(Catherine walked into Carissa's room without knocking. The girl who was lying down, sat up not bothering with a word of greeting. Catherine sat on a chair)
CATHERINE: You look good.
CARISSA: I try.
CATHERINE: (shook her head) what is it with you? you are rather difficult to control.
CARISSA: you finally admit it? (grinned) you have saved yourself a lot of energy just by realizing.
CATHERINE: I never said I'll stop trying. where did you go today?
CARISSA: I was in all day.
CATHERINE: you sure you aren't lying?
CARISSA: you didn't come in at all to check. what do you mean I'm lying?
CATHERINE: if I notice you've been sneaking around.....
CARISSA: (interrupted) why would I? it's not like there's anyone who can help me.
CATHERINE: You seem wise enough. (they stared without blinking)
CARISSA: is that why you've come though?
CATHERINE: (cleared her throat) I'm here to pass a clear message.
CARISSA: must be very important if you're the harbinger.
CATHERINE: His Excellency, the grand duke Edwards debrue will be paying a visit here at Wayfair. And he's coming particularly for you.
CARISSA: (suggestive) you want me looking all prim and proper?
CATHERINE: you did miss his ball two days ago. As his betrothed, you should know you got him deeply worried.
CARISSA: you people have still not let him know of my decision.
CATHERINE: There will be none needed, only the counsel of your father.
CARISSA: how is my point so invalid when I'm the one to be wed?
CATHERINE: Any sane person would be grateful to receive an handshake from his great Excellency. but you're wedding him. it's a lifetime honour!
CARISSA: I beg to differ. I grew up with him, any sane person would avoid the being that is he.
CATHERINE: (angry) how dare you smear malicious words against his exce....
CARISSA:(Chipped in) oh relax! he ain't even here.
CATHERINE: You will learn to behave properly before he arrives.
CARISSA: you can't make me do it if I don't want to.
CATHERINE: you think you can disrespect him and go Scott free?
CARISSA: I hope he won't be much of a bother
CATHERINE: No matter what he is, you can't....( Carissa laid back down) what are you doing??
CARISSA: waiting for your soldiers to carry me out.
CATHERINE: (Panicked) please. please don't do anything embarrassing on that day.
CARISSA: (ignored her) you can leave when you're ready.
ACT 6 SCENE 3
(Catherine waited for a long time. she was about to give up when she heard a knock. she opened to the intruder)
CHRISTOPHER: I'm sorry I'm late.
CARISSA: I don't really care. (they sat)
CHRISTOPHER: was someone here?
CARISSA: yeah. Catherine. (shrugged) I think I really have no choice but to do as she wishes.
CHRISTOPHER: you mean agree to a forced marriage?
CARISSA: well, there are certainly worse things to do. like kill myself. because I don't see anyway out of this....
CHRISTOPHER: (perplexed)she really got to you my lady. but are you going to let her win? after coming this far?
CARISSA: I haven't taken any step since I got here. just being cooped up and disrespected.
CHRISTOPHER: can I hold your hands?
CARISSA: Don't you dare.
CHRISTOPHER: (picked up her hands to her surprise. it was insanely soft) you don't have to take it. you have a friend now.
CARISSA: (sardonic) you? who's good as worthless.
CHRISTOPHER: ouch! this worthless douchebag is pained (she chuckled)
CARISSA: it's true, isn't it?
CHRISTOPHER: you called me smart just today. why would I pick the latter now?
CARISSA: you're smart, but helpless.
CHRISTOPHER: you though are powerful.
CARISSA: (shrugged) I can't recollect when last I felt powerful.
CHRISTOPHER: you've never been less powerful. you're just surrounded by people who make you feel the opposite.
CARISSA: (thought) well what can I do about them?
CHRISTOPHER: use them. your surroundings shouldn't determine what you feel. instead, learn to make the best of everything situation. personally I think your power doesn't reside in your home, but in you. you're lady Carissa martins after all. The duchess of
CARISSA: you did your research?
CHRISTOPHER: perfectly.
CARISSA: so you know how lucky you are I refer to you as a friend?
CHRISTOPHER: too lucky.
CARISSA: is that why you're friends with me?
CHRISTOPHER: (chuckled) no one coerced you into a friendship with me.
CARISSA: I do remember you leaving me no choice at the Makeshift salon today. speaking of which, has Skylar come around?
CHRISTOPHER: not really. I don't think the problem is us.
CARISSA: she did look pissed we were together.
CHRISTOPHER: I can understand why, but she doesn't stay too long away from me either.
CARISSA: you seem the ideal brother. and friend too.
CHRISTOPHER: (elated) a compliment! yes ma'am ,I'll take it. (she smiled) you need to smile more.
CARISSA: (smiling) I don't think I should when I see him.
CHRISTOPHER: you're right. you are that charming.
CARISSA: I read the compliment. thanks a bunch.
CHRISTOPHER: no matter what happens, let me in on it.