Everlasting Life

Evelyne Burr learns there is more to her coachman than meets the eye. Now his very presence makes her heartbeat quicken and her head spin, but what can she do about her love for a ghost?

ACT I

Scene 1

(World of the Dead. Foggy, gloomy, mysterious atmosphere. No props/set pieces. Dimly lit, blue light, except for MEGHAN, a maid, who is perfectly illuminated, stage right. DANTE, attractive and a little crazy from living in isolation, paces and mutters to himself, stage left. We hear the muffled laughing of a little girl, as well as the whispers of women.)

MEGHAN

(narrating) 

Searching. Always searching, he told me. He couldn’t rest or take a break, and so was in a state of constant agitation. It wasn’t long before they noticed. 

(Enter TEN SPIRITS) 

The Ten Spirits, guardians of the Worlds of Life and Death. They didn’t have any form, but he told me they were easy to imagine. In a human body, they would probably carry the same appearance as an American founding father on a bad day - stern face, demanding respect, no sense of humor.

DANTE 

(muttering) 

Evelyne Burr, June 18th, 1866. Europe, top hats, Rosenhagen, coachmen, suits, Donegall Square, Burr, Burr Manor, hotel, Evelyne - 

(two of the TEN SPIRITS grab him by either shoulder. Stunned, he stops pacing and muttering, and the laughing and whispers are silenced.) 

(Beat) 

Greetings! 

(The TEN SPIRITS nod in unison). 

Why... I don’t mean to be rude, but why are you here? 

SPIRIT ONE 

We are here to remove you from this Realm.

SPIRIT TWO 

You cannot truly live again -

SPIRIT THREE 

But you do not belong here.

SPIRIT FOUR 

You are to be taken to another Realm of the Dead.

ALL TEN SPIRITS 

The Ghost Realm.

DANTE

(taken aback) 

Have... Have I honestly become so corrupt?

SPIRIT FIVE 

Your endless searching for your soulmate has driven you nearly to the point of insanity.

SPIRIT SIX 

This is the realm for the rested, not the restless.

SPIRIT SEVEN 

In the Ghost Realm, you can continue your search.

SPIRIT EIGHT 

And with greater success.

SPIRIT NINE 

When you find her, be sure to set her on the path here. 

ALL TEN SPIRITS

Without you, she is lost.

DANTE 

(after a moment’s thought)

You made a mistake. You sent me here before I was ready.

(The TEN SPIRITS harshly whisper amongst themselves.)

Souls move on in pairs, don’t they? Yet somehow I moved on alone? And now, because of this, my other half is stuck in the World of the Living, cursed to never rest in peace. 

(Pause)

How did this happen?

SPIRIT TEN

You fell in love with her.

SPIRIT THREE

She didn’t fall in love with you.

SPIRIT FIVE

This never happens amongst soul mates -

SPIRIT SEVEN

Which is why we didn’t think twice before sending you here.

SPIRIT ONE

Are you ready to leave?

DANTE

Is that a rhetorical question?

(DANTE waits for a response. None comes)

What will my name be? I hear souls have names in the Ghost Realm.

SPIRIT TWO

Your name will be Dante -

SPIRIT EIGHT

Latin for “everlasting-”

SPIRIT FOUR

As is your soul.

DANTE

(laughs)

And Evelyne is “life.” Alright then. I’ll go now.

(Magical Transition into the World of the Living. Exit DANTE and TEN SPIRITS. MEGHAN remains in her spot.)

MEGHAN

(narrating)

He came to us on the night of Evelyne’s fourth birthday. 

(The stage lights up on the living room. Figures dressed in black portray DANTE’S arrival at the Burr’s doorstep. They act out MEGHAN’s narrations.)

The Ten Spirits were kind enough to point him in the right direction and provide him with all that he needed. He had clothes, charm, and enough manners and money to be socially above those of the average, middle class people. In fact, Mr. and Mrs. Burr might’ve mistaken him for a lord if he hadn’t inquired about a coachman’s position. In addition, they soon learned he was without a home, so they let him live in their house, in their attic, for so long as he didn’t forget his place. 

(Other figures dressed in black portray the BURRS and YOUNG MEGHAN. The BURRS are sitting about the dinner table. YOUNG MEGHAN leaves for the attic as MEGHAN narrates.)

I was a young and curious woman at the time. The addition of the new resident came as a surprise to me, and I therefore had no choice but to snoop around and learn as much about him as I could. The opportunity arose at supper a few days later. The dinner bell rang and he failed to appear. Being the maid, I felt it was my duty to personally inform him, so I stepped up to the attic, knocked, entered, and found there was no one there.

(YOUNG MEGHAN looks about the attic, gesturing as if calling to someone)

That was when I found what I wanted - something that made snooping worthwhile. 

(Black-figured DANTE magically appears beside YOUNG MEGHAN. YOUNG MEGHAN screams. DANTE calms her as MEGHAN continues narrating.)

You can imagine how much of a scare that was, but Dante was kind enough to explain himself. 

(laughing)

I’m embarrassed to admit, but he won me over with the sincerity in his eyes - he won my trust and my fickle teenage heart. But I was quick to learn I was not the lass for him. He told me what he was, his story, and his quest for love. I told him I would do all I could to help, but warned him of my greatest weakness: I am physically incapable of lying. He smiled and told me not to worry - we would find a way to keep his secret without the use of any false statements.

(Black-figured DANTE retrieves an easel. After he sets it up, he begins painting and YOUNG MEGHAN sits and watches. Black-figured CHILD EVELYNE begins ascending the steps to the attic. All the while, MEGHAN is still narrating).

I wanted to get to work for him as soon as possible. Eager for more excitement, I visited him in the attic early the next morning and, much to my surprise, found him painting. He told me he was unsure of what he was supposed to do now - Evelyne was far too young for an affair. All he knew was he needed to be here, in this house, at this year, with paint. It was at this moment the child herself entered the room. 

(CHILD EVELYNE enters the attic)

She was as curious a young lass as I was, you know. She had to get a closer look at who lived in her attic. And when their eyes locked, their faces lit up in such a way I’d never seen. Dante seemed stunned; Evelyne, entranced. After a moment of watching her stand at the doorway, he finally whispered, “Well, come on in, don’t be shy.” So she did. Dante’s skill and the paint itself both fascinated her, and she wanted to commence the practice immediately. Unfortunately, I couldn’t allow it. The Burrs forbade Evelyne near anything they deemed “messy,” and therefore unladylike. Paint was amongst those things. Dante laughed and promised her, “We’ll find a way around that.”

(The stage behind MEGHAN dims. All but MEGHAN exit.)

That they did. I took no part in it, but I knew what was going on.

(No more black figures. Light shines on the candlelit secret room behind EVELYNE’S mirror. The room has no windows. YOUNG EVELYNE sits at an easel and paints. DANTE stands behind her.)

DANTE

That...almost looks like a person. Wonderful hierarchy of scale. Who’s the big one in the middle?

YOUNG EVELYNE

That’s me!

DANTE

Lovely. And who is that holding your hand? Your father? Mother?

YOUNG EVELYNE

Nooo, that’s you!

DANTE

(touched and taken aback)

...Oh. Of course. That’s my top hat.

(YOUNG EVELYNE giggles and continues painting. The lights on the secret room dim and go out. Exit DANTE and YOUNG EVELYNE.)

MEGHAN

(narrating, sitting on the living room couch)

Hardly a month later, however, our ghost had to make himself scarce. As thrilled as he was to see Evelyne’s love for him grow, he would not allow her to see him as a second father. He said it would be too “weird.” So while he still lived in the manor and continued driving the coaches, Evelyne did not see him much since. Whenever she would approach the attic, he would vanish before she saw him. Whenever she would board the carriage, he would only help her up with cold politeness. He predicted it wouldn’t be long before she forgot about him. A few weeks later, when she stopped trying to find him, I thought he was right. But after many more months, as I was styling her hair, she frowned at the mirror and muttered, “I miss him.” When Dante heard about this, he felt terribly guilty and could not go on avoiding her. So he presented her with a compromise. They would continue their painting lessons, but Dante would be invisible. Evelyne accepted without question. As Dante expected, she eventually grew to disassociate her tutor with her coachman, and both parties were content. Evelyne continued the lessons with her invisible companion up until this year, sixteen years later. While she had forgotten his name, she didn’t ever question who he was. She accepted things as they were.

(DANTE enters the living room from the front entrance, agitated. He throws off his top hat and pulls at his hair. MEGHAN stands and crosses to the top hat.)

MEGHAN

(picking up the top hat)

Dante, what’s wrong?

DANTE

This is a disaster, Meghan, this is a disaster -

MEGHAN

What happened?

DANTE

I messed up! Somewhere along the line I - I did something wrong. I didn’t take everything into account, but I should’ve predicted he would come back.

MEGHAN

Who?

DANTE

Cedric! That boy from Evelyne’s childhood, only he’s not a boy anymore, now he’s a suitor! With an engagement ring in his breast pocket!

MEGHAN

(gasps)

No! Didn’t he move to Dublin? Why would he come back?!

DANTE

For Evelyne’s hand, of course. I need to stop it, Meghan, they can’t be married - he’d make her miserable, I know he would. There’s only tears and heartbreak in that future - I’ve seen it for myself. 

(Beat.) 

Can you talk her out of it?

MEGHAN

Evelyne wouldn’t decline his proposal unless there was a reason. Simply stating “your future will be terrible” wont cut it for her. What makes their future so terrible, anyway?

(After looking over his shoulder, DANTE sits on the couch. MEGHAN sits as well, placing the top hat on the coffee table.)

DANTE

(murmurs)

He’s already married.

MEGHAN

What?

DANTE

Back in Dublin, he already has a family -

MEGHAN

That b*****d!

DANTE

I know, right? But I can’t just tell her - it’s not my place to tell her. Besides, if I do that, I’d just be the guy who made her miserable - she’d associate me with pain and never date me.

MEGHAN

Sometimes your language baffles me.

DANTE

It’s both futuristic and sometimes ancient, I know. But please, Meghan, you’re her friend. You can tell her!

MEGHAN

Oh, just so I could be the one who breaks her heart? No! Besides, she wouldn’t listen - not to me, not to anyone. She’d have to find out for herself.

DANTE

(suddenly calm)

...I have an idea.

(There’s an offstage THUD. DANTE stands.)

It’s time for another painting lesson.

MEGHAN

Wait, Dante, what’s your idea -

(DANTE vanishes)

...I hate it when he does that.

(MEGHAN rests on the couch. Evelyne’s secret room behind the mirror light’s up. Finished paintings are stacked along the walls. EVELYNE paints by candlelight at an easel. The canvas is life-size. She is furiously mixing colors on her palette. An empty paint container lays across the room, on its side. A breeze blows EVELYNE’S hair, marking DANTE’s entrance.)

DANTE V.O

(invisible)

Having trouble with colors again?

EVELYNE

Yes, and I cannot make the hue any warmer because I ran out of yellow.

(The paint container rises [Dante is invisibly picking it up])

DANTE V.O.

So that was what I heard. You should be more careful in your rage - flinging things at walls isn’t the best way to keep a secret room undiscovered. People can hear you, you know.

EVELYNE

I know, I didn’t consider that until after the deed was done. Forgive me?

DANTE V.O.

Always. Now, what are you trying to mix?

EVELYNE

A bright and beautiful contrast with the storm clouds in the background. I need a pleasing transition from this end to this end. Without the yellow I don’t know what to do.

DANTE V.O.

Why not make it pink?

EVELYNE

I considered pink, but it doesn’t set the right sort of atmosphere. It reminds me too much of baby girls.

DANTE V.O.

Dull it down, then. Mix it with a touch of blue. It works with your color scheme, does it not?

EVELYNE

(mixing a new color)

It does, in fact. Let me see...

(EVELYNE paints in the corner with her new color)

...It can work. Thank you.

DANTE V.O.

(chuckles)

It was my pleasure.

(EVELYNE grins and continues painting)

...My God. At first I didn’t realize what you were doing, but... My goodness, Evelyne, this is beautiful! Genius!

EVELYNE

(bashful)

I have a great teacher.

DANTE V.O.

