)

[ALL]
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown

Oh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir

(Glyde and Laura are married. The village cheers, throws confetti. Laura gives Marian her bouquet. Fosco takes Marian’s arm again. The bride and groom leave)

[ALL]
Forever after as man and wife
Dancing through life
Merrily, merrily
She is a source of pride in his arm
Bride in his arms
Verily, verily

Off to a life of contentment and bliss
No other day is as happy as this!
Time for rejoicing and time for a kiss
Here’s to the bride and groom
Cheers to the bride and groom
Here’s to the bride and groom

Scene: "Anne Catherick Decides to Help Laura"

(The villagers disperse after the wedding. We are in the graveyard. Out of the shadows, Anne Catherick appears. She is alone and despairing)

[ANNE]
Lady Laura Glyde!
Lady Laura Glyde!
The church bells are ringing
They call out to warn you
But even my warnings
Were too late to save you

Now your fate is sealed
How can he be stopped?
You'll be the lady
Of Blackwater House
All the rooms filled with sorrow
The lake filled with teardrops
Where you're at his mercy
And he knows no mercy

I can't let this come to pass
I can't let you
Suffer as I did
I must journey to your side
So, unlike me
You won't be friendless
So, unlike me
You won't be friendless

(She exits)

Scene: "The Return from the Honeymoon"

(The scene shifts to Sir Percival’s residence. Where Limmeridge House was all light and airy, Blackwater House is dark, stifling and oppressive. Marian and Fosco are in Blackwater House, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive back. There is activity around them, servants preparing the house.)

(Laura and Percival return from their honeymoon. They are unsmiling and Laura is wearing black)

[MARIAN]
Welcome to your new home, Lady Glyde!

(Laura says nothing, pushes passed her and goes to her room)

Laura? What is it? Laura!

(to Fosco)

Something is wrong

[FOSCO]
She is just tired

[MARIAN]
No, I must go to her

[FOSCO]
Oh, she will come round!

(He holds her back a moment)

You live in her shadow

[MARIAN]
If I do, then it is because I am comfortable there!

[FOSCO]
She is lovely

But you, Miss Halcombe? Are beyond all compare

(She looks at him and then exits)

Scene: "Marian Hears the Truth from Laura"

(Laura's bedroom. Marian enters as Laura is sending away her maid)

[LAURA]
(to the maid)
Leave me alone, I don't need your help

(The maid curtsies and leaves. Laura avoids Marian's eyes)

[MARIAN]
Laura, you know you can trust me
Please let me know what is wrong
We seem so far apart
And it breaks my heart

[LAURA]
Trust you? Now, why should I trust you?
When your advice led me here!
Straight from the wedding prayer
To complete despair!

He only wants my money
That's all he wants from me
Though he's a baronet
He is steeped in debt

I'll show you how he loves me!
I think you ought to see!

(Laura lifts her sleeves, lowers her neckline to reveal bruises)

His love is on display
A mark for every day!

You said he's all a man should be!

(Marian looks in horror)

Scene: "Marian Alone"

(Marian leaves her sister in bed and runs out into the night, stricken by the news that Laura has just given her. She walks towards Blackwater pool and the boathouse)