lines petronella and kyteler

(The church pew and window are taken offstage. The bedroom lights fade up into bright morning sunlight as NELL awakes in her bed. The Kyteler house is dimly illuminated where SARAH bustles around. NELL gets up and exits the bedroom, which dims as she joins SARAH in the kitchen area, which brightens. SARAH greets NELL with a smile while continuing with her chores.)

Well, look who’s finally awake! You must be Petronella de Meath.

And you must be Sarah. Please, call me Nell.

Well, it’s good to meet you, Nell. Let me know if you ever need help with anything around the house.

I will, thank you.

Let me guess: you’ve heard the rumors?

Yes, I have. I… I want to believe that Ali— that Lady Kyteler is a good woman; I get along with her better than any friend I’ve ever had. But, based on what I’ve heard from the townspeople… I don’t know if it’s safe for me to trust her.

Oh, don’t listen to the local gossip, Nell. I’m afraid Lady Kyteler is nothing but an unfortunate widow, though quite a wealthy one at that.

I just worry she isn’t telling the truth about her husbands. For all four of them to have fallen ill so soon after marriage…? (Pause) The argument I overheard last night between her and Sir John le Peor just makes me wonder…

Listen, Nell. I have worked with Lady Kyteler for many years now, and… I’ve seen the pain in her eyes; she may seem merry on the outside, but the deaths of her husbands and the rumors that followed have hurt her more than anyone knows. I find it hard to believe that she killed them.

So do I, and I’ve heard the way she speaks with such devotion to God, but… (A doubtful pause) Bishop Ledrede told me he suspects her of demonism.

Sighing) Throughout your time here, Nell, you will find that the people of Kilkenny invent stories for nothing but their own amusement. They’ve accused Lady Kyteler of the most ridiculous things: brewing potions, sacrificing animals, kidnapping children, leading a coven– You see, the more times a rumor is spread in Kilkenny, the further from truth it becomes, and yet, the more widely it is believed— even by the Bishop, although he should know better. I assure you, Nell: Lady Kyteler is a good, honorable woman, with a kind heart and a faithful soul.

(Bright morning sunlight illuminates the Kyteler house as Nell walks through the door. SARAH is inside, cleaning up.)

Nell, you look distressed. What is it?

Where is Lady Kyteler?

She’s just left for the cemetery with some of the other nobles, to pay respects to her late husbands for All Soul’s Day. Why do you ask—?