(laughs)

I believe you’ve learned all that can be taught. Your skill far surpasses mine. I appreciate the compliment, however. 

(The living room lights up at the sound of knocking. MEGHAN gets up from the couch and answers the front door.)

MEGHAN

(forcing politeness)

Oh, why, Cedric. We were expecting you. Come in.

(CEDRIC enters through the front door. EVELYNE gasps when she hears)

EVELYNE

How long have I been painting?!

DANTE V.O.

Sounds like it’s time for me to go.

(A breeze ruffles EVELYNE’s hair, marking DANTE’s exit. EVELYNE hurriedly rinses her brush and commences putting her supplies away and blowing out candles. The lights over the secret room dim with every candle she blows out. Meanwhile, CEDRIC steps further indoors.)

CEDRIC

I apologize for being early. I overestimated how long it would take me to get here.

MEGHAN

(under her breath)

Then go back to Dublin and come back later.

CEDRIC

What was that?

MEGHAN

Oh, nothing you want me repeating, sir. You just go ahead and sit there while I get Evelyne ready. The mister and misses should be with you shortly.

(MEGHAN ascends the staircase to EVELYNE’S room as EVELYNE hurries out of her secret room and into her bed. CEDRIC stands awkwardly for a moment and eventually sits on the couch. The lights in EVELYNE’s room turn on when MEGHAN enters to find EVELYNE seemingly asleep. MEGHAN crosses to her bed and shakes her shoulder)

MEGHAN

Missy, do wake up!

EVELYNE

(upon opening her eyes)

Have I slept in?

MEGHAN

Nearly. You’ve been doing that lately.

(pulling EVELYNE up by the hands)

Come. I don’t suppose you’ve chosen today’s outfits. Hurry, I’ll help you pick and dress. We can’t keep our dear Cedric waiting.

EVELYNE

(crossing to the wardrobe)

Meghan, do you dislike Cedric?

MEGHAN

(laughing weakly)

Missy, my opinion shouldn’t matter, now.

EVELYNE

(opening the wardrobe and peering inside)

I want to know. Please tell me?

MEGHAN

(after a moment’s hesitation)

Your parents and Marion see him as a suitor for you.

(EVELYNE grins, pulls out a dress from the wardrobe, holds it to her body, and turns to show MEGHAN. MEGHAN nods and EVELYNE lays the dress down on the bed.)

EVELYNE

(sitting on the bed)

Is this a bad thing?

MEGHAN

(sitting beside her)

Not necessarily. He appears to be enough of a... charming young man. I only think there is someone better for you out there.

EVELYNE

(grinning)

You worry.

MEGHAN

Oh yes, I do.

EVELYNE

(laughing)

Don’t! If my parents and my grandfather wish me to wed Cedric, he must be a worthy suitor. Grandfather Marion hardly likes any younger men, so Cedric... He is just wonderful.

MEGHAN

(humorless laugh)

...Alright, missy, let’s get you dressed.

(EVELYNE’s room dims out as EVELYNE and MEGHAN go behind the dressing screen with the dress. CEDRIC is still sitting on the couch in the living room. The top hat on the coffee table rises, seemingly on its own. CEDRIC doesn’t notice.)

DANTE V.O.

(gasps)

Oh damn!

(The top hat drops back on the table just as CEDRIC goes to look at it. Curious, he looks around. While his head is turned away, the top hat falls from the table, to the floor. CEDRIC instantly spots it, startled. After a moment, he slowly gets up to inspect it. He crouches down and, just as he’s about to touch it, the top hat shifts away and continues sliding across the floor, off stage left. CEDRIC watches in awe.)

CEDRIC

...A mouse. There must have been a mouse under that.

(ENYA and PATRICK enter from the second floor, stage right.)

ENYA

Cedric, is that you?

(CEDRIC bolts upright)

CEDRIC

Mrs. Burr! And Mr. Burr! Good morning, I’m sorry I’m early.

PATRICK

(as he and ENYA head downstairs)

Nonsense, you are just in time for breakfast. I assume Evelyne and my father are already at the table?

CEDRIC

I wouldn’t know - I have not been outside this room.

PATRICK

Why, something must be done about that. Come, dine with us.

(As he, ENYA, and CEDRIC walk to the dining room)

I take it you found your lodgings well?

CEDRIC

I did, in fact. Your Burr Hotel is lovely, I must say.

(ENYA, PATRICK, and CEDRIC all enter the dining room. MARION is already there, sitting at the head of the table, waiting. CEDRIC introduces himself to MARION. MARION, however cold and brittle he is, accepts CEDRIC’s introduction in the warmest way he can muster. All sit at the table and converse. Simultaneously, MEGHAN and EVELYNE exit EVELYNE’s room and exchange a few words on their way down the staircase.)

MEGHAN

Excuse me for rushing, but I was not prepared to serve breakfast so early.

EVELYNE

Rushed? I think you did my hair wonderfully!

MEGHAN

You’re glowing, dear, I think you would be happy if I wrapped it under a turban.

(EVELYNE laughs. Her shoe comes off just as they start descending the staircase. MEGHAN continues going downstairs whereas EVELYNE stops.)

EVELYNE

Oh dear, I lost my slipper.

MEGHAN

(realizing Evelyne’s stopped.)

Oh, sorry.

(MEGHAN is about to head back up to her)

EVELYNE

I can take care of it, Meghan. You go ahead and make us something splendid.

MEGHAN

Thank you, missy. I’ll be off to the kitchen then.

(MEGHAN exits downstairs stage right. Still on the staircase, EVELYNE puts on her slipper. The attic door opens. When it closes by itself, EVELYNE jumps and stares at it for a moment.)

EVELYNE

But... Everyone is downstairs. Could it be a... Well, if it’s a thief, I’ll scream and my father will take care of the rest.

(as she’s crossing to the attic)

I’ll warn him - if he doesn’t stop what he’s doing, I’ll - no, I won’t warn him, I’ll scream immediately. Why spoil the element of surprise?

(EVELYNE enters the attic. Dante sits unseen by all, in a sofa facing the backstage window. The walls are covered with paintings. Curious, Evelyne steps closer to inspect them. Simultaneously, MEGHAN is serving the Burrs and Cedric their breakfast. Confused by EVELYNE’s absence, she heads out of the dining room to find her. She starts up the stairs, but only makes it hallway up.)

These... these are...

DANTE

Beautiful, aren’t they?

(DANTE stands as EVELYNE spins to face him. She screams. CEDRIC and PATRICK spring from their seats.)

CEDRIC

Evelyne?!

(startled, DANTE sinks through the floor while EVELYNE glances expectantly at the attic door. She looks back and realizes Dante’s gone. At the same time, CEDRIC and PATRICK sprint out the dining room and to the attic, passing MEGHAN. She just makes it halfway up the staircase when she notices Dante sinking from the ceiling in the living room. She confronts him.)

MEGHAN

What did you do?!

DANTE

I panicked! I told her her paintings were beautiful and she screamed!

MEGHAN

So you sunk through the floor? Shame on you, Dante, I thought you knew better!

DANTE

I did! Err, I do. She didn’t see me.

(MEGHAN rolls her eyes. PATRICK and CEDRIC burst through the attic door.)

CEDRIC

Evelyne, what’s wrong?

EVELYNE

Oh, well... um -

PATRICK

(after looking about the room)

Why did you scream?

EVELYNE

I thought I saw... A mouse. At the foot of the bed.

CEDRIC

More mice...

(PATRICK looks under the bed. CEDRIC puts a comforting arm around EVELYNE.)

PATRICK

Hm. I don’t see anything. It would probably be best to have Meghan leave traps anyhow.

(to EVELYNE)

What are you doing up here, anyway?

EVELYNE

I heard something. I thought it might have been a thief, so I took it upon myself to investigate.

PATRICK

(disapproving)

Now, Evelyne -

EVELYNE

(defensive)

It would have been perfectly safe - I screamed and you two came running fasting enough, didn’t you?

PATRICK

(glancing at CEDRIC)

...We will continue this later.

(PATRICK ushers everyone out of the attic. He, CEDRIC and EVELYNE head downstairs. At the same time, MARION exits through the front door.)

In the meantime, you haven’t eaten yet, have you. Cedric, will you escort her to breakfast?

CEDRIC

Of course. She and I will meet you at the Burr Hotel shortly.

(to EVELYNE)

Your maid has already set your spot at the table.

EVELYNE

The hotel?

ENYA

(standing from the table)

Is everything alright?

PATRICK

Everything is fine. Let us be on our way then.

(peering over the living room)

Ah, Mr. Dante, there you are! Is our coach ready?

DANTE

Of course. I’ll bring it around front.

(EXIT front door)

PATRICK

Excellent. Oh, and Meghan, I’m sure you’re aware of our rodent problem?

MEGHAN

I am now.

ENYA

Rats? Oh dear. Meghan, is there enough arsenic left over from last time? We can get more while we’re out.

MEGHAN

Don’t you worry, what we have will suffice.

ENYA

Maybe we’ll purchase more - just in case. Oh Patrick, do you think there can be rats in the hotel? Oh, that would be terrible - not today, not on its fifteenth birthday.

EVELYNE

(remembering)

Oh! Today’s the fifteenth anniversary celebration.

ENYA

Rats at a party where everyone of consequence is invited - it’s nightmarish!

PATRICK

Let’s not worry ourselves, dear. Just because there may have been one rat here today doesn’t mean our hotel is infested with them.

ENYA

You’re right. Forgive me, I’m anxious. The hours are flying by and I still have so much to arrange before the party starts.

PATRICK

(laughs)

Still, we have plenty of time.

(to CEDRIC and EVELYNE)

We will send the coach back for you two as soon as we get there.

CEDRIC

Thank you, we wont be long.

MEGHAN

Evelyne, your breakfast is getting cold.

PATRICK

(crossing to the front door)

Yes, and we’d best be going.

(he opens the door)

Enya, after you.

ENYA

(to EVELYNE and CEDRIC)

Take care, you two.

CEDRIC AND EVELYNE

Take care.

(ENYA and PATRICK exit the front door)

MEGHAN

Well. I’ll be setting some traps then.

(MEGHAN exits upstairs, stage right. EVELYNE and CEDRIC watch until she is gone.)

CEDRIC

(to EVELYNE)

You must be hungry. Come.

(he and EVELYNE cross to the dining room. CEDRIC pulls out EVELYNE’S chair. She sits, growing increasingly happy.)

EVELYNE

Thank you.

(CEDRIC takes the seat beside her as she eats. He fiddles with something in his pocket. DANTE enters from under the staircase and starts upstairs)

DANTE

(whispering harshly, panicked)

Meghan! Meghan!

(MEGHAN reenters, upstairs stage right, with a jar of white powder - arsenic)

MEGHAN

(whispering harshly)

What?

DANTE

They’re alone together! You can’t leave them alone together, what are you thinking?!

MEGHAN

What are you thinking? You’re supposed to be driving your coach!

DANTE

The Burrs can -

MEGHAN

Don’t you trust me? I know what I’m doing.

DANTE

But if he proposes now -

MEGHAN

He’ll propose, and she’ll say yes -

DANTE

Meghan!

MEGHAN

But he’s not going to propose now - there’s nothing to worry about. While you and Evelyne were doing God knows what in the attic, I overheard Cedric’s plan to propose to her at the party - make it public.

(CEDRIC drops the item from his pocket. MEGHAN and DANTE freeze and listen in on the following conversation)

EVELYNE

What’s that?

CEDRIC

(laughs)

I was going to wait until later to show you, but I suppose there is no going back now.

(MEGHAN gasps)

DANTE

(to MEGHAN)

You were saying?

MEGHAN

Don’t you have a job to do? I’ll take care of this.

(DANTE reluctantly exits, back under the staircase. MEGHAN nervously paces)

CEDRIC

Eve. You and I have known one another since we were children. I know I’ve been away at Dublin for a few years, but I have returned and... It...it appears as though we picked up right where we left off! Nothing has changed between us, only now... now...

MEGHAN

I tied that corset as tight as I could...

EVELYNE

(to CEDRIC, suggesting)

Now we’re older?

(MEGHAN stomps her foot as hard as she could)

CEDRIC

Yes. Now we are older.

EVELYNE

Did you hear that?

