The Blue Dress And The Paper Death Hat

Afternoon. Another rehearsal.

Rosamunda's mind is elsewhere.

What to wear for a night out with Vello?

She asks Belle et Bonne to take over while she goes to the shops.

Right! says Belle et Bonne. Where are we up to?

The Inquisition. Doctor Pangloss has been hanged. I've been flogged, says Ray.

Now you're reunited with the lovely Cunégonde, says David. I'll play Cunégonde.

Hee hee, says Terence. Ray has to kiss David!

No, he doesn't, says David. He falls at my feet and listens with rapt attention to my story.

Boring, says Terence. Where's my otter costume?

Is this it? asks Arthur, who is still here, watching the rehearsal.

No, says Terence. That's my paper death hat.

Arthur, says Belle. Would you play the Old Lady?

Doesn't she have only one buttock? asks Arthur, vaguely remembering this anatomical fact.

Yes, says Belle. Walk funny, and sit crooked.

Arthur looks undecided.

I'l do it, says David. I often play the Old Lady. Arthur you can be Cunégonde. You're younger and prettier anyway.

Ray falls at Arthur's feet and listens with rapt attention to Arthur's story, thanking his lucky stars that he won't have to kiss him.

Remember the story, Arthur? says Belle. You were sold by a Bulgar captain to a Jew, who now shares you on alternate days with the Grand Inquisitor.

Arthur tells his shocking story, while Ray goggles.

Now the Jew comes in, says Belle, and Ray slays him. Oh wait, who's playing the Jew?

I will! cries Terence, putting on his paper death hat and jiggling whatever it is in his pocket.

Ray grasps his sword, but then hestitates.

Must he be a Jew? asks Ray. It doesn't seem quite PC these days.....

Raawh! cries Terence. Just kill me, you bugger!

Terence! cries Belle. Language! Lucky Sweezus didn't hear you.

........

Rosamunda meets Vello outside The Factory in the Garden of Unearthly Delights.

It's early. She buys him a beer.

They sit on a seat under a gum tree where it's cooler, and wait for the doors to open.

Nice dress, says Vello. That shade of blue. I like it.

Nice shorts, says Rosamunda. (It's the first time she's seen Vello's legs).

And nice tee shirt, she adds quickly. Seventies?

Appropriate I thought, in the circumstances..... says Vello.

Yes, says Rosamunda. Nineteen seventy three. When Tubular Bells first came out. Did you buy the album?

No, says Vello. A friend of mine had it.

Oh, says Rosamunda.

In this pleasant way they pass the time until the doors open.