by David Heyman
~ Curtain ~
Act 3, Scene 1
Dina and Gretchen are sipping wine in the living room. They are dressed in slacks and light sweaters.
Gretchen: “It's nice to be able to talk with my sister with no men around. I'm glad you stayed while Fred went home to take care of his own practice.”
Dina: “Yes. But I miss Fred when he's away. Don't you miss Duke when he's away?”
Gretchen: “No. Not really. When he's on a trip, I can breathe easily. But he's never been away for more than a day or two, so maybe I don't know the answer.”
Dina: “You may change your mind completely, now that you have something going on.''
Gretchen: “I can't say I have something going on. I feel like what happened, was to another me, but not the real me. Maybe, it will never happen again.”
Dina: “My dear sister, you can't even tell that you have already changed. I see it in the way you speak to your kids and the way you move around the kitchen. You are quieter and softer.”
Gretchen: “When did you get your degree in psychoanalysis?”
Dina: “I don't have to be a psychoanalyst to understand you. You are just the same as when we were growing up. I can remember when you denied having your first ‘crush.’ Even then, you acted as though you were hiding something. And since then, I'll have you know, I've read Erica Jong, and John Updyke, and even Ann Landers. But most of all: I worked for your husband for ten years.”
Gretchen: Soberly. “Did you have an affair with him?”
Dina: Insulted. “Why would you ask that kind of question? You know I have to say, no. But I will admit there were times we came close.”
Gretchen: “How close?”
Dina: “You're terrible! I've never known you to want to hurt yourself. What's the point?”
Gretchen: “I think you are admitting to a little fooling around, to keep me from learning the truth. I would feel better, if I knew, but it's obvious you don't want to answer.”
Dina: “I'm here as your guest and your friend. Why should we care about ancient history? And I'm trying to give you all the support I can without ruining your life.”
Gretchen: “I think you are far ahead of me. I may never talk to him again.”
Dina: “Then, you’re not being honest with yourself.”
Gretchen: “If you had an affair with my husband, maybe then I'd have an excuse.”
Dina: “Gretchen! Stop! You don't seem to have any consideration about the way I might feel. Besides, whoever told you that you needed an excuse?”
Billy arrives and knocks on the door to the garden.
Billy: “Knock, knock!”
Gretchen walks toward the door; Billy opens it before she gets there. She's surprised. He’s carrying two boxes of blackberries.
Billy: “I picked these blackberries for you; I had to get them before the birds finished them off.”
Gretchen: “Oh, thank you! They look luscious. Come in and have some wine with us. Dina and I were just talking about you - er - I mean - our neighbors. That is, I'm - er - trying to tell her how nice our life is here.”
Sounds of trucks on the access road every few minutes. Gretchen looks out the window trying to see them.
Billy: “Oh, don't worry about them. We’re having a meeting of the Grange at our place today.”
Gretchen: “Grange? Do you have time for a little wine with us?”
Billy: “So I can chat with you a few more minutes? Of course.” He enters and greets Dina.
Gretchen: “You should see the beautiful blackberries Billy brought us!”
Dina: “How nice!”
Billy seats himself. His handsome rugged frame seems out of place in the modern overstuffed chair he is in.
Gretchen: “We’re drinking an Australian Shariz. Is that all right with you?”
Billy: “I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I'd like to try it. I have beer ready for my guests next door.'
Gretchen: “I still don't quite understand what a “Grange” is, except that it seems to be a group of farmers.”
Billy: “That's exactly what it is. We call ourselves the “Philly-Northeast Grange” and it has been in operation since right after the Civil War. It helps farmers share labor and machinery. Philly-Northeast has been quiet for decades, but with the new problems, we are getting active again.”
Dina: “I've never heard of you.”
Gretchen: “Neither have I.”
Billy: “Well, you aren't farmers. And the Grange isn't out to make headlines.”
Gretchen: “Yes. You farmers are quiet. Most of the people in our country don't even know that you exist.”
Billy: “Until we run out of food; or someone wants to buy our land for a shopping mall, a housing development, or a golf course.”
Gretchen: “Speaking of that, have you made any decisions about joining my husband's corporation?”
Billy: “Your husband's?”
Gretchen: “You know what I mean. The Homesteaders Association. I'm sure you remember what he said about the advantages of everyone bargaining together. He thinks there’s strength in numbers.”
Billy: “That's what the grangers think, too. Listen. I've got to go. A few trucks there already.”
Gretchen: “Are you going to join the Homesteaders?”
Billy: “That's what we all want to know, isn't it? I don't know why we have to rush into a negotiating position. If incorporating is the thing to do, it will become obvious in due time.”
Dina: “Here’s a farmer who speaks like a lawyer.”
Billy: Stands up, walks over to Dina. “Nice to see you again.” He shakes her hand.
Billy steps toward Gretchen, holds her hand, and bends to kiss her forehead.
Billy: “I'll be seeing you.”
Gretchen: Looks up at him and says in a throaty whisper, “Yes.”
The women are seated again.
Dina: “Considering the way you talk to him and your body language, it's not hard to notice what's going on.”
Gretchen: “Oh, leave me alone! (Crying) I don't even know why I invited you here! You're not helping things at all!”
Dina: “Because if it weren't me, who would it be?”
Gretchen: Wiping away tears, “I'm sorry. I'm acting like a schoolgirl.”
There is the sound of someone entering from the garage. Duke appears walking with a jaunty gait and carrying a bottle.
Duke: “We’re going to celebrate! The EPA and all the political people voted in my favor!”
Dina: “What are we celebrating, Duke?”
Duke: “The water treatment plant. It's going to be built on my two properties! The houses I was going to fix up. I don't have to do that now. Not that it's a big surprise, but I wasn't sure until today!”
Gretchen: Wiping her eyes, “Congratulations, dear.”
Duke: “Why so sad?” Doesn't wait for a reply. “I'll get some glasses and we’ll celebrate. Maybe we can go into town for dinner.
“Where's Fred. Why isn't he back yet?”
Dina: “He’ll be here in time for dinner. Have your drink. We’ll finish this wine.”
Duke: “Let me make one phone call first.” He sits and dials his cell phone.
“Silverstein! We did it! The water treatment facility is going to be built on our property, right near the river! And the EPA approved the plan! Didn't I tell you? We did it!
“Now, we push for a percentage of the profits.” (Silence.) “No. No. If we sell the properties, capital gains taxes will kill us! We want an income stream. That's all I'm looking for.” He grins broadly at Dina and Gretchen. He doesn't seem to notice that Gretchen's eyes are still moist.
