by Dara Harper
Dear Phoebe,
I finally learned to read and write! I started off with The Good Book and now I've worked my way up to Shakespeare.
I'm living in Boston and I've got a little tavern of my own. It's not as fancy as your father's, but it's keeping me busy.
I married a lovely woman who reminded me of you, Sarah. We had a daughter, Mary, she's eleven years old now. Last winter, my wife passed away from pneumonia. It broke my heart to bury her and it was even harder to send my daughter to live with my wife's sister.
I thought about you, all through the years. That day, at the seaport, I waited for you until midnight. By now, I'm sure you're married to some lucky fellow and surrounded by beautiful children.
Yours sincerely,
Guss Porter
PS. I don't know if Mr. Fraunces ever told you, but I asked for your hand before I left New York. You are the woman I've always wanted for a wife.
(Blackout.)
Scene 14
It's early in the morning at Guss' Tavern. GUSS is wiping down a table.
(PHOEBE enters.)
PHOEBE: Guss?
GUSS: My oh my!
PHOEBE: When I got your letter, I boarded the first coach to Boston.
GUSS: Did you ever get married?
PHOEBE
Guss, I came to be with you, if you will still have me.
GUSS: Now, Phoebe, this here tavern is all I got... And I live right upstairs, it's only three rooms and I ain't got much in the way of furniture... Are you sure this is good enough for you. I know it ain't nothin' like what you're used to...
PHOEBE: This will do just fine.
GUSS: Did you tell Mr. Fraunces?
PHOEBE: I left him a note...
GUSS: I know how much your family means to you... Phoebe, are you sure you want to marry me?
PHOEBE: We'll make our own family.
GUSS: Well, let's find us a church and a priest and make this thing official.
(PHOEBE and GUSS kiss.)
(Blackout.)
Scene 15
SAM stands alone reading a letter.
SAM:
September 15th, 1790
Dear Mrs. Phoebe Porter,
Although I do not completely approve of your union with Guss, I pray that you both have found happiness together. I am especially glad to hear that you are with child. Your mother and I plan to visit you in Boston next month.
Love,
Your father,
Samuel Fraunces
(Blackout.)
WORKS BY DARA HARPER
Novels:
Magic In Moon Time
Grits & Grace
Plays:
Passing
Shades Of War
If you’re interested in producing Shades Of War, please send an inquiry via email to: [email protected]
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