Mr. Tandum
This is a short scene with 4 characters for actors to play. Â 2 men and 2 women. Â This takes place in England during the Victorian era.
Mr. Tandum
Victoria: You speak so very well of Mr. Tandum and yet, he is viewed as quite a radical amongst closed circles. Â He appears to be a bit, eccentric. Â Do you not agree, Florence?
(beat)
There are people, rumors for lack of a better word, that describe Mr. Tandum as two men. Â On one hand he appears to be a genuine gentleman, yet, on the other hand he appears to be a savage beast. Â Which one is the real Mr. Tandum? Â I wonder.
It’s always been advised to stay away from such confused men.  If a man does not know his true calling, then why not simply look the other way?  He doesn’t seem to have the proper manner, the discipline, the correct demeanor of a Mr. Bennett or a Mr. Arnauld or my brother, Charles…
(lowering her voice) I have also heard that Mr. Tandum’s father was a bit of a reckless one…that he would abandon his family for long periods of time and travel across the country selling false cures and potions to the sick!  This I know for certain.  Mmm.  Indeed.
Point being my dear Florence, is that I have heard of a possible, oh, I don’t really want to use the word…courtship…which surely must be falsified truth…between you and this Mr. Tandum.  (she laughs) I am certain that such talk is ridiculous.
One can only imagine where such fabrications of reality get made. Â (she chuckles) Â It is pure theatrics. Â But, where was I? Â Oh, yes! Â May I remind you that my brother Charles will not hear of such nonsense, as I am most certain it will humiliate any further advancements he has in mind for you. Â Mmm. Indeed.
There you are…can Friar offer you some more tea?
Florence: Tea? I’m—
(enter Charles)
Charles: So this is where all the sunshine went. Â I should have known. Â (placing umbrella down) Â It is quite a storm outside and it’s bound to get worse.
(Charles joins them at the table)
Victoria: I was just informing Florence about your interest in traveling abroad.
Charles: Oh, were you? Â Why, yes, that is certainly something I am in need of doing. Â For both pleasure and business, really.
Florence: I was always of the mind that one should never mix business and pleasure.
Charles: Apparently, who ever spoke such words must have done themselves a great bit of harm, I would imagine.
Victoria: Indeed.
Florence: My father always dealt with matters in such a strict manner.
Charles: I see. Â Well, a little bit of joy amongst business—
Florence: My fathers joy was his business. Â (beat) Â Forgive me, if I have spoken out of turn.
(she stands)
I’m feeling a bit flush. Â Do you mind if I use the ladies room?
(Charles stands)
Charles: By all means.  Would you like assistance?
Florence: I’ll manage…
(Florence walks out of the room and down the hallway)
Charles: Florence did not seem…she’s upset.
Victoria: Oh, it must be–
Charles: Victoria, did you say something to her?
Victoria: Whatever do you mean? Â How dare you—
Charles: Stop it! Â Don’t take me for such a fool. Â I am all to wise to your wicked ways. Â Shh! Â Don’t you dare utter one single word against me. Â You always seem to create problems, these little seeds that you plant, that suddenly grow and expand into wild choking vines for any person you decide to aim them at! Â I’ve seen it done all too often.
Victoria: Â Charles, I am shocked by your accusation.
Charles: Victoria, if word gets back to me that you have poisoned my chance of happiness, so help me God, sister or no sister I will be sure to match evil against evil.
(Victoria shrieks)
Is that clear? Â Go check on Mrs. Galloway before you embarrass yourself any further.
(Victoria stands up)
Go! Â Do not disobey me.
(Victoria leaves the room)
Mr. Friar!
(butler Friar enters the room)
Mr. Friar…what was spoken while I was away?
Mr.Friar: Mrs. Victoria spoke of a Mr. Tandum and a possible courtship with Mrs. Galloway. Â I’m sorry, sir.
Charles: Is there any truth to this?
Mr. Friar: I have no way of knowing, sir. Â Would you like me to travel into town and place an inquiry?
Charles: No, please don’t do that. Â From what you overheard, does it seem plausible?
Mr. Friar: Sir, I must say in all honesty, that Mrs. Galloway, the sound in her voice, that is…sounded like a woman who was concerned.
Charles: Surely, this must have been due to the rumor…her reputation.
Mr. Friar: I believe it alluded to something more, sir…but I cannot say for certain.
Charles: Well done.
(Mr. Friar walks out of the room)
(to himself) Well done.
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