Betty and Vera come downstairs. (after Tommy and Syd chat) Flashcards
Betty
(entering the room with Vera following)
Syd! Sydney! (Shocked.)Sydney! (It dawns on her.)I knew it – I knew I shouldn’t have left Syd with that fella of yours.
What’s up, Betty?
Betty
What’s up? I’ll tell you what’s up, Vera – They’ve gone off to the pub, haven’t they? Well, just wait till they get through that door, they’ll … The doorbell chimes.
Oh, no! That’s all we need. Our Reeny here an’ he’s out at the pub. It’s your feller I blame for this, you know. This is just the thing to delight our Reeny, isn’t it?
The doorbell chimes again, loud and long.
Listen to her. Listen to that. She’s always been jealous of my chimes and she won’t be content till she breaks them.
Betty goes to the front door, and returns, all smiles, with Reeny, Ted and John.
Betty
Hello, Reeny love, how are you? Come on in, Ted, John.
Ted
(taking off his coat)I’m just wonderin’ if my car’s gonna be safe out there, Betty.
Betty
Oh, it’ll be all right. Come on, John, let’s have your coat. Aren’t you takin’ yours off, Reen?
Reeny
I’d rather leave it on for a bit, Betty. I’m a bit cold.
Betty
Well we can put another bar on the electric fire you know, Reen. Ted goes straight to the window, puts his head under the curtains and looks out.
Reeny
Oh don’t think I’m complainin’, Betty. I’m not, it’s just, y’ know, with getting used to the central heating now …
Betty
Oh – the central heating at work you mean
Reeny
And at home. You did know we were having central heating put in didn’t you?
Betty
No …
Reeny
Maybe I forgot to mention it.
Betty is not pleased.
Ted
Are you sure that car of mine’s gonna be safe out there, Betty? I mean, it’s not so bad down at end of the estate, but I’m not so sure about up here.
Betty
Well if you like, Ted, I’ll go an’ stand guard on it for the rest of the night. Would y’ like a few blankets off the bed to stop it getting wet?
Ted
(with an unsure laugh, really more of a cracked face)You do have to be careful these days, though. A car owner is a vulnerable man. I hope it’s all right out there.
Betty
Come on, Reen. Sit down.
Reeny
I’ll just get warmed through first, Bett.
Betty
Well, suit yourself. (Aside to Vera.)She – has got central heatin’. (To everyone.)Now – who’s having a drink?
Vera
Yeh – I’d love that port an’ lemon, Betty.
Reeny
Where’s Syd, Betty?
Vera
He’s gone down the –
Betty
– road to take those little children home. Carol singers, y’know.
Our Tommy’s gone with him. I wouldn’t let Syd go out on his own. I don’t think it’s wise for a man in his condition.
Reeny
Is he still bad, Betty?
Betty
Dyin’ on his feet, isn’t he, Vee?
Vera
Oh he did look ill, Reeny.
Betty
(looking at Reeny)You don’t look as though you’ve been keepin’ too well yourself, Reen.
Reeny
I’ve had a terrible chest the past few weeks, he’ll tell y’.
John
You haven’t been well at all, have y’, Mum?
Betty
Why don’t you take the weight off your legs, Reeny?
Reeny
No. I’m all right here for the minute, Betty.
Betty
Standing isn’t good for you. And you’re just at the age when they start to appear.
Ted
I wonder if that vehicle would be safer round the back?
Reeny
When what appear?
Betty
Varicose veins.
Reeny
(huffily)I’ve never suffered with varicose veins. Even when I was havin’ him I didn’t get them. Did I Ted?
Ted
A car owner, these days – is a potential victim.
Betty
(passing cigarettes around from the sideboard)Oh – that’s right. I’m getting mixed up. It was me who had the varicose veins when I was carrying Sandra, wasn’t it?
Reeny
(vindicated)I told you. I’ve never had varicose veins.
Betty
(going over to give Ted a cigarette)That’s right – I had the varicose veins and you had the piles. Remember, Reen? Are you comfortable enough there, John?
John
Yes, thanks, Aunty Betty.
Betty
Are you sure?
John
Yes, thanks.
Reeny
Oh – Betty! Trust me! I didn’t notice.
Betty smiles at the suite.
That’s quite all right, Reeny. Tasteful furniture should never be noticed straightaway. It blends in.
Reeny
Oh I know, but I should have noticed you’ve had your suite recovered.
Vera
No, Reeny – it’s a new one.
Reeny
Is it? Oh it’s lovely, Betty.
Betty
Just wait till you sit on it.
Vera
It’s just like a cloud y’ know, Reen.
John
(testing his seat)I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there Aunty Vee. It is just like a cloud.
Reeny, gingerly, sits on the settee.
Betty
Now isn’t that comfortable, Reeny? Have you ever known comfort like that?
Reeny
(quietly)It’s certainly nice, Betty.
John
It is just like sitting on a cloud isn’t it, Mum?
Reeny slowly burns him into his seat.
Reeny
You’ll be all right if it stays this way, Bett.
Betty
What do you mean love?
Reeny
Well, you know I got a new three-piece a couple of months back.
Betty
Yes.
