CHARLOTTE-  “She’s a delightful young woman Lia.  She’s kindhearted and she cares for you very much.  You’re fond of her.  What is the big deal?  Just relax.  You’re an experienced woman, why does this unsettle you so?  In the scheme of things, this is not something that should be such a puzzle to you.  You mean the world to her, from what you’ve been describing, and she means a lot to you too.  Don’t jeopardize such a wonderful friendship that you both can treasure for the rest of your lives with all this fear and doubting.  You know or should know what to do as much as I…acknowledge the feelings, whatever they are, but be truthful and honest with one another.  Put your friendship first.  Let her know that regardless of what she might feel for you that even though you may not feel the same way you are still her friend and you will help her get through it.  Basically, let her know you will still love her even if she loves you a little too much.  Let her express it, let her get it out and then show her that although you can’t reciprocate, if that’s in fact the case…”  (she feigns coughing and Evangeline give her a nasty look…)  “your friendship remains intact.  Lia…her biggest fear is losing you…if she loses your friendship because she’s discovered she loves you, that will be a tragedy…and if that happens, I will never speak to you again, mon ami.”

EVANGELINE-  “Charlie…you really think I would do that to her?!”

CHARLOTTE-  “Well, I don’t know…all this talk about what people will think and your career.  Honestly, you’ve become a puritan in your old age.  You’re European for goodness sake…where’s the passion and the liberalism, the open mindedness?”

EVANGELINE-  “Don’t be naïve.”

CHARLOTTE-  “Don’t be a hypocrite.”  (Evangeline looks at her, annoyed at first, but breaks her stare to look downward.  Charlotte pats her on the head.)  “You’ve probably driven the poor girl crazy with changing itineraries, changing your mind about things all the time, snapping at her, mon Dieu…she must love you a lot.”

EVANGELINE-  “Oh shut up…”  (They chuckle.)

CHARLOTTE-  “How’s Francoise?  The poor dear…”  (In exasperation, Evangeline sits up straight, shakes her head and drops it into her hands.)  “Ah.  He’s still waiting for you to accept his hand in marriage eh?  Poor boy, he’s fallen hard.  Lia, what are you doing my friend?”