CEDRIC

I wouldn’t worry about it.

EVELYNE

What if it was Meghan? What if she hurt herself?

CEDRIC

She’s fine. If it will ease your mind, we’ll check on her later.

MEGHAN

(exasperated)

You b*****d!

CEDRIC

This is important.

MEGHAN

She’ll faint. She has to faint - she has to.

CEDRIC

I’ve spoken with your parents. We’ve made arrangements and began planning everything. All that is left is your approval.

(He goes down on one knee. EVELYNE gasps)

MEGHAN

This can’t be happening!

(She peers down at the rat poison in her grasp, pensive.)

...Arsenic.

(After a moments’ consideration)

Oh, I can’t do that!

CEDRIC

Evelyne Rose Burr. I’ve been raised only to say things I mean. I’ve thought this over many times before, and I’ve chosen my words carefully. I love you, Eve. If you would accept my hand in marriage, I will be the happiest man alive.

MEGHAN

Of course you will, with a dowry like that!

(CEDRIC holds out the ring for EVELYNE. She’s having difficulty breathing.)

CEDRIC

Will you do it?

MEGHAN

Faint, dear, faint. You can do it!

EVELYNE

I...Cedric, I’m speechless...

CEDRIC

Hm? Oh, well, you may nod, if you like - I’ll accept that

EVELYNE

Cedric, I... I think I’m going to...

MEGHAN

Faint!

(EVELYNE faints, falling on CEDRIC.)

MEGHAN

Haha! Excellent!

(She hurries into the kitchen and speaks to CEDRIC)

What’s happened?!

CEDRIC

I proposed and - and she fainted!

MEGHAN

Why, of course she fainted! Shame on you, proposing right after her scare in the attic! Serves you right, now you go outside and watch for the coach, I’ll tend to her.

CEDRIC

But I can help!

MEGHAN

Help change her into something without a glob of syrup on the sleeve? I think not. You wait outside, I’ll have her ready in no time.

(CEDRIC reluctantly exits out the front door. MEGHAN crosses to EVELYNE)

EVELYNE

Is he gone?

MEGHAN

(confused)

Yes.

(EVELYNE sits up straight and inspects her sleeve.)

EVELYNE

I cannot believe I did that.

MEGHAN

When you faint, missy, there’s no controlling where you fall.

EVELYNE

Oh, but Meghan, I didn’t faint.

MEGHAN

What?

EVELYNE

I didn’t know what else to do! I love him, but it’s been so long since I’ve last seen him - many things could have changed. And then there’s what you said - you said there could be someone better for me out there, and you never lie. But I couldn’t say no, I need to marry - I’m already twenty years old. Before we know it, I wont be young enough for a suitor’s fancy!

MEGHAN

Oh, Evelyne Rose, you can’t be worrying about that now. There are those who say beauty doesn’t last, but I say otherwise, and you are a beautiful young woman. Love is blind, doesn’t age, and it will find you one way or another. If it were in my power, I would have you marry for love.

EVELYNE

I wouldn’t marry for anything else if I could help it, but now I’m confused. I’m doubting him, I’m doubting myself... I don’t know what to do...

MEGHAN

Do what feels right. When you make your decision to accept or decline his proposal, you will feel it in your heart whether you made the right choice. For now, you take your time, mull it over, and enjoy yourself at the party.

EVELYNE

(genuine)

Of course. Thank you so much, Meghan.

(they hug)

ACT I

Scene 2

(The Burr Hotel, very fancy and decorated. The celebration for its 15 anniversary has already begun, and the guests are dancing. A small band plays. All the BURRS are there. ENYA and EVELYNE are speaking to one another. DANTE is behind them, carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres and offering to all who pass.)

ENYA

Oh, this is glorious! Isn’t this glorious, Evelyne?

EVELYNE

(laughing)

Yes, mother, it is.

ENYA

There is so much to celebrate. It’s the hotel’s anniversary, your eldest brother’s birthday, you are engaged - too bad your brother isn’t here to congratulate you -

EVELYNE

Ross is studying abroad - a perfectly good excuse. And I’m not engaged.

ENYA

(gasps)

He didn’t propose yet, of course! Oh, I ruined it, I ruined the surprise, I’m so sorry, dear, forgive me? And - and please pretend to be surprised when he does it, please? For me?

EVELYNE

Of course.

(THEY watch a few people leave the party)

ENYA

...It is getting late, isn’t it. That boy had better hurry before all the guests leave. Where is he anyway?

EVELYNE

(gazing over her shoulder)

I don’t see him anywhere.

(She spots DANTE)

Excuse me a moment.

(She confronts him)

Mister, um. Coachman.

DANTE

(beaming)

Hors d’oeuvres, Miss Burr? 

EVELYNE

No. Thank you. Why are you here, pray tell? If you are inside, who is tending to the horses?

DANTE

(still beaming)

If it please you, I’m standing in for Ronald. He needed fresh air and offered to do my duties if I did his.

EVELYNE

It doesn’t please or displease me, but my father’s the one paying you. Every hour you are not outside is an hour that counts against your pay check.

DANTE

(still beaming)

Really? And I thought I was doing such a splendid job here.

(Despite her efforts, EVELYNE cracks a smile.)

EVELYNE

You’re awfully cheerful. 

DANTE

Today is a cheerful day.

EVELYNE

Do you happen to know where I can find Cedric?

DANTE

(even more cheerful)

I believe I saw him go upstairs. To his room, perhaps? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind his fiance bringing him back to the party.

EVELYNE

Oh, we’re not yet, um... Thank you.

(She goes upstairs. Cedric’s room lights up. He and CEDRIC’s FRIENDS are visible inside. EVELYNE stops outside their door when she hears them speaking.)

FRIEND 1

Cedric, you lucky b*****d! You’ve really done it this time! Marrying the granddaughter of Marion Burr.

(laughs)

CEDRIC

(not cheerful)

We are not yet married, we’re not even engaged.

FRIEND 2

But I thought you said -

CEDRIC

Yes, I proposed.

FRIEND 3

You don’t mean...

CEDRIC

No, she didn’t say no - she fainted.

FRIEND 1

Typical woman.

CEDRIC

Not at all. She’s a very kind woman. A little strange in my opinion - just strange enough to love. I only...

(sudden outburst)

I need her money!

FRIEND 3

Come now, Cedric...

FRIEND 2

Calm yourself, man, patience...

CEDRIC

The longer I stand here penniless, the longer my wife and children go without a meal.

FRIEND 3

If you can’t calm yourself down, all is lost. Are you or are you not proposing tonight?

CEDRIC

I am, I am... I need another moment...

(Close to tears, EVELYNE steps away from the door and hurries downstairs. Her slipper comes off halfway down, but she ignores it and EXITS. DANTE watches her all the way out, growing less and less cheerful)

DANTE

She needed to hear it, but... That was a heartbreaking.

(He sets down his tray, retrieves her shoe, and EXITS.)

ACT I

Scene 3

(Traveler curtains close, veiling the BURR HOTEL’s transition to the BURR MANOR. A few trees and a lamppost serve for a roadside. EVELYNE enters stage right, hobbling with only one shoe.)

DANTE O.S.

Evelyne!

(EVELYNE stops walking and looks back. DANTE enters, stage right, running to catch up.)

EVELYNE

(correcting)

Miss Burr.

DANTE

Forgive me, Miss Burr -

EVELYNE

Only Miss Burr.

(She continues walking. DANTE follows.)

Certainly can’t be Mrs. Beddau now, can I? That title’s already taken - there cannot be two, you know. Can’t be his misses - how can I hope to be anyone’s misses? I can’t be “misses” anything, can I? I’ll be Miss Burr for the rest of my life. I will never marry, never move out, never raise a family of my own. I will grow old and, until the day I die, people will call me, “Miss Burr.”

DANTE

I don’t know what to call you, now. Whatever name I use would be taken as an insult.

EVELYNE

Call me “lady” if you must.

DANTE

As you wish, lady.

EVELYNE

Mr. Coachman. How did you find me here?

DANTE

I saw you leave. Being your coachman, I cannot neglect a duty as crucial as transporting you wherever you so wish to go. It is not safe for an upper-class young woman as yourself to be roaming the streets by night.

EVELYNE

I am not idly roaming, I’m walking home.

DANTE

Of course. However, lady, if you wouldn’t mind, I know a faster means of getting there. It’s safer, cushioned, and less exhausting than walking on a single shoe.

(EVELYNE stops walking and looks back at him. She stares for a moment.)

EVELYNE

I’m sorry I entered your room earlier this morning. I didn’t know that was your room - I thought you shared lodgings with the stable boy.

DANTE

All is forgiven.

EVELYNE

I am also sorry I screamed when I saw you. You’re not a frightening man, you only startled me.

DANTE

(weakly laughs)

That is forgiven as well.

EVELYNE

...Alright. I will ride with you, now. To the manor.

DANTE

(grinning)

Excellent decision.

(DANTE offers her his elbow to link to. EVELYNE stares at it for a moment, then shakes her head and walks ahead, stage right. He laughs at himself.)

DANTE CONT’D

(aside)

Too soon, Dante.

(Both EXIT stage right)

ACT I 

Scene 4

(EVELYNE can be heard weeping. Open traveler curtains to reveal the BURR MANOR. EVELYNE is crying hysterically on the couch in the living room. The handle to the front door turns and EVELYNE quiets, turning around to watch DANTE enter. He doesn’t notice her at first, but casually takes off his top hat and pushes the door closed with his cane. Then he sees her.)

DANTE

...Lady.

EVELYNE

Mr. Coachman.

(Beat)

I wasn’t expecting you to enter. You did not even knock.

DANTE

I never do. I live here.

EVELYNE

Oh, yes. I should have remembered.

DANTE

Worry not - your mind is obviously elsewhere. 

(Beat)

I was just letting the horses rest a moment. In the meantime I thought I would return your slipper.

(He pulls the slipper out from behind him. When EVELYNE makes no attempt to retrieve it, he sighs.)

You were crying before I came in. I can tell - your voice is weak, your eyes are glistening, and I heard you outside. 

EVELYNE

Thank you, detective.

(DANTE regrettably nods and places the slipper beside her.)

DANTE

I’ll leave you to it then.

(He crosses to the front door. He’s about to leave when -)

EVELYNE

Wait, wait. Please, Mr. Coachman, stop.

(DANTE stops mid-motion.)

EVELYNE CONT’D

...Are all men like him?

DANTE

(After turning to face her)

Like who?

EVELYNE

Cedric. Mr. Beddau. Do all of them lie for the sake of dowry? Convince women they love them when all they want is their money?

DANTE

No. Of course there are the few that do, but I can assure you there are more that do not.

(EVELYNE turns her face away, trying to wipe her tears before DANTE can see them. He cautiously crosses to her, then hesitantly hands her a handkerchief from his breast pocket. EVELYNE, just as hesitant, accepts it.)

EVELYNE

I don’t understand. Why are you so kind to me? You’re not a suitor, I’m not the one paying you... I don’t call you by your name, I enter you room uninvited... I did not even knock...

DANTE

As I said. All is forgiven.

EVELYNE

(sob)

If only I can be as forgiving as you! I - I do not think I can speak to him again! Oh, I do not believe I can look at him again!

(Crying harder)

I can’t. I can’t stop. I wish I could stop weeping, but I cannot... I cannot... 

DANTE

Oh, Evelyne...

(EVELYNE pats the cushion beside her. DANTE sits there. She cries into his chest. He gasps, shocked, and eventually holds her)

EVELYNE

I must...

(pulling away from DANTE)

I must pull myself together. I cannot let anyone see me like this. If they do, they will ask why I am crying, and they will find out I was eavesdropping. There’s an impropriety not easily forgiven, Mr. Coachman.

DANTE

And lying about love is?

EVELYNE

People marry for money all the time. I should have known.

DANTE

Don’t make up excuses for him. He wasn’t only manipulating you, but your family as well. You know as well as I that once he got the money he would’ve run right back to Dublin, leaving you with nothing.

EVELYNE

Of course I know that. It’s not helping with the tears, though.

DANTE

No one is coming back anytime soon. For so long as I am here, none of the Burrs nor even Cedric can see you like this. For so long as I am here, no one will bother you. ...After all, I’m their only form of transportation.

