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Yes, Madam. It's Lord Koon's weekly dinner party.
Belamy turns to leave, hesitates, then looks back at her with a sincere look.
BELAMY
(soft)
The wine is a very bad year. Very bitter.
Reggie stares at Belamy with a look of bewilderment. He returns the look then sheepishly leaves the room. Reggie sinks into thought.
INT. DINING ROOM
We see the elegant dining room adorned with fine china, silverware, crystal glasses, candles, and large floral arrangements. Several very well dressed men and women enter the dining room. All appear distracted and not a word is spoken. Reggie is shown to the dining room by Belamy. He pulls out her chair for her and indicates for her to sit.
BELAMY
(to others)
Please, be seated. Lord Koon will be along momentarily.
The others take their seats. Reggie appears to be the only one curious enough to look at the others. No one speaks, and they keep to themselves. Reggie appears bewildered but remains silent. There are seven guests, including Reggie. Only two are women. Belamy enters the dining room and appears proper.
BELAMY
Lord and Lady Koon.
Reggie looks to the doorway and appears to be the only one to look. Koon enters with a beautiful, young woman attached to his arm. She's completely dolled up in her evening gown with perfectly placed hair and make-up. She appears to snub everyone while taking her seat at the end of the table. Her name is Chrissy. Koon takes his place at the head of the table and smiles proudly. He lifts his wine glass.
KOON
Good evening, everyone. It's an honor to have you here at this special dinner party.
I hope you will enjoy the feast.
(pause)
I'd like to propose a toast--
Everyone takes their wine glasses and stands. Reggie stares at her wine glass, uncertainly takes it, and stands as well. The dining room doors suddenly open to reveal a handsome, well-built man in his mid-thirties. He's dressed less formal then the others. Koon eyes the man and lowers his glass with a frown.
KOON
Do you ever call first? I'm in the middle of dinner, Raven.
RAVEN
Far be it for me to interrupt one of your distasteful parties, but I want to talk to
you--now.
KOON
It can wait. Either join us or come back another time.
Raven sneers and moves to the vacant chair between Reggie and Chrissy. Chrissy snubs him as well. Koon eyes Raven and makes a face. Raven remains seated while the others stand. Koon is obviously unhappy. He puts on a false smile.
KOON
To old friends, new friends, and those we haven't met yet.
Raven snorts a soft laugh. Koon glares at Raven. Everyone drinks their wine. Reggie moves it to her lips but doesn't drink. Everyone sits. Raven looks past Reggie to Koon.
RAVEN
Just because you're my brother, that doesn't mean you have free roam over my
estate.
KOON
(casual)
I could say the same to you.
Reggie looks to Raven with some surprise. She's still the only one paying any attention. Raven eyes Reggie a moment then looks back to Koon.
RAVEN
There's an entire colony of your little pets living in my territory. They didn't get
there on their own.
KOON
Just a minor mistake. I'll correct it in the morning. You're spoiling the evening
here, Raven.
Raven glares at Koon then eyes Reggie, who again makes contact. Raven stares at Reggie a moment then looks back to Koon.
