Monologue

THE SOCIALITE

SCENE

A woman in her late thirties is sitting drinking coffee at a table in the Palm Court of the Ritz hotel.

(SHE LOOKS UP)

I love the Palm Court (she turns her head and surveys its surroundings) very Poirot.

The finest place in London to enjoy coffee and a Danish and embrace its ambience

with a friend or two.

As you can see I have popped in on my own this morning. Nothing planned today

so am whittling away an hour or so to sit and ponder. Actually, you know I heard Harrods have their New Year sale; perhaps I’ll pop over there later.

(SHE SIPS HER COFFEE)

Many would envy me. Money and time on my hands, dinner and drinks’ parties amongst the elite but it can become repetitious. Mind you, next month I’ve got three days in Paris; an invitation from a long standing male friend who calls me over every so often. “Catch up” is what we call it. It’ll be a change and I love Paris; so refined, so chic. Has a Ritz there too.

(SHE TAKES A SMALL COMPACT MIRROR FROM HER HANDBAG)

Just checking my make-up. You know, I always remember my mother’s words, “Anthea, always look your very best. It could do you a good turn one day”. Well, as it happens her advice served me well. I landed a job as a Flight Attendant and for ten glorious years saw the world. Hard going walking the aisles with meals, drinks and Duty Free but when I got onto long haul we stayed at the finest hotels; such an experience. It was during this time I met Robert whilst on a flight out to Japan. He was on a business trip and happened to be staying at the same hotel as the crew. We bumped into each other at the bar. He was out there brokering a multi million pound contract. Well, I’ll cut to the chase. We met up back in London. He lavished me relentlessly with expensive gifts and was so insistent he wanted ME on his arm. What girl wouldn’t have been blown away? We married and of course I enjoyed the wifely trappings of his wealth, rich business associates of high standing, a luxury flat on London’s Embankment and high rise residence in Manhattan. As it happened the marriage only lasted a year and a half. I discovered he was playing away every time he went away so I divorced him.

                                                     -2-

(SHE CHECKED HER WATCH)

Umm Eleven thirty

As I was saying, I fought for a fair share of the settlement especially considering I half reluctantly gave up a career which had got into my blood. He needed me permanently on standby here in London for various city functions so I guess we worked as a team. Anyway, whilst everything was being finalized I took a month’s holiday in the Caribbean. You know how it is! Time to reflect on the future. Go back to work with the Airline and travel again or find somewhere else to settle. I was still only in my mid thirties; still young enough to move on and change course. I would be financially very comfortable; in fact the world was my oyster. It was during this vacation I met a couple of girls, around my age who were taking a break from a successful business venture. They had made enough to afford the high life and had good connections with rich pickings. I had learnt a great deal about life from my flying days but these girls were impressive, successful and self made.

Anyway when the holiday ended we kept in touch. The divorce settlement enabled me to buy a large luxury apartment in Canary Wharf. It was perfect for entertaining and I still love the view.

I have met some wonderful friends here in London mostly wealthy and high powered; some from abroad when in town.

Carole introduced me to a lovely man last week. Poor chap lost his wife a few years ago.

Apparently she had been his world and the lack of female company and comfort was destroying him. Of course I listened to his plight with a genuine sympathetic ear and saw the photos of his lavish beachside home in Mauritius. Indeed it was a temping prospect

but he wasn’t my type. Rather ‘stayed’ I’d say.

Not all is safe  on your own mind.  I was introduced by a friend of a friend to a well known public figure. After a delightful meal at the Savoy one evening I invited him back for coffee. You would imagine someone of such notoriety would be fine.  My God, he was a Jekyll and Hyde. Got rather nasty to say the least and started to get violent. Thankfully I managed to edge my way over to the alarm panic button. Help arrived whilst he still had me pinned to the wall. It was only a few bruises. I didn’t call the Police; on the contrary, I just wanted him out. Of course I kept my silence.

(SHE SHUDERS AN THEN PULLS A LIST FROM HER HANDBAG)

Shoes, wonder if they’ve got those lovely high stiletto Italian shoes in Harrods’s sale. …..

                                                           -3-

 

Always a must stilettos.  Give the leg line a lovely shape and the ultimate in feminine sensuality. …….. loved them. Think that’s how I ‘bagged’ him.  Best investment I ever made.

(SHE LAUGHS)    

Dior. Moisturizers and perfumes. My word doesn’t it make a dent in he bank account. Always bought that in Duty Free when with the Airline.  I’m running out so haven’t time to wait until going through on the Paris flight.

Lingerie. Always a good time after Christmas to stock up. I’ll hunt around. The finest stores always have a surplus of their exquisite ranges. One can never have too much.

(HER MOBILE RINGS IN HER HANDBAG)

Oh excuse me one moment.

(SHE FIDDLES TO THE BOTTOM OF HER HANDBAG)

Oh dash where is it?

(IT GOES ONTO ANSWERPHONE)

Hello Anthea, It’s High Profile Escorts.  Can I book you for Mr. Fitzgerald tonight.?

(SHE LOOKS UP UNCOMFORTABLY)

Oh must dash!

(AND SWIFTLY BECKONS THE WAITER FOR THE BILL)   

   

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