EVELYNE

(calming down)

You... you sound familiar.

DANTE

I should. I’ve only been here since you were four.

(Beat)

EVELYNE

You know my grandfather’s been saying things about you. He says your a ghost or a demon of sorts.

DANTE

(laughing)

Really? Why?

EVELYNE

In all the years you’ve been here, you haven’t aged.

DANTE

Posh, of course I have. I’ve just aged well, if I do say so myself.

(EVELYNE laughs)

DANTE CONT’D

(indicating to the slipper)

May I?

(EVELYNE nods. DANTE kneels at her feet and puts her slipper back on. It’s all very romantic.)

DANTE CONT’D

I’m... I’m afraid I must go back to the party soon. Your family must be wondering about...your...whereabouts.

EVELYNE

I can’t go back.

DANTE

Not even to publicly decline Cedric’s proposal? Pity.

(EVELYNE laughs again)

No, but I understand. It’s too soon. I’ll tell Meghan about it, she’ll tell everyone else you are not to be disturbed. Sound good?

(EVELYNE nods)

Excellent. I’ll get right to it, then.

(BOTH stand, ending up within kissing distance)

EVELYNE

Good... Good night, Mr. Coachman.

DANTE

Good night, Miss Burr. Lady.

EVELYNE

Miss Burr.

DANTE

Miss Burr. ...Good night.

EVELYNE

Good night.

(Beat. EVELYNE goes upstairs and to her room. DANTE watches, then reluctantly exits through the front door. Lights out. Lights on. All the BURRS except EVELYNE enter through the front door.)

PATRICK

She must have been ill, running out like that. You say she knew he was going to propose tonight?

ENYA

Yes, and she was thrilled to hear it - you should have seen her face. 

PATRICK

Then after that, you say she went to speak with Mr. Dante, who sent her upstairs, no doubt to Cedric’s room?

ENYA

That’s what I was thinking, but Cedric said he hadn’t seen her.

MARION

(grave)

Mr. Dante, you said? The coachman?

PATRICK

Now, father, be reasonable.

ENYA

Not this again...

MARION

I told you that thing was trouble. Ever since he set fire to my home - 

PATRICK

But he didn’t, he was with Enya and I, taking us to the Robinsons’. We’ve talked about this - you and I both know no one can be in two places at once.

MARION

No one human, anyway! 

PATRICK

(outburst)

Do you know how you sound when you say things like that?!

ENYA

Patrick, please...

PATRICK

(to MARION)

You sound insane! Do you know what will happen when word gets out? When people learn the great and wealthy Marion Burr is completely off his rocker?

MARION

I am not insane if what I say is true! That demon coachman is aiming to off us all! Evelyne disturbed him once this morning, and now he is making her regret it!

(DANTE enters through the front door. ENYA, PATRICK, and MARION watch him in silence as he takes off his top hat and closes the door with his cane. He turns around and notices them staring at him.)

DANTE

Good evening, everyone.

ENYA

Yes, good evening. Mr. Dante, why don’t you remind us what happened with Evelyne after she went upstairs to find Cedric.

DANTE

My pleasure. Not too long after she went up, she came running back down - I don’t think she ever made it to his room. It looked like she was about to be sick, which explains why she didn’t even bother putting her slipper back on.

ENYA

Her slipper came off?

DANTE

While she was running. I went outside to return it to her, and there she told me she wished to go home. How is she, by the way?

ENYA

We haven’t seen her yet.

MARION

(accusingly)

None of us have.

PATRICK

(through clenched teeth)

Father.

(MEGHAN enters from Evelyne’s room)

MEGHAN

She is safe and sound in her room, no one has anything to worry about.

ENYA

I forgot to get more rat poison, I’m sorry!

MARION

(to MEGHAN)

I’d like to see her.

MEGHAN

By all means, but quietly. She needs her rest.

ENYA

The poor dear.

(ENYA and MARION start up the staircase. PATRICK crosses to DANTE.)

PATRICK

Thank you for taking my daughter home safe.

DANTE

It was my pleasure.

(One by one, ENYA, MARION, and PATRICK all peak into EVELYNE’s room. Satisfied, they exit upstairs stage right. MEGHAN goes downstairs and DANTE meets her at the foot of the staircase)

I think she likes me.

MEGHAN

Evelyne?

(DANTE nods, beaming)

You’ve not won her yet, mister.

DANTE

Tomorrow morning she will wake and tell you how she’s dreamt about me.

MEGHAN

(laughs)

Too soon, I think. She’s not finished crying over Cedric.

DANTE

Sure she is, she wasn’t heartbroken - she was insulted. This is the first time she saw him since they were children, and all of a sudden she fell in love? Of course not - she was merely relieved to have found a suitor before her next birthday, and flattered by his claims. I made an impression on her, I know it. Tell me she didn’t talk about me before she went to bed.

MEGHAN

She admitted you have a beautiful smile, but that was it!

DANTE

Yes! She loves me, Meghan, she loves me! She’s going to paint me soon, I can feel it.

MEGHAN

Your logic is incoherent. 

DANTE

I’m going to show her my world before the night is over - I’m going to tell her everything.

MEGHAN

Well, now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves -

DANTE

Of course, you’re right, I still need to wait until she paints me. For now I’ll prepare my home for her visit.

MEGHAN

By home, you don’t mean -

DANTE

My castle in the Ghost Realm? Of course I do! What, you thought I would impress her with a clean attic?

MEGHAN

You’ll make her faint! For real, this time!

DANTE

You’re right again, but not to worry, I’ll be prepared to wait patiently until she awakens. Farewell, Meghan, I’ll see you in the morning!

MEGHAN

Wait, Dante!

(DANTE magically disappears)

MEGHAN

He needs to stop doing that!

(MEGHAN exits stage right. Evelyne’s secret room lights up. EVELYNE is inside, painting on a canvas larger than her.)

EVELYNE

That was close. To think, if I had stayed in here a moment longer, they would have seen me spring out from behind my mirror.

(Pause)

Tutor? ...You’re not here, are you. I’ve been talking to myself this entire time. That’s peachy. 

(Beat)

I’m painting something new - something that didn’t occur to me until this morning, but I can’t believe I hadn’t given it any thought before. Servant or no, the coachman’s smile is beautiful - it’s pure, unadulterated, unfiltered joy that just lifts you. Similar to the smile of a child, but to see it on a man is refreshing, to say the least. ...Gah, still no yellow. ...It’s curious, though. I didn’t tell anyone, but I had a dream about him last night. I was walking about the park, children were running around in the grass, and it was a gorgeous day. It was sunny, but at the same time there were storm clouds. I know it doesn’t sound cheerful, but it was. And there, standing under a tree, was the coachman. He laid down a picnic blanket and invited me to sit with him, and I accepted. The way he smiled was... You would think I was the love of his life. Anyway, because of that dream and all that’s happened today, I couldn’t sleep - I needed to paint. To clear my head.

(painting one last stroke onto the canvas)

There. That should do it for now.

(A steady breeze starts)

DANTE V.O.

(ecstatic)

You dreamed of me?!

EVELYNE

(startled)

Tutor! When did you get here?

DANTE V.O.

And you’ve painted me! You painted me, I knew you would!

EVELYNE

Painted you? But I can’t even see you.

(she has a thought)

That’s not normal, is it. Who - who are you? Why can’t I ever see you?

(The breeze gets stronger. DANTE steps out from the painting. EVELYNE jumps back and yells.)

DANTE

(excited)

Not to worry, I’ll explain everything.

EVELYNE

You?

DANTE

Fantastic, I know!

(He picks her up, princess style. The winds are even stronger.)

This is the best night of my life!

EVELYNE

What are you doing?!

DANTE

I need to show you something, it’ll help you understand!

EVELYNE

Show me something?

DANTE

You beautiful parrot. Now let’s go!

EVELYNE

Where are you taking me?!

DANTE

This way!

(Magical Transition to the Ghost Realm begins. The winds are howling, so DANTE and EVELYNE need to shout to hear each other. EVELYNE starts screaming)

Close your eyes, it’s less frightening.

EVELYNE

Stop! Whatever you’re doing, stop it!

(DANTE covers EVELYNE’s eyes. The lights go out simultaneously, and stay out for the remainder of the magical transition)

DANTE

Stay with me, Evelyne, this will only take a few more seconds.

EVELYNE

What was that?

DANTE

Don’t worry about it, it’s gone!

EVELYNE

But what was it?!

DANTE

A ghost, we passed through a ghost!

EVELYNE

G-Ghost?

DANTE

You’ll see a few of them in the Ghost Realm!

EVELYNE

(disbelieving)

The what?!

DANTE

I’m sorry if you can’t hear me too well; it really would be easier for me to answer you questions when we arrive!

EVELYNE

But where are we going?!

DANTE

What?!

(EVELYNE shrieks)

EVELYNE

Mr. Coachman! I don’t know what is happening, but I demand to be brought back to my home immediately!

DANTE

Oh, but Miss Burr, we’ve only just arrived!

EVELYNE

I don’t care!

(The winds stop)

I don’t know where we are, but wherever it is I don’t like it! I wont survive another minute here!

(DANTE uncovers EVELYNE’s eyes. The lights come back and reveal the interior of DANTE’S  CASTLE.)

DANTE

Yes you will. You’re safe with me, I promise.

(He puts EVELYNE down. She takes in her surroundings, stunned.)

Behold.

(EVELYNE faints. DANTE catches her.)

DANTE

She actually fainted. Perhaps I overwhelmed her. ...Perhaps I shouldn’t have done that.

(Beat. DANTE cackles and carries her to the couch. There’s a knock at the front door.)

DANTE

Oh, not now.

(There’s another knock. Reluctantly, DANTE answers. GILLUS steps inside.)

GILLUS

Good evening, Dante.

DANTE

Gillus. You know I’d be delighted to have you any day, but today is not one of them.

GILLUS

Of course, of course. It wouldn’t have to do with a certain guest you have here now? A certain live one? Is she there, on the couch?

DANTE

(blocking GILLUS’ view)

That would be none of your concern.

GILLUS

Very true. I just thought I would remind you that live ones are not welcome here. To smuggle one over is against a rule of this realm. There are creatures here whose sole purpose is to enforce it.

DANTE

I am well aware. Thank you.

(GILLUS has a stare-down with DANTE for a moment, then exits. DANTE crosses to EVELYNE)

DANTE

I doubt you heard any of that, but just in case: don’t listen to him. He’s right, but you’re safe in here. I’ll be right back.

(DANTE exits stage right. A moment later, EVELYNE sits up slowly, hand over her heart.)

EVELYNE

Did I... I actually fainted.

(She takes in her surroundings)

Everything that happened with the coachman - everything I thought was a dream...actually happened.

(Beat)

I need to get back home.

(She gets up from the couch and searches for her exit. She eventually finds the front door, opens it, and finds GILLUS waiting on the other side. She gasps.)

GILLUS

I knew it.

EVELYNE

What?

GILLUS

You’re not supposed to be here.

EVELYNE

Take me home, then.

GILLUS

The World of the Living?

EVELYNE

My goodness, I never thought I would have to specify what world to go to. Yes, the World of the Living. England. The Burr Manor.

(GILLUS offers her his hand. EVELYNE hesitantly takes it. With a gust of wind, the magical transition into the World of the Living begins. EVELYNE yelps. They arrive in the Burr Hotel)

GILLUS

Good bye, then

EVELYNE

Wait!

(GILLUS disappears)

EVELYNE

This isn’t the Burr Manor! It’s the hotel.

(She gazes up at CEDRIC’s room)

He’s a lying, manipulative wretch, but Cedric will help me.

(She goes up to his room and knocks on the door.)

Cedric! Cedric, wake up! ...Cedric!

(CEDRIC opens the door)

CEDRIC

(tired)

...Evelyne? What are you doing here, so early in the morning?

EVELYNE

I was kidnapped! It was just a painting, and then the coachman... he...and the world changed before my eyes, we passed through a ghost, and -

CEDRIC

(stepping outside his room)

Eve, calm down. How did you get here?

(They’re standing in a way where EVELYNE has a clear view of where DANTE shall appear. CEDRIC does not)

EVELYNE

I escaped. Please, you must believe me.

