The Queen’s Mate –
Dialogue by Richard Bonte and Stephen Harman
INT JEWELER’S
Holiday decorations everywhere. Christmas music. Rings displayed on Santa Claus caps, hearts under mistletoe, etc. MONICA, browsing ahead of ROBERT. STATELY ENGLISH JEWELER steps into the picture.
JEWELER
Can I help you, Madame? Anything in particular? MONICA doesn’t answer.
ROBERT
Just looking around. Christmas, you know?
Robert moves to a different area; Monica stays put.
MONICA
These are beautiful.
JEWELER
A necklace for Madame? These are a new
line from Europe. They are beautiful, aren’t they? They have been –
ROBERT
Mon’, come here. Look at these!
MONICA
(distracted)
Huh?
(moves over to Robert)
Rings?
ROBERT
(to jeweler)
Could you show me that one, Sir?
JEWELER
Certainly, Sir.
Takes ring from case. To Monica.
JEWELER (cont.)
This is a sapphire with an opal cluster, Madame. Very becoming.
ROBERT
Like it, Mon’?
MONICA
Love it, hon’.
ROBERT
Well…put it on.
JEWELER
(sickly smile)
Very nice.
Monica drifts to greener pastures, all the while fondling the ring she has on.
MONICA
What about that one?
Jeweler moves quicker than Robert to where Monica is standing.
JEWELER
Oh, Madame! Trust a woman with taste to notice something like that. I can always tell, you know.
MONICA
It’s gorgeous.
Jeweler removes a LARGE DIAMOND RING from a display and places it alongside the sapphire ring.
JEWELER
Oh, Madame!
MONICA
Isn’t it –
ROBERT
What is it?
JEWELER
It’s a canary diamond, perfectly cut. A magnificent choice!
MONICA
Oh, it’s so beautiful!
ROBERT
How much?
JEWELER
Only thirty thousand dollars.
Robert’s jaw drops.
MONICA
That’s too much.
(Pause)
Isn’t it, hon’?
ROBERT
Well, it’s a bit more –
JEWELER
You really can’t compare them, can you?
MONICA
I wish I hadn’t seen it now.
JEWELER
You know, we have a little saying in England. Money is nothing when placed beside love. Wouldn’t you agree?
ROBERT
Well –
MONICA
We’re madly in love!
Monica kisses Robert’s cheek and twiddles with the hair on the back of his neck.
MONICA (cont.)
Aren’t we, baby?
ROBERT
Well yes…of course…
JEWELER
You’ll take it, Sir?
Jeweler’s eyes look longingly up at Robert.
ROBERT
Okay, but on one condition.
Robert takes the DIAMOND RING from Monica’s right hand and places it on the third finger of her left hand.
MONICA
Oh, Robert, do you mean?
Robert nods.
MONICA (cont.)
Oh, yes! Yes!
JEWELER
Bravo! Congratulations, Sir. Wonderful news!
(Pause)
Cash or check?
ROBERT
Uh, both, if you don’t mind.
Robert pulls out a wad of HUNDREDS, and completes the transaction by check.
INSERT: Jeweler’s hands rub the center of the bills as he places them inside a DOLLAR BILL SCANNER hidden from view.
Satisfied, he turns to his ASSISTANT and hands her the check.
JEWELER
Thank you, Rachel.
RACHEL punches some numbers into the computer as Robert, Monica and the Jeweler exchange small talk. Then, they walk to the exit. They pause for a moment as the Jeweler looks back at Rachel; she nods, and only then does the Jeweler unlock the door.
JEWELER (cont.)
Thank you.
He shakes their hands. They leave.
JEWELER (cont.)
Rachel, look and learn.
RACHEL
You were wonderful, Mr. Evans.
JEWELER
No, she was wonderful.