Setting: Sunday December 1st, 2002: Around noon: The Lobby of the Claremont Inn
Characters: Stacy Claremont (sncoles), Lynn McKenzie (AmandaLynn), Anne Ellen (DramaQueen430), Lee Copenhagen (Jaylily) and Elizabeth Glenwood (Noss)
Open into the beautifully decorated lobby of the Claremont Inn. 18th century fine oak furniture, large oriental rugs and soft classical music set the tone for Jasonville�s premier hotel establishment. In the sitting area are three women talking. Stacy Claremont, the establishment�s owner, is giving an interview to the Jasonville Herald�s society columnist, Lynn McKenzie about the upcoming festival. Also included in the interview is Guy County�s recent annual beauty pageant winner, Anne Ellen, Ms. Guy County for 2003, soon to begin her duties for the upcoming year.
Lynn: (Takes a small tape recorder from her purse, clicks it on and sets it on the side table. She then looks up smiling and addresses Ms. Claremont.) �First I would like to thank you Stacy for granting me a timely interview.�
Stacy: (Smiling graciously in return) �But of course Lynn. It�s always a pleasure to be in your company, interview or not.�
Lynn: (Nods and smiles) �You are too kind. [turns toward Anne] And I must say Ms. Ellen that it is a special treat to have Guy county�s very own beauty pageant winner here as well.�
Anne: �Oh the pleasure is certainly all mine Ms. McKenzie. I was quite glad to take a break from my rehearsals to be included.�
Lynn: (Sits forward in her chair, the interview having begun) �Speaking of rehearsals, am I correct in my understanding that you will be providing entertainment for the annual Hot Chocolate Festival Dinner here at the Claremont?�
Anne: �That is correct. As you know Ms. Claremont here always books entertainment for the after dinner dance. She approached me last week, telling me how much she enjoyed my singing performance for the talent segment at the pageant and asked if I would be interested in being this years spotlight entertainer, to which I most gladly agreed.�
Stacy: (Chiming in on perfect cue) �Yes, I was most impressed with her beautiful voice and knew she would be a perfect candidate for the evening�s entertainment.�
Lynn: �I quite agree, and I too remember that stellar performance at the pageant. I and the rest of Jasonville, I�m sure, will delight in your vocal talents once again. And speaking of which, how are the rehearsals going?�
Anne: (Sinks into her chair a bit in a mock act of exhaustion and blows a stray lock of hair from her face) �Well, it is going rather well, but there is one song I have been trying to get just perfect. So far it�s a bit of work, but it�s coming along.�
Lynn: (Raises a questioning eyebrow) �Do you mind if I ask which song it is?�
Stacy: (Interjecting as Anne begins to answer) �Oh now, we don�t want to spoil the surprise, do we Anne?�
Anne: (Smiles coyly, her eyes twinkling) �Yes, you�re right Stacy. It would be better as a surprise. But trust us Lynn, it�s going to be spectacular!�
Lynn: (Glances speculatively and muses a moment at the two ladies) �All right. I won�t try to drag it out of you then. [looks back to Stacy] So then Stacy, what can we expect on the menu this year for the dinner?�
Stacy: (Sits up eagerly to discuss the topic) �Oh! It�s going to be so wonderful this year! We will start with a fresh spinach Caesar salad, followed by the Claremont�s own special Vichyssoise. The main course will be Beef Wellington with a delicate plum sauce and freshly steamed vegetables and finally for dessert we will offer a choice of cr�me br�l�e on a light caramel sauce or fresh peach sorbet.
Lynn: �Oh my goodness! That sounds absolutely divine! Just the thought of it makes my mouth water.�
Stacy: �Oh wait until you taste the various courses, they are to die for!�
Anne: �I�m going to have to make a special trip to the sports center to burn off all those delectable calories!�
All three ladies pause a moment, contemplating the sumptuous menu until Lynn�s expression changes suddenly as if a disturbing thought had occurred to her.
Lynn: (Suddenly taking on a more somber demeanor) �Ladies, I loathe to bring it up, but my thoughts just settled on the current state of many of the townsfolk, what with the abduction of Elizabeth Springer and all. Let me ask you, do you think this may have a very strong negative impact on the festival and it�s activities?�
Having brought up the subject, the other two ladies take on a more serious tone as well.
Anne: (A crease forms on her normally flawless forehead) �Myself, I have been trying not to think too much about it. It�s simply dreadful! But I�m sure that Detective Wise will get to the bottom of it! She must!�
Stacy: (Also a bit somber now) �Yes, I try not to dwell on it. I simply have to believe that she is all right and everything will work out fine.�
After answering, Stacy�s attention is drawn to a woman who has just entered the lobby. She leans forward to get a better look, but the woman�s back is turned to the group as she moves toward the front desk. Stacy believes it is Georgina Doe.
Stacy: (Getting up from her chair) �Excuse me for a moment ladies, I believe Miss Doe has just dropped by for a visit. Let me go over and invite her over to join us.
Lynn: (Her mood brightening a bit) �Oh yes Stacy, please do. I would love to ask her a few questions as well.�
Stacy moves over to the woman. When she gets within 10 feet behind her she feels confident it is Georgina and calls out her name. The woman turns only to reveal that it actually is not her, but a woman who looks remarkably like her. Stacy is taken back a bit as the woman looks at her quizzically.