CEDRIC

Why would the coachman kidnap you?

EVELYNE

I don’t know! But it was frightening, Cedric!

CEDRIC

...I can’t quite make sense of what you said happened, but it couldn’t have happened. It must have been a dream. You said you passed through a ghost?

EVELYNE

It sounds ridiculous, but I don’t have a better explanation.

CEDRIC

Still doesn’t explain how you ended up here...

(DANTE enters upstairs, behind CEDRIC. EVELYNE sees him and steps away. Confused, CEDRIC turns around and sees DANTE.)

Oh! My heavens, where did you come from? Doesn’t matter, you’re the Burrs’ coachman, aren’t you? Why don’t you be a good man, tell her she was dreaming, and take her home.

DANTE

Can’t you see she’s scared to death of me? Why don’t you be a good man and at least pretend to be a good man - what if she has good reason to be afraid of me?

CEDRIC

(taken aback)

Well - she doesn’t, does she?

(DANTE taps him on the head with his cane. CEDRIC drops to the floor.)

DANTE

Doesn’t matter.

EVELYNE

What did you do to him?!

(CEDRIC snores, sleeping)

DANTE

He’ll be alright.

EVELYNE

I... I don’t understand. What do you want with me?

DANTE

(offering his hand)

I told you I would explain everything. Please. I still didn’t get to explain all those questions you asked me.

(EVELYNE hesitantly takes his hand. DANTE smiles.)

There’s only one place I can do that.

EVELYNE

You don’t mean?

(Magical transition to the Ghost Realm begins)

No! 

(EVELYNE tries fighting for freedom as Dante leads her downstairs)

I don’t belong there, I can’t go!

DANTE

You’re safe with me, I promise. Just - trust me!

EVELYNE 

I, I can’t! Please, Mr. Coachman, I don’t know you!

(DANTE pauses at the bottom of the staircase, deep in thought)

DANTE

I... I suppose you don’t.

(DANTE looks at her. After a moment of being lost in his gaze, EVELYNE breaks his hold on her and runs upstage)

DANTE CONT’D

(panicked)

Evelyne, NO!

(Traveler curtains close, separating DANTE and EVELYNE. EVELYNE looks around, lost and confused)

EVELYNE

H-Hello? ...What have I done. Where am I? ...Hello?

(Enter CREATURES. EVELYNE can’t see them)

Enough with the hiding - I can hear you breathing.

(The CREATURES attack. EVELYNE screams and tries to fight them off, but she still can’t see them, and she’s outnumbered. Just as they’re about to kill her, DANTE enters and hits one of them away with his cane)

Mr. Coachman!

DANTE

Evelyne. Lady. Miss Burr.

EVELYNE

You can see them?

DANTE

No.

EVELYNE

Mr. Coachman, what -

DANTE

(lowly)

I know now I was asking too much before, but at the moment I need you not to make another sound.

(Silence. A CREATURE makes a noise. Dante swings at it with his cane and misses, swinging over EVELYNE’s head)

And whatever you do, don’t move without my say so.

(EVELYNE nods. The CREATURES attack DANTE and they fight. CREATURES get in a few good hits, as does DANTE, swinging his cane and depending on it to hit something. CREATURES back away. When DANTE realizes he’s not hitting anything anymore, he stops and stands silent and at the ready.)

EVELYNE

...Are they gone?

DANTE

Shhh...

(A CREATURE slashes DANTE’s torso and DANTE yells out. He beats the CREATURE down, and continues to beat it while it’s down)

EVELYNE

(after a moment)

Mr. Coachman, it’s dead.

DANTE

(he stops, out of breath)

What?

EVELYNE

I can see its blood. It hasn’t moved, and nothing’s attacked me since. It’s dead.

(The other CREATURES, also badly wounded, carry the dead one away. All CREATURES exit. DANTE looks like he’s about to pass out)

DANTE

(holding his slashed torso)

It wont be for long. And there were more.

(DANTE and EVELYNE listen for a moment. DANTE looks down at his torso.)

This was unexpected.

(He stumbles)

They got me in the head a few times, didn’t they. Still doesn’t make sense...

(He falls to his knees)

EVELYNE

Mr... Coachman?

DANTE

I’ll be fine, I should already be on the mend. Don’t understand why I’m feeling faint. I’m dead - this shouldn’t be an issue.

EVELYNE

You’re what?

(DANTE winces. EVELYNE crosses to him.)

You saved my life, didn’t you.

DANTE

I...told you...you could trust me...

(Beat)

Miss Burr... Why would you run off in the middle of transition? I was going to bring you back. When you said you didn’t know me, I was going to take you home... I’m sorry. I got carried away and forgot you didn’t know me. It didn’t occur to me until... But why would you run off in the middle of transition, of all times to run... You could’ve ended up anywhere... I -

(EVELYNE kneels beside him)

EVELYNE

Shh... I trust you now.

DANTE

(laughs)

Now you trust me. 

(He sways)

I’ll take you home now.

EVELYNE

You first.

DANTE

Okay. You didn’t end up too far away from where I was taking us.

(indicating offstage left)

That’s my home, over there.

EVELYNE

...A castle. You live in a castle?

DANTE

(trying to stand)

Yes.

(EVELYNE helps him up)

EVELYNE

Are you royalty in this world?

DANTE

(As they are exiting stage left)

No. Castles are common here. As are mansions. And, surprisingly, tree houses. You would be surprised by how many people want nothing more than to live in a tree house.

(BOTH EXIT)

ACT I

Scene 5

(DANTE’S CASTLE. DANTE lays unconscious on the couch, his wounds bandaged. EVELYNE sits beside him, anxiously waiting.)

EVELYNE

I got you onto the couch, I dressed your wounds... What more can I do? Why did you have to collapse.

(She stares at him for a moment)

Your hair looks so...pretty...

(She runs her fingers through his hair and gasps)

Lord, it’s soft!

(DANTE mumbles unintelligibly)

...If you had calmed down... If you hadn’t been so quick to get me here - if you had been more patient and had me get to know you better, I might not have been so afraid. Trust is something that needs earning. I’m sorry you found out the hard way and...

(laughs)

Well, you earned it the hard way as well. That doesn’t mean I know you, though. I would like to get to know you, and to know what’s going on, exactly.

(The mirror glows. MEGHAN appears in the reflection)

MEGHAN

Dante? Dante, please get over here, it’s important! Evelyne must be back here soon - it’s almost morning!

EVELYNE

M...Meghan?

MEGHAN

Evelyne? Missy, is that you? I can’t see much of anything beyond the couch.

(EVELYNE curiously crosses to the mirror)

Or dear, what happened to you?

EVELYNE

I... Meghan? What’s the big idea? Are you honestly a part of all this?!

MEGHAN

From the very beginning. Dante hasn’t explained anything to you? He told me he would tell you everything - I suppose I wasn’t important enough to mention. Where is he?

EVELYNE

Dante’s the coachman?

MEGHAN

My, I thought he would have at least told you his name. Yes.

EVELYNE

He’s knocked unconscious.

MEGHAN

...Come again? knocked unconscious? That doesn’t make any sense. What happened?

EVELYNE

Do I at least get to know what was supposed to have happened? I’ve been kidnapped, smuggled to a world where humans obviously aren’t welcome, attacked by invisible creatures -

MEGHAN

I tried warning him, but he gets so -

EVELYNE

Carried away?

MEGHAN

I was going to say excited, but that works too. He doesn’t take a moment to reflect.

EVELYNE

What is your part in all this? How are you so involved?

MEGHAN

Oh, where to begin... I knew Dante for a long time, missy - I’m guessing about fifteen years? Sixteen, maybe? When he told me he was kicked out of...well, I suppose you would call it Heaven, I was shocked. He truly is a wonderful soul; I couldn’t understand why the powers that be would deem him unworthy. But when he explained their reasoning, I understood and promised I would help him return to...Heaven...if it be the last thing I do.

EVELYNE

Why was he kicked out?

MEGHAN

(uneasy)

I...ah... Please, don’t make me tell you that story. You very well know I can’t lie, and there’re only so many times I can resist answering the same question. I don’t want to be the one to tell you that. Why not have Dante tell you, ah? He was the one that was supposed to do all the explaining, but no, he went and got himself injured, I can’t believe he... How did he get injured? Are you sure he’s hurt?

EVELYNE

Positive. There’s a gash in his side and he’s unconscious. Will he be alright? I did all I could, and I just don’t know -

MEGHAN

He’s fine - he’s dead. Dead people don’t die, missy. In fact, they shouldn’t be able to get...injured. I still don’t understand how that happened. Well, once he opens his eyes -

(DANTE wakes up)

-he should be good as new. He really must hurry, though. Your family is waking up, and you’re not even here. He needs to get you back...

DANTE

(sitting up)

I’m up.

(He takes off his bandages. There’s not a scratch on him. EVELYNE stares.)

EVELYNE

(mild shock)

You look...better. ...Good morning.

DANTE

Good morning, Miss Burr. Lady. Miss Burr.

EVELYNE

Evelyne.

DANTE

(giddy)

Evelyne.

MEGHAN

Dante? Dante, is that you?

DANTE

(crossing to the mirror)

Yes. Tis I.

MEGHAN

Thank heavens. And shame on you! Scaring her half to death without so much as a preliminary explanation. And in her nightdress? Who takes a woman on an outing in her nightdress?!

DANTE

You would be surprised. Hundreds of years from now, things change drastically.

MEGHAN

Evelyne’s not a future woman, is she! Get your head back in our era!

DANTE

Of course.

MEGHAN

And do hurry her back soon - I need to have her dressed before breakfast.

DANTE

Will do.

MEGHAN

Good bye, Dante. And I’ll be seeing you soon, Evelyne.

DANTE

Until then.

(MEGHAN disappears from view. The mirror looks like an ordinary mirror again.)

EVELYNE

I look terrible.

DANTE

You look like you haven’t slept, but beautiful nonetheless. How long have I been out?

EVELYNE

A while.

DANTE

(laughs)

A while.

(He sits back on the couch, exhausted)

Forgive me. I’ve experienced so many different worlds and time periods, they get muddled. I didn’t even think about your nightdress. It never occurred to me how awkward it must’ve been for you - how you may as well be in your underwear.

EVELYNE

It isn’t so bad. I think it’s a common but silly notion, to feel naked in a nightdress. I am as unrevealing as I am when I’m dressed, so I don’t understand the big to do.

(DANTE stares at her, stunned.)

Have I...said too much?

DANTE

You’re an incredible woman.

EVELYNE

Incredible? Don’t be silly.

DANTE

You’re brave in so many ways - not at all a woman of your time. One of the reasons I lo-

(correcting himself mid-word)

-admire you. Let’s get you home.

EVELYNE

You will explain to me what’s going on.

DANTE

All in good time.

(He holds out his hand. EVELYNE takes it)

(lights out)

ACT I

Scene 6

(THE PARK. EVELYNE, disguised as Fergus Fleming (male), is selling the same paintings seen in EVELYNE’S SECRET ROOM, except for the one of Dante she had just completed. EVELYNE carries a pad of paper and is fiddling with a metal pencil in her other hand. A crowd is gathered and browsing the display of paintings. A MAN crosses to one of them.)

MAN

(To EVELYNE)

You. You’re Fergus Fleming, aren’t you.

(EVELYNE nods. MARION enters and meanders passed. He doesn’t notice EVELYNE, vice versa)

I can tell. I’ve heard talk of your work. You seem kind of famous in these parts.

(admiring the painting)

I can see why. And you’re mute too, yes?

(EVELYNE nods)

How does a man learn the price of these paintings?

(EVELYNE points to the painting MAN is referring to. He nods. EVELYNE scribbles out a number and shows it to him.)

Is that a twenty-five?

(EVELYNE nods. MAN pays her the money and takes the painting)

It was a pleasure doing business with you.

(EXIT)

ELDERLY WOMAN

(to EVELYNE)

Mr. Fleming? Did I hear correctly? Mr. Fergus Fleming?

(EVELYNE nods)

I thought so! I’ve heard of your work, and I must say they’re brilliant! I must buy one... This one, I’ll take this one.

