Andrew Lloyd Webber — Back to Limmeridge

Scene: "Mr. Fairlie Reveals Anne's Identity" (Mr. Fairlie’s study. Glyde is there; in front of Mr Fairlie is a document) [GLYDE] Here Use this pen Sign here and here And we'll be done (Mr. Fairlie takes the pen and signs) [MR. FAIRLIE] There is just the small question of my future [GLYDE] Yes? [MR. FAIRLIE] Limmeridge House has been my home for many years You have no plans to sell, sir? [GLYDE] No immediate plans [MR. FAIRLIE] Then my future here is assured? I am old, sir And infirm [GLYDE] I am well aware of that [MR. FAIRLIE] So you have no plans? [GLYDE] I leave straight from here for a long sojourn on the continent. My seat on the train is booked. Sir, your signature [Mr. Fairlie signs] [MR. FAIRLIE] Her estate is your Spend it wisely, Glyde [GLYDE] Thank you kindly, sir [MR. FAIRLIE] Tragic that she died... Stay and have one drink In memory of my niece [GLYDE] I have to catch my train [MR. FAIRLIE] May she rest in peace [GLYDE] But sir, I can't miss the train (Glyde picks up the documents, smiles, then leaves. Fairlie is left alone a moment. He looks at the portrait of his brother) [MR. FAIRLIE] Don't haunt me in this way, brother! I have done your dirty work For far too long For years, I've kept your secrets I brought up your children They weren't mine! This has brought me ill health, unhappiness That's your legacy! I wanted no part of this! [SERVANT] (off stage) You can't go in there! (There is the sound of a kerfuffle outside, and suddenly Hartright and Marian enter, with a servant) [HARTRIGHT] We have some pressing questions! [MR. FAIRLIE] Explain this rude intrusion! [HARTRIGHT] You must tell us, who's Anne Catherick? [MARIAN] Uncle, you have got to help us! [MR. FAIRLIE] I don't know what you speak of! [HARTRIGHT] There's no more time for secrets [MARIAN] Long ago, her mother worked here [HARTRIGHT] We won't leave without an answer! [MR. FAIRLIE] What presumption! Know your place, sir! [HARTRIGHT] All along you've known the truth- [MARIAN] Good God! Anne Catherick's dead, sir! She lies in Laura's grave! [MR. FAIRLIE] What nonsense are you speaking? It is Laura who is dead, God rest her soul. My niece is dead... (Suddenly there is the sound of Laura playing the piano. Mr. Fairlie listens) [MARIAN] Come (Marian wheels him round and Laura is revealed to him) [MARIAN] Believe your eyes, Uncle [MR. FAIRLIE] Laura! [LAURA] I was placed in the asylum. Anne want to my grave—if you ever loved me, Uncle, tell me who she was! [MR. FAIRLIE] Your father loved the ladies Anne's mother was a pretty one And you can guess the rest Though you and Anne were born a year apart You could easily have passed for twins Save you were wanted And she was not [LAURA] She was my sister? [MR. FAIRLIE] Yes [LAURA] And Glyde killed her [MR. FAIRLIE] What? [HARTRIGHT] He won't get away with this [MR. FAIRLIE] I'm afraid he already has. He's on his way to the continent. Your estate has already passed to him. He left just before you arrived [LAURA] What is the secret my sister spoke of? Uncle, do you know? [MR. FAIRLIE] I assure you, I know nothing more I'm sorry [LAURA] Then it is over. Glyde has won [HARTRIGHT] We can catch him We can head him off He'll need to take the London train [MARIAN] I'll go with you! Laura, you rest here [LAURA] No, I'll never rest again We can stop him I have a plan! Anne shall haunt him One last time! (They exit in haste. Mr. Fairlie is left alone)