Candle

A Stage Play by Rani Shergill

This is a short story I came up with in a group.

1899

Clare and Jamie hand in hand creep out of the barn in the dead of night. As soon as they get to the beach they stop and stare back to the old farm; it was in Clare's family for a hundred years, now it belongs to Harry Carpenter.

Jamie: Are you sure yo want to do this?

Clare: Yes Jamie.

Jamie: There'll be no going back Clare... it's not too late to go back to your husband.

Clare: (Putting her finger on Jamie's lip) Sshhh. I love you, only you.

Jamie: If your husband ever catches up with us, he'll make your life hell.

Clare: Harry's no fool. He's got my money, and after seven years he'll have me declared dead. Then he'll

marry his heartless mistress.

Jamie: Clare darling, I can't compete with him.

Clare: Then don't, I don't want you to... he doesn't hold a candle to you.

Jamie: I haven't got money, I want you to know. I love you and I will look after you and make you happy.

And the baby.

Clare throws her arms around Jamie and kisses him.

Clare: That's all I want. (She cradles her belly) This one's not going to wait much longer.

Jamie: Harry doesn't know about your baby, does he?

Clare: No, he hasn't been near me for months.

There is a sound of running horses.

Clare: God! It's Harry... he'll kill us!

Jamie scans the sea in panic. Suddenly he sees the light.

Jamie: That's the signal. Come on Clare, Nathan is here.

They race over to the rowing boat. Clare trips over her long skirt. Jamie sweeps her up, off the beach and runs towards the boat. Harry and his men are catching up fast.

Clare: (Cries out) Quick Jamie!

Jamie is out of breath by the time they get to the rowing boat. He puts Clare into the boat before jumping in himself.

Nathan: (Throwing Jamie an oar) Here, start rowing, as fast as you can.

Harry and his men are advancing towards the rowing boat at alarming speed. Nathan and Jamie use all their strength to out-pace Harry and his henchmen.

Harry and his men are forced to admit defeat. Harry's face is distorted with hate at the sight of his wife Clare and her lover.