(EVELYNE writes out the cost. ELDERLY WOMAN takes both the pencil and the pad, holding the pad up to her eyes)

35, it says? Makes sense. It’s bigger than the others.

(She pays EVELYNE, takes her painting, and exits)  

IMPATIENT WOMAN

Mr. Fleming, what are you selling this for?

(EVELYNE checks her pockets for the pad and paper, realizing she has neither. DANTE enters)

DANTE

Evelyne! Good evening!

(EVELYNE stares at him, mortified)

Oh! Mister, um. Fergus Fleming. Forgive me, I have someone else on my mind.

IMPATIENT WOMAN

Excuse me, but I was here first. The price, Mr. Fleming?

(EVELYNE retraces her steps, then gasps. DANTE catches on.)

DANTE

That old woman... She took your paper, didn’t she.

(EVELYNE nods, trying not to laugh)

And your pencil! She took your pencil, too!

IMPATIENT WOMAN

Does this mean I’ll never know what this is selling for?

DANTE

Of course not. That’ll go for... Thirty yen.

IMPATIENT WOMAN

Yen?

DANTE

Er, dollars.

IMPATIENT WOMAN

Dollars?

DANTE

Gah, where am I.

IMPATIENT WOMAN

Off by a few continents.

DANTE

Forgive me, I, um, travel. Thirty pounds, if it please Mr. Fleming?

(EVELYNE nods.)

DANTE

Right then. You heard the manly man.

(IMPATIENT WOMAN pays, takes her painting, and exits. EVELYNE and DANTE continue doing business. Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, CEDRIC runs into MARION.)

CEDRIC

Oh! Good morning, Mr. Burr!

MARION

Good morning indeed.

CEDRIC

Mr. Burr, what - not to be rude, but what are you doing over here?

MARION

Driven out of my own house, I was! Couldn’t stay a moment longer! My own granddaughter -

CEDRIC

Evelyne? Is she okay?

MARION

(curious)

She is just fine. However, she is avoiding the topic of your engagement.

CEDRIC

What? Why?

MARION

I am not quite sure. If I may inquire, why would you ask if she is okay?

CEDRIC

I... It’s silly, it was probably a dream. Why, of course it was a dream, it couldn’t possibly have been...then again, I did wake up in the hallway...

MARION

Dream, you say? What happened in this dream?

CEDRIC

Well, there was the coachman -

MARION

Coachman? Our coachman? 

(pointing at DANTE)

Him?

CEDRIC

He appeared out of nowhere. At that point, I suppose I should have known it was a -

MARION

It was the coachman! I knew it!

CEDRIC

Mr. Burr?

MARION

That demon in the attic! He must’ve threatened Evelyne into rejecting your proposal -

CEDRIC

What are you talking about?

MARION

The coachman is the ghost in the attic. He’s been waiting nearly sixteen years now, working for us -

CEDRIC

Waiting for what?

MARION

An excuse to terrorize us. Evelyne said she heard something in the attic so she went up to investigate. If I had known the coachman would start luring others into his trap -

CEDRIC

Trap? But nothing happened - she screamed because of a mouse.

MARION

Or so she said. So she said because he forced her to say! 

CEDRIC

Now, Mr. Burr, let’s be reasonable. What would give you an idea like that?

MARION

You don’t believe my house set fire to itself those sixteen years ago.

CEDRIC

I remember hearing about that.

MARION

It was coincidentally a few days after that coachman moved in with my family - the same day I unwittingly stepped into the attic. Like Evelyne, I heard something. There I saw him appear - out of thin air - with a puff of smoke! His back was turned, so I didn’t think he saw me before I left, but he did. How I wish he hadn’t... Emily, my wife... He took her from me a few days later. She liked him. Whenever I found them conversing, he would turn to me and smile, and I knew he was taunting me. It was all a prelude.

CEDRIC

Demon or no, how can you say the coachman was behind any of that?

MARION

Consider your...dream.

(CEDRIC considers it)

Come, walk with me. I have a plan that may make a believer of you yet.

(MARION and CEDRIC exit. At this point, DANTE and EVELYNE are out of paintings to sell)

DANTE

(To the crowd)

Sorry, but that’s all for now! Not to worry, Mr. Fergus is bound to be back with more before the weather gets too cold.

(the crowd grudgingly disperses.)

Clever disguise, Evelyne. Clever choice of disability.

EVELYNE

Well, I can’t risk having anyone hear my voice. Of course I can disguise that as well, but -

DANTE

It’s less risky if you don’t speak at all.

EVELYNE

Exactly. ...You’re a ghost, yes?

(DANTE nods)

How are you so solid? Why do I not going through you?

DANTE

I’m a special ghost. Most ghosts are stuck here because they don’t know any better, but I was sent here with a very specific purpose. Perhaps the Ten Spirits - God - the powers that be - whatever you wish to call them - made me solid because I can’t serve my purpose otherwise.

EVELYNE

So you’re the only solid ghost.

DANTE

As far as I know.

EVELYNE

And it’s not normal for ghosts to get injured.

DANTE

I see where you’re going with this. I thought of that as well, that maybe because my body is corporeal, I am just as vulnerable to injury as anyone else in the World of the Living.

EVELYNE

What if those creatures killed you?

DANTE

I can’t die.

EVELYNE

Are you sure?

DANTE

I’m pretty sure ghosts can’t die. I’d rather not test it.

EVELYNE

If a ghost died, would they be gone forever? Is there a place for dead ghosts?

DANTE

I’ve heard stories of the ten spirits wiping a soul from existence. That’s as far as my knowledge on the topic goes.

EVELYNE

Hm. So you’re corporeal, but you can still go through things and be invisible and do pretty much anything any other ghost can do?

DANTE

Correct.

EVELYNE

And that would be...?

DANTE

Traveling to and from the Ghost Realm.

EVELYNE

Can you possess people?

DANTE

I can, but I don’t.

EVELYNE

Why not?

DANTE

It’s wrong.

EVELYNE

And kidnapping is perfectly fine.

DANTE

(grimacing)

It isn’t. Does it still upset you?

EVELYNE

A little. I don’t understand why you needed to do it.

DANTE

I wanted to explain everything to you. What I was, what that entailed. I also wanted you to believe me, and I thought the Ghost Realm would help with that. When you ran away, I lost sight of why I wanted you there in the first place - my only thought was I needed to bring you back. I’m sorry.

EVELYNE

Hm.

DANTE

Forgive me?

EVELYNE

Well, alright, but I’m still upset. Change the subject for me?

DANTE

What’s your favorite movie?

(EVELYNE gives him a baffled look)

You don’t know what I’m talking about. Don’t worry - you shouldn’t. Forget I mentioned it. Do you enjoy a good joust?

(Evelyne laughs)

I used to joust, back in the day.

EVELYNE

Must’ve been before you met me.

DANTE

Oh, several lifetimes before I could’ve possibly met you. I think I lived seven lives since before I came to live here in the Victorian era.

EVELYNE

And by “live” you mean...?

DANTE

I can meet myself if I wanted to. But I don’t want to.

EVELYNE

What? Why not? That’s fascinating!

DANTE

(uneasy)

This was not a good lifetime for me. At the moment I think I’m a homeless drunkard who hates himself and the world he lives in. And if memory serves correctly, I think I’m gonna die in a few months anyway. You would’ve hated me.

EVELYNE

(defensive)

No. How would you know that? Did we meet?

DANTE

I don’t remember. We might’ve at least seen one another before. I didn’t live far from...this tree.

(EVELYNE gazes about the park)

You’re not gonna find me now. I’m not here.

EVELYNE

Can’t help but look. I’m curious.

DANTE

I’d rather you didn’t meet him. 

EVELYNE

Why not -

DANTE

Drunk men don’t do well with pretty women.

EVELYNE

Oh. But you wouldn’t...

DANTE

There’s no telling what I would or wouldn’t. I’d rather you didn’t find out. Please don’t go looking for him. Please.

EVELYNE

...I wont.

DANTE

Thank you.

(Beat)

If you ever find yourself in trouble, you know I’ll be more than happy to help, right?

EVELYNE

Of course. You’ve proven yourself twice now.

DANTE

Right. Well, I wont always happen to be around. If you ever need me again, say my name three times.

EVELYNE

Dante Dante -

DANTE

Yes, exactly like that. I will hear you from wherever I am and will appear. Forgive me for interrupting you, but it feels unbearably weird to be summoned. Call it summoning sickness, if you will.

EVELYNE

Now that’s unbearably tempting.

(CEDRIC and MARION reenter)

DANTE

Hello again, Mr. Burr. And Mr. Beddau.

(Their presence makes EVELYNE uneasy)

MARION

Coachman. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with the carriage?

DANTE

I was having a lovely conversation with the mute Mr. Fergus Fleming. He’s a wonderful listener. Do you wish to go back to the manor?

MARION

In one piece, if you don’t mind?

DANTE

I wouldn’t have it any other way. Oh, and Mr. Fleming, I left you a little gift in your duffle bag. It’s yellow.

(Curious, EVELYNE checks her bag while CEDRIC, MARION and DANTE exit. EVELYNE withdraws a jar of yellow paint.)

EVELYNE

(laughing)

It is yellow.

(She takes her things and exits. MEGHAN enters with a picnic basket, setting up a spot to picnic)

MEGHAN

(narrating)

That day, when Evelyne returned home, she and I had a conversation that would’ve made Dante melt. She wouldn’t admit it, but I could tell how much she cared for him. She found him fascinating - intriguing. It wouldn’t be long before it turned into love. Although, she tried very hard not to let it happen, and who could blame her? Evelyne wanted to marry, but how could she marry him? Who, besides me, would approve of her affair with a lowly coachman?

Dante made sure to converse with her as often as possible, and they saw more and more of each other with every passing day. He left quite the impression. I witnessed her change firsthand, from a sweet but superficial lady of her time to a more pensive and caring woman. She began to see people for who they were and not as society had taught her to see them. Eventually Evelyne was forced to let go and live in the moment, and that was when I found her in her happiest of states, in love. 

(The BURRS and CEDRIC enter. While the rest of them take their time enjoying the park, EVELYNE crosses straight to MEGHAN.)

EVELYNE

Meghan, does he love me?

MEGHAN

My, who can you possibly be talking about.

EVELYNE

Meghan, please! Does he love me? You would know if Dante loves me, wouldn’t you?

MEGHAN

I would. It’s just not my place to tell. Why don’t you ask him?

EVELYNE

Because what if he doesn’t? He flatters me constantly, but is it only me or is he that way with everyone? Or what if he has ulterior motives like...

(she peers over at CEDRIC)

MEGHAN

How can you think such things! Have you ever seen the way he looks at you? One would think you had him under enchantments.

EVELYNE

So he does love me?

CEDRIC

Excuse me. Evelyne, may I have a word with you?

(EVELYNE nods. She and CEDRIC relocate)

You came to me a couple weeks ago. The night of the party.

EVELYNE

...In a dream, you mean?

CEDRIC

No, you were there. You were scared out of your wits. Told me the coachman kidnaped you, and then he arrived. What happened after that?

EVELYNE

I was very sick on the night of the party. The coachman transported me back to the manor, and there I slept the entire night away. Any talk of ghosts or kidnappings could not have occurred - 

CEDRIC

I never said anything about ghosts.

EVELYNE

Nevertheless, I -

(She pauses, realizing her mistake)

CEDRIC

Evelyne?

EVELYNE

I can’t remember things too well. I was sick - possibly delusional. 

CEDRIC

He did this to you.

EVELYNE

What are you talking about?

CEDRIC

The coachman. You said it yourself he kidnapped you. What happened when he found you again?

EVELYNE

Nothing. Nothing at all happened.

CEDRIC

You seem awfully defensive over this nothing that happened.

EVELYNE

Did my grandfather put you up to this? You really shouldn’t play into his delusions.

CEDRIC

I’m beginning to believe him. The more vehemently you defend this coachman -

(EVELYNE storms off and sits with her family on the picnic blanket. MARION and CEDRIC exchange glances.)

MARION

I’ll just take a walk with my future grandson. Excuse me.

(He and CEDRIC exit together.)

ENYA

Evelyne, do you remember when we came here last? As a family? It was you, your eldest brother Ross, your Grandmother Emily, your father and I. We brought our own blanket and sat in this exact spot.

