The Ambassadress and Her Wives

By Russell Connor

The Ambassadress and Her Wives, an engaging comedy of manners and errors, is the author's only such work. "I wanted it to go on and on," reaves literary agent B.K. Nelson.

The one act play "Unto the Meek" is included as a bonus.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662448355

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The Ambassadress and Her Wives

Russell Connor

Copyright © 2004, 2022 Russell Connor

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-4834-8 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-4835-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dramatis Personae

ACT I.

ACT II.

ACT III.

ACT IV.

UNTO THE MEEK

Dramatis Personae

ACT I.

Dramatis Personae

Caroline, American ambassadress to France

Norman, Brittany, and Nancy, her children

Their headmistress

Madere and Pierre, French drama coaches

Alton and Samson, American diplomats

Marcy and Matilda, their wives

An Arabian prince

The president of the United States

A prostitute

Diplomats, civil servants, and schoolchildren

ACT I.

Scene I. An office in the British embassy. A British diplomat is stuffing material into a diplomatic pouch whilst a Canadian diplomat waits.

Briton. There, that's the lot, then: happy homework!

Canadian. Oh, it's not for me; this'll be strictly for the entertainment of recent graduates.

Briton. Ah, yes, the new blood! What would one do without it?

Canadian. I suppose you got the invitation to help the American ambassadress welcome her new attaches.

Briton. Oh, yes. But a word to the wise, old boy: the Americans call her an ambassador. They don't care for that other word.

Canadian. I don't see any problem with it. It's a perfectly acceptable word. It's our language, not theirs.

Briton. I agree completely, but the Americans have a large problem with it. They see it as discrimination, or harassment, or some such thing. They actually have a law against it.

Canadian. Really!

Briton. Yes, the Americans have laws against practically everything.

Canadian. Well, if you get there before I do, save me something other than champagne to drink, won't you?

Briton. Alas! I fear my august presence will be sorely missed.

Canadian. I'm sorry to hear that.

Briton. One is, for the vaguest of reasons, compelled to return to Blighty to witness the pregenerative rituals of the local worthies.

Canadian. You have to go to an upper-class wedding back home.

Briton. In a word, sir, yes. And it's been on the diary for months. Still, it can't hurt the old career.

Canadian. One of the new Americans comes from old money.

Briton. Indeed! From how much of it does he come?

Canadian. In Canadian duellers or American?

Briton. Sorry?

Canadian. The currency.

Briton. I was hoping for English pounds rather than any kind of dullards.

Canadian. Well, I don't have that right at my fingertips, but I think we can safely put it well into the eight figures.

Briton. Oh, I say! That should do very nicely.

Canadian. I should think so, indeed. Picks up pouch. Convey my regards to Her Majesty.

Briton. Consider them conveyed.

Canadian. Are you serious?

Briton. Through proper channels, of course.

Canadian. Oh! Right, of course. Exit.

Scene II. A stage with a property bench in the middle of it.

Norman. O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright. It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night as a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear: beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows as yonder lady o'er her fellows shows. The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand, and touching hers, make blessed my rude hand. Did my heart love till