Stacy: (A bit at a loss for words) �Oh! I�m terribly sorry. I�..I thought you were someone else. Please forgive the intrusion.�
Lee: (In a confident yet kind tone) �That�s quite all right. No harm done. I hope you�re not disappointed that I�m not who you thought I was.�
Stacy: (Still a bit befuddled) �Oh no, not at all. It�s just that you bear a remarkable resemblance to her. [regains her composure as she changes the subject] Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Stacy Claremont, [offers her hand to Lee] proprietor of this establishment. Welcome to the Claremont.
Lee: (Smiles as she shakes Stacy�s hand in a somewhat unrefined, yet warm manner) �A pleasure to meet you. My name is Lee Copenhagen. I�ve heard so many wonderful things about this town, it�s many events and even your lovely Inn. So I decided to visit for a few weeks and hope to attend the upcoming festival.�
Stacy: �Really! That�s wonderful! Well I hope you find that your expectations are exceeded by your visit. And I hope you find that my humble Inn is everything you�ve heard as well.�
Lee: (Smiling) �Well so far it�s off to a wonderful start. [her brow knits suddenly as a thought occurs to her] Oh! But I hadn�t thought ahead. I�m afraid I don�t have a reservation, and I�m sure you must be booked solid, what with the upcoming festival and all!�
Stacy: (Smiling most graciously) �Well, you can be sure of that! [her features brighten as she notes Lee�s concern] But don�t you worry, we always keep a couple of rooms open for special guests. Consider yourself one of them. I certainly want your first visit to be a memorable one.�
Lee: (Beams with gratitude) �Really! Why thank you Miss Claremont! That is most kind of you!�
Stacy: �Don�t mention it, it�s my pleasure. Now let�s get you into your room.�
The two women approach the desk where all the arrangements are made. As Lee signs the appropriate papers Stacy takes note of the fact that even though this woman bears a striking physical resemblance to Georgina, the two of them couldn�t be more different personality wise. Georgina, having lived a life of privilege, seems the epitome of grace. Often a bit aloof or a tad eccentric, but kind and gracious. This woman, though a bit rough around the edges, seems warm, expressive and compassionate. Stacy feels intuitively however that this woman has seen her share of struggles. As Lee receives her key and turns from the desk, Stacy leads her in the direction of the elevator.
Stacy: (Stopping at the elevator, motioning a bellboy to get Lee�s bags) �Well Ms. Copenhagen, I do hope you enjoy your stay with us and I look forward to speaking with you further.�
Lee: (Turns to face Stacy) �Thank you again Miss Claremont. I too would enjoy talking with you again sometime. [looks over as the elevator door opens and the bellboy enters with her bags] Well, I�ll just go upstairs and freshen up and unpack. I can�t tell you how grateful I am and I�m sorry if I put you on the spot about the reservations.�
Stacy: �Not another word on the matter. When you�re at the Claremont, you�re family. [smiles warmly] I�ll be seeing you soon.�
Lee: (Returning the smile) �I look forward to it.�
Lee enters the elevator and the doors shut. Stacy returns to Lynn and Anne who are looking on in disbelief at the amazing resemblance of Lee and Georgina.
Lynn: �Oh my goodness! Isn�t it remarkable? From behind I could swear that was Georgina!
Anne: �Yes, I thought it was her too! Same height and hair, though a bit of a different style. I just thought perhaps she had a makeover. I bet it will be strange if the two should meet.�
Stacy: �Well they are bound to. Ms. Copenhagen will be staying for a few weeks and is planning to attend the festivities. And you know Georgina never misses them!�
As the women marvel and discuss a bit more at Lee�s arrival Elizabeth Glenwood hurriedly enters the Inn, passes the ladies without noticing them and heads for the elevator. The three women take notice of her brisk pace and Lynn calls out to her.
Lynn: (In a concerned tone) �Elizabeth, is everything all right? You seem in such a state.�
Elizabeth: (Turns to the three, now noticing them) �Oh my yes!! I have wonderful news!!! Detective Wise and Paul Woodland from the lodge have found Elizabeth Springer!! Apparently the kidnapper got away, but Elizabeth is now safe at the hospital and under Dr. Route�s care.�
Anne: (Excited and joyously) �That�s wonderful news! I�m so happy she�s safe!�
Stacy: �Oh my! I�m so relieved. Is she all right? She isn�t hurt is she?�
Lynn: �Oh yes, please tell us she�s all right.�
Elizabeth: (Still a bit excitable) �Yes, yes. She�s fine. From what I�ve heard she was unconscious and in shock, but I understand she should be fine. I was just heading up to my room to get a few things, then I was going to go straight to the hospital to see her.�
Stacy: (Losing a bit of her composure at the good news) �Oh yes, by all means Elizabeth. Do what you need to and when you come back down I will go with you if that�s all right.�
Anne: �Yes, me too! Lynn?�
Lynn: �Of course! By all means. I just need to freshen up in the ladies room. Some cool water would help. I guess this means the interview is over for now, but I certainly don�t mind given the wonderful news!�
Stacy: �We will be waiting here for you when you come back down Elizabeth.�
Elizabeth: �O.K., I�ll only be a few minutes ladies.�
The elevator door opens and Elizabeth enters. Everyone is greatly relieved at the good news. The ladies look to one another, smile and give each other hugs. They then get ready to go visit their good friend.
End of scene 4