(EVELYNE sighs)

What’s wrong? He hasn’t proposed yet?

PATRICK

Enya darling, we discussed this over breakfast already. He proposed.

ENYA

I know, I know, but she fainted.

PATRICK

So now he needs to propose again?

ENYA

I thought - is that not how it works?

EVELYNE

I don’t want to marry him.

ENYA

You’re still sick. You need more time to pull yourself together.

EVELYNE

No, I’m fine, I only think there might be someone better out there for me.

ENYA

Let’s not set our standards too high. We can’t expect a prince to waltz into our lives.

EVELYNE

I don’t mean that, I mean...someone I love.

PATRICK

Evelyne, you are in your twenties. You cannot remain unmarried forever.

EVELYNE

I know.

PATRICK

So you have until the end of this year. If you cannot find anyone else, you will marry Cedric.

(EVELYNE doesn’t say anything, but looks like she’s about to cry. ENYA stands, taking EVELYNE by the hand. They relocate.)

ENYA

Everything will be alright, darling. You may be my English girl, but you’ve the luck of the Irish Burrs. You’ll find someone before the year is over. Someone you love. Fate has a way of working out such things. You will find someone just as charming...young...rich...kind...

(EVELYNE shakes her head)

Look at me, Evelyne. Even if you do marry Cedric, you may grow to love him more than anything in the world. You’ll see. ...Or is there somebody else?

EVELYNE

Mother, please.

ENYA

If there is, I’d like to know.

(DANTE enters with a parasol)

EVELYNE

Excuse me.

(She crosses to DANTE)

ENYA

(realizing)

...Oh. Oh dear.

(She sits back on the picnic blanket)

PATRICK

What is it?

(ENYA shakes her head. They converse quietly)

EVELYNE

(to DANTE)

What are you doing here? Why are you never with your coach?

DANTE

(concerned)

Someone forgot their parasol, and the coach can take care of itself. What’s wrong?

EVELYNE

(receiving the parasol)

Nothing. Everything is as it should be.

DANTE

That doesn’t mean you’re not upset.

EVELYNE

Please, it doesn’t matter, it’s silly. Everything is going along exactly as I expected it would, so I should’ve known better than to...to...

DANTE

To...?

EVELYNE

To hope I could marry someone I love.

DANTE

Your parents married for love.

EVELYNE

Yes, but that doesn’t mean they’ll let me marry you.

(She freezes, realizing what she said.)

DANTE

(stunned)

Did you... You just said you... 

EVELYNE

(to herself)

What must I continue to slip up my words!

DANTE

What do you... Do you...?

EVELYNE

I didn’t say anything.

(She turns to go back to the picnic blanket)

DANTE

Wait, Evelyne, please. Wait.

(EVELYNE faces him)

...You want to marry me?

(Silence)

Do you love me?

(Silence)

Please say something, the suspense is killing me.

EVELYNE

That’s a funny joke.

DANTE

(dejected)

Oh. Well. Never mind, then. Continue.

EVELYNE

I meant the suspense killing you. You can’t die. Funny joke.

DANTE

Oh. So...can you answer at least one of my questions?

EVELYNE

What difference would it make?

DANTE

All the difference in the world.

EVELYNE

Why? You love me?

DANTE

Of course I do. I thought I made that obvious.

EVELYNE

(pleasant surprise)

You do? You really do?

DANTE

(giddy)

Yeah. Open your parasol?

EVELYNE

(opening the parasol)

Sorry, is it too bright?

(DANTE positions the parasol over EVELYNE’s shoulder so her family can’t see their faces)

DANTE

No.

(He kisses EVELYNE’s cheek.)

EVELYNE

Oh...Oh my good God in Heaven...

DANTE

Please don’t faint.

EVELYNE

(laughs)

Again?

DANTE

Kiss you? I don’t see why not. But later. If you faint now, I don’t know how I’ll explain it. Besides, you need to be conscious for your visit to the Robinsons’. 

EVELYNE

(unenthused)

Oh. I forgot about that.

DANTE

You seem displeased.

EVELYNE

I used to enjoy seeing them, but now the more they talk the less I want to listen. Have you heard some of the things they’ve said? And the way they treat their servants - it sickens me.

DANTE

My, have you changed.

EVELYNE

I don’t want to go.

DANTE

(after a moment’s thought)

Alright. Would you rather spend the evening with me?

EVELYNE

Of course!

(giddy)

You love me.

DANTE

(laughs)

Very true.

(back to business)

You can say you’re sick again. I’ll take you home.

EVELYNE

I can’t, my father will call a doctor if I’m sick again.

DANTE

We can’t have that, can we. Hm... I have another plan. I’m not sure if you’ll like it.

EVELYNE

So long as it doesn’t involve the Ghost Realm -

DANTE

It doesn’t. It would involve you waiting here alone for a few minutes while I take your family to the Robinsons’.

EVELYNE

I think they’ll realize I’m not in the coach with them.

DANTE

Of course they will, but will I?

EVELYNE

What do you mean?

DANTE

I’m going to help you into the coach first, then the rest of your family. You will tell them you left your parasol behind and go out to get it. By then, I will already be up on my seat and ready to go. Once you retrieve your parasol, I would have already left.

EVELYNE

Are you sure? I mean, it’ll work, but... Dante, my father would beat you.

DANTE

If he beats me, who will bring his daughter back?

EVELYNE

Maybe not right away, but after the Robnisons’ party.

DANTE

Not if he’s too drunk to remember. You know how these parties get. Don’t worry about me.

EVELYNE

I don’t know about this...

DANTE

I’ll let you mull it over. If you decide to do it, leave your parasol next to the picnic blanket. I’ll see it and know.

(crossing to PATRICK and ENYA)

Evelyne has just reminded me of you previous engagement.

PATRICK

Previous engagement?

ENYA

Oh, that’s right, the Robinsons’ party! Patrick, we need to be there soon!

PATRICK

Oh! Why, I’ve forgotten all about it. What time is it?

DANTE

If we leave now, we’ll be there in perfect time.

PATRICK

Well then, let’s get to it! Meghan, pack up the picnic. Mr. Dante, would you find and inform my father and Cedric?

DANTE

Of course.

ENYA

No need, I can see them from here.

(MARION and CEDRIC enter. EVELYNE crosses to MEGHAN and places the parasol on the ground. DANTE exits.)

PATRICK

Ah, there you two are. Come, it’s time to leave.

(as ALL exit)

Cedric, are you up for a party at the Robinsons’?

(Beat. EVELYNE comes back on stage, crossing to the parasol)

EVELYNE

Evelyne, you’re a fool! I can’t believe I actually forgot it. Dante’s probably left by now. Damn! Father is going to beat him, and... Damn it! ...What do I do for the next several minutes. Worry? Twiddle my thumbs and hope Dante comes back in one piece. What have I done... Maybe I can run after them. No, they’re long gone by now. What to do. ...He said he loved me. Dante loves me.

(Time passes. It’s night now. Enter DRUNK MEN and WILLIE. They begin to gradually encircle EVELYNE)

DRUNK MAN 1

Hey, pretty lady.

EVELYNE

(realizing he’s there)

Oh, hello.

(EVELYNE realizes she’s in a dangerous situation and walks away. DRUNK MEN and WILLIE follow. EVELYNE runs, DRUNK MEN and WILLIE chase her, laughing and wolf whistling. EVELYNE screams when DRUNK MAN 1 grabs her arm. She hits him with the parasol and he lets go. DRUNK MAN 2 wrests the parasol from her hand and WILLIE holds her arms back)

EVELYNE

Get off me! Let me go!

(WILLIE covers her mouth)

DRUNK MAN 1

No need for the yelling. We only want to see how you look under all those clothes. Who’s gonna hear you, anyway?

(laughing)

Even without Willie’s hand over your mouth? Call out to someone! Willie, let her scream - let’s see what happens! ...I said let her scream, Willie!

(WILLIE uncovers EVELYNE’s mouth. DRUNK MAN 1 kisses her)

EVELYNE

(breaking away from the kiss)

Dante Dante Dante!

(DANTE magically appears. He and the DRUNK MEN fight. DANTE knocks them with his cane and puts them to sleep one by one. WILLIE is the last of them, and DANTE’s surprised to see him.)

DANTE

No.

WILLIE

(cowering)

I wasn’t doing nothing! I was just going home!

DANTE

(darkly)

Is that so.

WILLIE

Please, don’t hurt me!

DANTE

Give me one good reason not to.

WILLIE

Please, I’m sick!

DANTE

(outburst)

You’ve got that right! You should’ve thought about that earlier!

(He begins beating WILLIE)

You should’ve known better! You should’ve called it a night five drinks ago!

(He continues)

EVELYNE

Dante, stop! Don’t you know when to stop?!

(DANTE stops, panting, clearly agitated. He finally puts WILLIE to sleep with his cane.)

EVELYNE

...Are you -

DANTE

I’m sorry for all this.

EVELYNE

-crying?

DANTE

Let’s get you back to the manor.

(After a moment of staring at DANTE, EVELYNE takes her parasol back from the sleeping DRUNK MAN 2 and hugs DANTE. DANTE holds her back)

How are you feeling?

EVELYNE

I’m fine.

DANTE

You’re shaking.

EVELYNE

Of course I am, but I’m fine. No harm done. You saved me. Thank you, so much.

DANTE

I should never have left you alone, especially when it was getting dark.

EVELYNE

But it’s okay. Please, take me home?

(DANTE kisses her forehead. They magically disappear.)

ACT I

Scene 7

(The Burr Manor. DANTE and EVELYNE are sitting on the staircase, deep in thought, silent for a moment. The following scene is very emotional.)

DANTE

I’m so sorry, Evelyne.

EVELYNE

You’ve said that already.

DANTE

I know. I cannot stress it enough.

EVELYNE

But you didn’t do anything wrong. You couldn’t have known what would happen after you left.

DANTE

Actually... No, I should have at least considered the possibility.

(Beat)

I’ve seen those men before. I knew what their plans were. When they set their sights on you, I... I don’t think I’ve ever truly hated anyone until that moment.

EVELYNE

You wanted to kill them.

DANTE

Never. Death is easy. I wanted to cripple them to the point where the rest of their lives would be unbearable.

EVELYNE

I understand.

DANTE

You do seem oddly nonchalant about this.

EVELYNE

I would’ve felt the same way.

DANTE

...Would you.

EVELYNE

If someone had cruel intentions for someone I cared about... Of course.

(Beat)

I don’t understand why that last man received the worst of your wrath. I believe his name was Willie? He wasn’t the ring leader.

DANTE

He wasn’t?

EVELYNE

(after shaking her head)

It was the one standing in front of me.

DANTE

Oh. Well, that’s...good to know.

(Beat)

I don’t suppose you had anyone in particular in mind. Someone you care about.

EVELYNE

I thought you would be able to figure that out.

DANTE

I know you don’t want to marry Cedric, you may or may not want to marry me, and you liked it when I kissed you. I’m trying very hard not to get my hopes up.

EVELYNE

Me too.

DANTE

What do you mean?

EVELYNE

I’m trying not to get my hopes up. You were sent here with a specific purpose, you said? What is it? Once you’ve fulfilled it, will you disappear forever? And even if you don’t, what then?

DANTE

(mostly to himself)

Of course. You still don’t know why I’m here. I suppose it would help our situation, if you knew.

EVELYNE

What is it?

DANTE

...I was sent to...Heaven... too soon. The Ten Spirits saw that I had fulfilled my destiny in life, and sent me along without a second glance. There was just one problem. Souls move on in pairs.

EVELYNE

You mean, with their soul mates.

(She grows more entranced the more DANTE speaks)

DANTE

Exactly. Somehow I fell in love with her and she never fell in love with me, and because of that I moved on and she didn’t. Since I had moved on, though, she never had the chance to fall in love with me, and so now she’s stuck in the World of the Living, cursed to be reborn again and again, never to rest in peace. Finally, I got the attention of the Ten Spirits.

EVELYNE

How?

DANTE

I drove myself crazy. It took a while. I don’t know how long I was there, but instead of resting in peace, I was practically living in isolation. The Ten Spirits took pity on the both of us and so sent me here to find her.

EVELYNE

Did you?

