DAISY. Aye. They got me a place here. It’s fine, you know, it’s like a proper appointment. Lady of the wardrobe. I mean, I do the clothes. I love clothes.

JAMES. They’re what distinguish us from animals.

DAISY sucks in her breath.

DAISY. Oh, that’s clever. You’re clever.

JAMES. Thank you.

DAISY. My name’s Daisy by the way.

JAMES. Pleased to meet you, Daisy.

DAISY. So do you know the King?

JAMES. Very well.

DAISY. What’s he like. Is he gorgeous?

JAMES. Well, you see… the thing is… I am the King!

DAISY laughs.

DAISY. Aye, sure.

JAMES. No, really.

COCHRANE sweeps past, joining the dance.

COCHRANE. Not dancing, Your Majesty? Come on!

JAMES. In a minute.

DAISY is horrified.

DAISY. Oh, sweet Mary Mother of God!

JAMES. I’m so sorry, Daisy… I should have let you know but…

DAISY. But… no one told me and you weren’t announced or…

JAMES. No, no, I didn’t do the coming-in-with-the-trumpets thing or…

You see it just seems a bit… showy, all that. Don’t you think? I just feel… well, all that pomp. It kills conversation, doesn’t it?

She stares at him for a moment.

DAISY. Oh God.

JAMES. What?

DAISY. It’s really you and you’re here.

JAMES. Yes.

DAISY. Talking to me!

JAMES. Well, I hope I’m not a disappointment.

DAISY. Oh my God. No!

Sorry. I can’t believe I’m actually talking to you.

JAMES. I’ll dance with you if you like.

DAISY. Oh my…!

Yes!

JAMES. Why don’t you wait over there and I’ll find you for the next dance.

DAISY hurries off as the dance finishes. MARGARET joins JAMES.

And how is the French Ambassador?

MARGARET. I think I’ve reassured him you’re committed to the alliance. Next time don’t make fun of his shoes, not to his face anyway. Who was that?

JAMES. I think she works in the laundry.

MARGARET. Were you doing the ‘I’m just a shy, bashful common man’ routine?

JAMES. That’s a very malicious description.

MARGARET. It’s what it looked like.

JAMES. It always works.

MARGARET. For a day or two, then the real you sort of shoulders its way out, doesn’t it?

JAMES. I had you in love with me for at least a year.

MARGARET. Oh, I’m still in love with you, dearest. It’s an affliction, like a club foot. I just drag it around after me and carry on.

JAMES. That’s sweet.

JOHN shouts through the room.

JOHN. As we are summoned by our King and by God, the Three Estates of Scotland are hereby called to service!

JAMES. And here we go.

He kisses MARGARET swiftly and follows JOHN as all the men present process into and take their place in the Three Estates.

The Great Hall, Stirling