'Tis Pity She's a Whore: A Pop Opera - Act III, Scene i continued (Soranzo Courts Annabella)

Act III: i

LOCATION: The family garden. It is the evening.

FLORIO and SORANZO are standing at the center of the garden, with an air of gravity hanging over their heads.

SORANZO looks very concerned and FLORIO looks desperate.

Florio: Well, Soranzo, we are running out of suitors, so I guess it’s your turn to try and sway my dear Annabella.

Soranzo: I shall do my best, your highness.

Florio: I have to admit that none of the other suitors have come close. Yet, none have neither matched your credentials nor your achievements, so you have that much going for you. Not to mention that you’ve known my dear girl since childhood, so you’re in a better position than most.

Soranzo: Ay. I shall do my best.

SORANZO bows solemnly.

Florio: I present to you my daughter then. May the two of you meet and discuss some future arrangements that may prove beneficial to the royal family, if you know what I mean. Here she is.

FLORIO calls to ANNABELLA with a “psst,” and she quietly walks onstage, looking shy and defeated and then soon enough locking eyes with SORANZO who is very familiar to her.

GIOVANNI is also present in this scene, although he cannot be seen by the other characters.

He listens on.

Giovanni: (Aside) Is Soranzo courting Annabella? Oh, if it be true, how vile...

Annabella: Soranzo.

Soranzo: Annabella... How are you doing, mistress?

Annabella: I’m... fine.

FLORIO is looking pleased as he reads their chemistry in the moment.

Florio: I suppose you two have some catching up to do. I will let you two be alone for a while, while I take care of the royal paperwork.

FLORIO exits.

GIOVANNI observes them in the distance and glares with yearning.

ANNABELLA looks behind her with longing for her brother.

Then turns back to SORANZO.

To Be Continued...