Pause.

It is David?

Margaret I was going to tell you when –

Christopher Yes, it’s David. Of course it’s David.

Margaret I’m sorry, Christopher.

Christopher No, no, I understand. You were always a practical woman. Circumspect – isn’t that how your father described you?

Margaret You make me sound like –

Christopher No, no, I congratulate you. I do. So for the first time in – what? – four hundred years, a Gore is going to marry out? Sounds like a schism, doesn’t it? Thank God you kept that information from Cousin Richard – a ‘generous infusion’ of Celtic blood would have terrified him. So it’s David and Margaret Gore of The Lodge? Should be a consolation for an ageing father, shouldn’t it? You do know he’s a little immature in some respects? Course you do – taken all that into your considerations. And the two of you will be so much more efficient at all of this than I ever was – or Father – or even the formidable Grandfather Gore. Your local knowledge will be invaluable. You’ll be able to identify all those tenants who are lazy or unfaithful or treacherous.

Margaret We won’t have to measure their heads then?

Christopher Indeed you’ll be able to alert him to all those relatives of yours who are scheming to repossess this place and drive us out, won’t you? – Oh Jesus Christ, forgive me, Margaret – I am so sorry – I don’t mean a word of that – not a syllable – I’m just devastated – oh my God, I do apologise – I’m as demented as Penny Pasco – forgive me – so sorry – I am so sorry, Margaret.

Margaret Listen to me, Christopher. I promise you – if all this makes life here too difficult for you – I promise you I’ll leave.

Christopher That was disgraceful. Please forgive me.

Margaret Tell me now if it makes things impossible for you.

Christopher No, no, I’m fine. I’ll be –

Margaret I will go – I promise.

Christopher No, no; just give me a little time; I’ll rise above. The planter has to be resilient, hasn’t he? No home, no country, a life of isolation and resentment. So he has to … resile. Just give me a little time. And that resentment will stalk him – and never forget it – down through the next generation and the next and the next. The doomed nexus of those who believe themselves the possessors and those who believe they’re dispossessed. Am I forgiven?

Margaret (gently) Christopher.

Christopher (quick laugh) When you and David take over, will you do something for me? Don’t make it too obvious that I should die off immediately?

Margaret For God’s sake, Mr Gore! It’s getting chilly. Better tidy up out here.

David (off) Father? Where are you?

Christopher Yes?

David enters round the side of the house. He has a brush and a bucket of whitewash.

David Have you a moment now?