Scene 1
Alec sits nervously, alone in the snug of the Red Lion in Millford. He has an half pint of Bass in front of him as he looks nervously at his watch. The door opens slowly to reveal Laura; dressed immaculately. He stands and she offers her soft cheek for him to kiss.
'Sorry I'm late again, Alec. I decided to do a little shopping on the way!'
'Oh, Laura, thank goodness. Please, can I get you a drink?'
Laura sits next to him on an old 'settle'.
'Thank you. I'll have a medium sherry.'
Alec goes off on his errand, as Laura makes herself comfortable. On his return, they clink glasses and Alec offers Laura a cigarette. She takes the offered 'Craven A' and allows Alec to light it with a 'Swan Vesta' match. Sensually, she steadies his hand with the lightest of feminine touches to his wrist.
She takes a few puffs on her cigarette and turns to face Alec.
Alec makes to say something, but she interrupts.
'Alec, you are such a sweet man. I like spending time with you, but I feel that I must be open with you, if our relationship is to progress.'
'Why, yes, of course, Laura.'
'You see, my marriage has been rather unhappy. I am certainly not looking for sympathy, but I feel that I should explain how my feelings and 'tastes' have come about.'
'I see. Yes, I would feel honoured that you could trust me with a confidence.'
'This is not easy, Alec.'
'I am all ears!'
'Very well!'
She takes a deep inhalation of smoke and continues:
'It started when I was young. You see, in the summer, mummy and daddy would go abroad on holiday. Almost every year, I was sent to stay with mummy's friends in the country. Mr and Mrs Farquhar. I got to know them as Uncle Peter and Aunt Penny. They had a lovely house and gardens, close to the sea. It was idyllic.'
'Sounds nice. Did they have children? Were you sent alone?'
'No, they were childless. I'm an only child. They were very kind to me and such fun. At one time, I even wished they had been my parents! As I grew older, Uncle Peter began to show me more personal attention. It was very flattering to receive compliments from an attractive, sensitive man.'
'Oh, dash it all, did he force himself on you, Laura?'