VERNON. Why not?
FANNY. I've rather a headache.
VERNON. Oh, I'm so sorry. Oh, all right, we'll stop at home. I'm
not so very keen about it.
FANNY. No, I want you to go, dear. Your aunts are looking forward
to it. I shall get over it all the sooner with everybody out of the
way.
VERNON. Well, if you really wish it.
The Misses Wetherell steal in. They are dressed for driving. They
exchange greetings with the Doctor.
FANNY. You know you promised to obey. [Tickles his nose with a
flower.]
VERNON [laughing--to the Doctor]. You see what it is to be married?
DR. FREEMANTLE [laughs]. Very trying.
VERNON [turning to his aunts]. Fanny isn't coming with us.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [to Fanny]. Oh, my dear!
FANNY. It's only a headache. [She takes her aside.] I'm rather
glad of it. I want an excuse for a little time to myself.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I understand, dear. It's all been so
sudden. [She kisses her--then to the room] She'll be all the better
alone. We three will go on. [She nods and signs to her sister.]
FANNY [kissing the Elder Miss Wetherell]. Don't you get betting.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Oh no, dear, we never do. It's just to
see the dear horses. [She joins her sister. They whisper.]
VERNON [to the Doctor to whom he has been talking]. Can we give you
a lift?
DR. FREEMANTLE. Well, you might as far as the Vicarage. Good-bye,
Lady Bantock.
FANNY [shaking hands].
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