The Holly and the Ivy / Anne Catherick Decides to Help Laura / Marian Hears the Truth from Laura

Lyrics

Scene: "The Village Wedding" (Laura is left alone. The church bells chime. Villagers arrive for the wedding celebrations. Her maids put a veil on her and hand her a bouquet of holly and ivy. Marian enters, kisses Laura and pulls down Laura's veil. It is as if Laura is sleepwalking through the proceedings. Fosco and Sir Percival arrive. Glyde is congratulated by the locals. Fosco takes Marian's arm. Laura walks up the aisle with her uncle. The marriage ceremony takes place) [CONGREGATION] The holly and the ivy When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown The holly bears a berry As red as any blood And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To do poor sinners good [GIRL] The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas day in the morn The holly bears a bark As bitter as any gall And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ For to redeem us all (Anne Catherick appears in the church) [ANNE] No! (The congregation is disturbed. Laura turns round, confused. Anne has already disappeared. The ceremony continues) [ALL] The holly and the ivy When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown Oh, the rising of the sun And the running of the deer The playing of the merry organ Sweet singing in the choir (Glyde and Laura are married. The village cheers, throws confetti. Laura gives Marian her bouquet. Fosco takes Marian's arm again. The bride and groom leave) [ALL] Forever after as man and wife Dancing through life Merrily, merrily She is a source of pride in his arm Bride in his arms Verily, verily Off to a life of contentment and bliss No other day is as happy as this! Time for rejoicing and time for a kiss Here's to the bride and groom Cheers to the bride and groom Here's to the bride and groom Scene: "Anne Catherick Decides to Help Laura" (The villagers disperse after the wedding. We are in the graveyard. Out of the shadows, Anne Catherick appears. She is alone and despairing) [ANNE] Lady Laura Glyde! Lady Laura Glyde! The church bells are ringing They call out to warn you But even my warnings Were too late to save you Now your fate is sealed How can he be stopped? You'll be the lady Of Blackwater House All the rooms filled with sorrow The lake filled with teardrops Where you're at his mercy And he knows no mercy I can't let this come to pass I can't let you Suffer as I did I must journey to your side So, unlike me You won't be friendless So, unlike me You won't be friendless (She exits) Scene: "The Return from the Honeymoon" (The scene shifts to Sir Percival's residence. Where Limmeridge House was all light and airy, Blackwater House is dark, stifling and oppressive. Marian and Fosco are in Blackwater House, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive back. There is activity around them, servants preparing the house.) (Laura and Percival return from their honeymoon. They are unsmiling and Laura is wearing black) [MARIAN] Welcome to your new home, Lady Glyde! (Laura says nothing, pushes passed her and goes to her room) Laura? What is it? Laura! (to Fosco) Something is wrong [FOSCO] She is just tired [MARIAN] No, I must go to her [FOSCO] Oh, she will come round! (He holds her back a moment) You live in her shadow [MARIAN] If I do, then it is because I am comfortable there! [FOSCO] She is lovely But you, Miss Halcombe? Are beyond all compare (She looks at him and then exits) Scene: "Marian Hears the Truth from Laura" (Laura's bedroom. Marian enters as Laura is sending away her maid) [LAURA] (to the maid) Leave me alone, I don't need your help (The maid curtsies and leaves. Laura avoids Marian's eyes) [MARIAN] Laura, you know you can trust me Please let me know what is wrong We seem so far apart And it breaks my heart [LAURA] Trust you? Now, why should I trust you? When your advice led me here! Straight from the wedding prayer To complete despair! He only wants my money That's all he wants from me Though he's a baronet He is steeped in debt I'll show you how he loves me! I think you ought to see! (Laura lifts her sleeves, lowers her neckline to reveal bruises) His love is on display A mark for every day! You said he's all a man should be! (Marian looks in horror) Scene: "Marian Alone" (Marian leaves her sister in bed and runs out into the night, stricken by the news that Laura has just given her. She walks towards Blackwater pool and the boathouse)