DANTE

Did I...?

EVELYNE

Find her?

DANTE

Yes. Now all that’s left is she needs to find me.

EVELYNE

Is she close?

DANTE

Yes.

EVELYNE

How close?

DANTE

Just within reach.

(EVELYNE touches his face)

And you’ve found me.

(They kiss romantically)

EVELYNE

What do I do now.

DANTE

That’s up to you. It’s your life, you live it to its fullest. I only ask that I be a part of it.

EVELYNE

Of course.

DANTE

I’m not sure if you completely grasp my meaning.

(He fiddles with something in his pocket)

I’ve...had this in my pocket ever since you fainted at my house. I went to go get it, and by the time I came back you were gone, and for that I’m relieved. It would have been far too soon.

(He withdraws a ring)

...Never have I ever been in a happy marriage, for as long as I have lived. I never fell in love - not until I met you.

(ENYA slowly enters from upstairs stage right, witnessing Dante’s proposal)

I’m aware of our differences - in both social class and... otherwise. I’m sure we’ll come across some difficulties along the way, so if you refuse my hand I’ll be more than understanding. But if you accept, I can promise you wont be able to recall a moment more brilliant than one spent married with me.

(He kneels, presenting the ring)

I love you, Evelyne. Will you marry me?

EVELYNE

Dante... I love you...and...

ENYA

(in tears)

...Well, go on!

(DANTE and EVELYNE jump to their feet)

EVELYNE

Mother! What...what are you doing here?

ENYA

The Robinsons had to reschedule their party. While Mr. Dante was retrieving you, The Robinsons’ coachman transported the rest of us home.

(She takes a few steps downstairs)

...I understand love.

(to Dante)

And I understand why you wouldn’t ask for mine or Patrick’s blessing. You have it nonetheless. However, I hope you understand we cannot publicly support you. You may no longer live here. Your wedding and your home must be out of town, far enough so no one would know of your relation to us. The rumor here would be that Evelyne’s married a lord in Wales. Several years from now, when people have forgotten your appearance, you both may return if you wish. Mr. Dante must then change his identity. No one can know my daughter’s married to a coachman.

DANTE

I understand.

(ENYA and DANTE expectantly gaze at EVELYNE.)

EVELYNE

...Dante...I...

DANTE

(dejected)

...It’s okay. That would be far too much for me to ask.

EVELYNE

I want to do it.

DANTE

...What?

EVELYNE

I want to do it.

ENYA

There will still be a dowry. And Patrick and I will be there for the wedding. 

(MEGHAN enters)

Only the four of us shall know.

MEGHAN

And me.

ENYA

Well, I don’t suppose we have a choice now.

(to EVELYNE)

You are to depart tomorrow evening. That would give us time to graciously thank Cedric for his offer and arrange his journey back to Dublin. That would also give you time to pack.

(to MEGHAN)

And you to help her.

MEGHAN

Yes, ma’am. 

ENYA

Good. And Mr. Dante, what is your name?

DANTE

Dante.

ENYA

I mean, your first name.

DANTE

Dante. You’ve been calling me by my first name all along.

ENYA

(laughs)

My goodness, is that so? Well then, what is your last name?

DANTE

I don’t have one.

ENYA

No? How unusual. What will my daughter’s new surname be... I’ll let you two figure it out. For now, let us be off to bed. Goodnight, everybody.

(she exits upstairs, stage right)

EVELYNE

This is really happening, isn’t it. That was fast.

DANTE

How are you feeling?

EVELYNE

Once my head stops spinning...

MEGHAN

This is it, then. We’ve done it. You’re getting married.

(DANTE slips the ring onto EVELYNE’s finger)

DANTE

And the ring fits.

EVELYNE

This is really happening. I had a dream once, where this happened. Now it’s actually happening.

DANTE

That it is. Fantastic, isn’t it?

EVELYNE

Fantastic.

DANTE

My beautiful parrot. You should get some rest. You have a big day ahead of you.

(EVELYNE kisses DANTE before going upstairs. She stops when she reaches MEGHAN)

EVELYNE

Meghan...

MEGHAN

You’re welcome.

EVELYNE

I’ll miss you.

(They hug)

MEGHAN

I’ll still be here when you come back. 

(She pulls back from the hug)

This isn’t goodbye.

(She crosses to DANTE)

DANTE

Thank you so much, Meghan. We couldn’t have done it without you.

MEGHAN

You’ve got that right, mister Dante.

(DANTE magically disappears)

EVELYNE

What’s happened?

MEGHAN

(confused)

Dante, Dante, Dante.

(DANTE reappears, stumbling)

EVELYNE

Where did you go?

DANTE

Marion - summoned me.

EVELYNE and MEGHAN

What?

EVELYNE

But how?

MEGHAN

Can’t you resist him?

DANTE

(about to be sick)

Not for long - not if he keeps repeating my name like this.

EVELYNE

What does this mean? What’s happening?

MEGHAN

It means Marion’s suspicions are confirmed. He knows Dante’s secret, and will stop at nothing to be rid of him.

DANTE

Cedric’s in on it - he was there.

EVELYNE

Cedric?

DANTE

They were armed - ready for murder.

EVELYNE

But you can’t kill a ghost. Ghosts can’t die. Why do you both look worried?

MEGHAN

What do we do?

DANTE

(he staggers)

Find them. Stop them.

MEGHAN

Where’s your cane?

DANTE

Cedric has it. He witnessed firsthand what it can do.

EVELYNE

Where are they?

DANTE 

My room. The attic.

MEGHAN

(to EVELYNE)

I’ll go. You stay here and summon him if he disappears.

EVELYNE

Alright.

(MEGHAN enters the attic)

I don’t understand. Things were perfect just a minute ago. What’s happening?

DANTE

Something - bad...

EVELYNE

Here, sit down - you look like you’re going to collapse again. 

(as she’s helping him to the couch in the living room)

Please don’t collapse again - if you’re unconscious for as long as you were last time, I’ll worry and I wouldn’t know what to do.

DANTE

I’ll try not to collapse.

EVELYNE

Please tell me why we’re worrying. 

DANTE

When they finally summon me, I’ll be in no condition to defend myself.

EVELYNE

And?

DANTE

...We’ll find out what happens to a slain ghost.

EVELYNE

But you said ghosts can’t die!

DANTE

Yeah. I still don’t want to be slain, though.

EVELYNE

There’s more to it. There’s something you’re not telling me. What’ll happen after they kill you?

DANTE

I... I’m pretty sure I’ll be fine, in the end. I’ll just reappear in the Ghost Realm.

EVELYNE

...You don’t really think that, do you.

DANTE

Of course I do.

EVELYNE

Stop. Please, stop trying to protect me.

DANTE

I... I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Evelyne...

EVELYNE

You’ll disappear. Forever.

DANTE

I don’t know.

EVELYNE

This can’t be happening. This can’t be. Everything was fine a minute ago.

DANTE

It still is.

EVELYNE

How can you say that?

DANTE

Whether I’m here or gone, everything will be fine.

EVELYNE

I don’t understand.

DANTE

Do you love me?

EVELYNE

Yes.

DANTE

There you go. Everything is fine.

EVELYNE

What difference would it make when you’re gone?

DANTE

All the difference in the world. Everything’s changed, Evelyne. The second you fell in love with me, history was rewritten. You’ve changed and become a more beautiful woman than I could’ve possibly asked for. Maybe that’s all I was needed here for.

EVELYNE

No! God, no. That can’t be all. Dante, we haven’t had enough time - I haven’t had you long enough. You can’t go, I can’t let you go. I wont let it happen. Stay with me. Please, please stay with me.

(CEDRIC and MARION enter from the attic. CEDRIC sprints to Evelyne’s room and peers inside as MARION repeatedly chants Dante’s name.)

CEDRIC

They’re not in here.

(CEDRIC and MARION go downstairs, CEDRIC sprinting ahead)

CEDRIC CONT’D

(pointing at DANTE)

Mr. Burr, in here!

DANTE

Good job. You’ve spotted a soul who’s been summoned to the point where he can’t walk. A difficult find, I must say. Here I thought no one would ever find me. Pity.

MARION

(entering the living room)

Demon. Here we are, at long last.

DANTE

Plan to kill me while I’m down? How brave. You sound like a villain from a children’s cartoon.

CEDRIC

What does he mean?

MARION

He’s trying to distract you - don’t listen. We will continue exactly as planned.

(He presents a knife)

EVELYNE

No! I can’t let you do this! 

CEDRIC

Evelyne, please step away.

EVELYNE

I will not move from this spot!

CEDRIC

Please, Evelyne! I’m sorry, I didn’t believe you at first, but he is what you said he is! A ghost! He kidnapped you, you have to remember!

MARION

It’s useless, Cedric, she’s under his enchantments.

DANTE

My, how hate has blinded you, Mr. Burr. I don’t think I’ll ever understand why you hate me so.

MARION

Don’t play stupid with me!

DANTE

Not too long after I moved in those sixteen years ago, you hated me for reasons I couldn’t fathom. Your wife Emily, however, loved me. One day I asked her, “Why does your husband hate me so?” She answered, “It’s silly. He thinks he saw you appear out of thin air. He think’s you’re a demon and that you set our house on fire.” She offered me a drink, just as she did every other day we conversed. I accepted. She poured us both a glass. She drank, which is something she didn’t usually do. I didn’t, and that was also unusual. She died of arsenic poisoning not too long after. 

MARION

You admit it!

DANTE

No! It was you who poisoned the glass! Neither of us could have possibly known she would drink, but you could have at least admitted your hand in her death! But you wont even admit it to yourself.

MARION

You knew it was poisoned! And you didn’t stop her!

DANTE

I would’ve stopped her if I had known. While I am sorry for your loss, I have no sympathy for a man who can’t take responsibility for his actions! 

EVELYNE

Oh my God! Grandfather... I can’t believe... It was you. After all this time, it was you!

MARION

Don’t listen to him! He’s lying! Let us not forget - Dante Dante Dante -

(DANTE winces and gasps)

-that you’re still a demon. You don’t belong here. Cedric, remove Evelyne! We can’t have her jumping in the way.

CEDRIC

(stunned)

I... Mr. Burr...?

MARION

Now!

(MARION chants DANTE’s name. DANTE’s writhes in pain)

EVELYNE

Stop! Stop it, please!

CEDRIC

(taking EVELYNE’s wrist)

Let’s go.

EVELYNE

Don’t touch me!

(EVELYNE tries to free herself from CEDRIC. CEDRIC drops Dante’s cane and grabs her for more leverage and forces her out of the room)

Let me go!

(DANTE cries out. MARION, still chanting, goes to put the knife to DANTE’s throat. DANTE struggles to push it away.)

CEDRIC

I’m so sorry, Evelyne. Once he’s gone, you’ll remember everything. He will never harm you again, I promise. I’ll take care of you.

EVELYNE

If you’re taking care of me, who’s taking care of your family in Dublin?

CEDRIC

I - What? How did -

(EVELYNE breaks free, darting for Dante’s cane. She snatches it up as CEDRIC grabs her wrist)

EVELYNE

Get off!

(She hits CEDRIC in the head with the tip of the cane. He collapses.)

PATRICK

(as he enters upstairs, stage right)

What in the world is going on here?!

(ENYA enters behind him, just in time to witness MARION pull the knife away and slit DANTE’s throat.)

EVELYNE

(screams)

No!

PATRICK

Oh my God! Father, what have you done?!

(Meghan enters from the attic, rubbing her forehead)

MEGHAN

What is it? What’s happened?

MARION

I’ve done what was necessary. 

PATRICK

(To MARION)

Leave. Now.

MARION

Patrick, see reason -

PATRICK

(crossing to MARION)

Reason! You’re telling me to see reason?! Go! Leave us! I don’t care where you go, just get out! Now!

(MARION grudgingly crosses to the front door.)

MARION

Fine. I’ll go. You’ll thank me later.

(EXIT)

MEGHAN

No...It can’t be...

(EVELYNE drops the cane and sits beside DANTE)

EVELYNE

Dante... Dante, please...please...Dante... No...no, no, God, no...

PATRICK

My God...

ENYA

He’s... He’s killed him.

EVELYNE

Dante...

END ACT I