[The Spaulding Mansion, the night before Phillip’s trial for the murder of Neil Everest begins. Alexandra has thrown a dinner party as a show of support, and to take everyone’s mind off the upcoming trial. Attending are Alex, Phillip, Beth, Lillian, and Alan-Michael. The night is drawing to a close, and Phillip has asked Vera (Alex’s maid) and Joseph (the butler) to join them at the table. He then offers this toast about his family…]
Phillip:
Um…because of several recent events (pause) too depressing to enumerate, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about all the things in my life I have to be grateful for. And I realize the greatest of them is you, my family. Because, despite our many faults, of which Vera periodically reminds us, and despite our many fights, which Joseph so discreetly ignores, and despite who marries whom, and why, and how the rest of us feel about that, it doesn’t make any difference. Because we all really have a great deal of love for each other. And I have to tell you, just being here with you all tonight, and standing here next to the woman that I love (he takes Beth’s hand), next to her mother, who so graciously keeps telling us that she can’t wait to be a grandmother, and with Aunt Alex at the helm, I feel so much love in this room, that I swear I think almost anything is possible. So, I would very much like to propose a toast to my family, and to the love I feel for each and every one of you.
[Everybody raises their glasses in salute. Beth stands and gives Phillip a hug. The phone rings—it’s Rick, and he needs to speak to Phillip immediately. Phil and Beth start to leave, but Phillip pulls Alexandra aside for a moment.]
Phillip:
Can I talk to you for a second?
Alex:
Yes.
Phillip:
Do you feel like telling me what’s happening with Roger?
Alex:
Oh, the inevitable, I suppose. You seemed to have called that one right from the beginning.
Phillip:
I’m sorry. I can’t tell you how unhappy I am to have been right.
Alex:
I’ll…eh…get past it.
Phillip:
Sure you will.
Alex:
There are more important things in my life. You. Alan-Michael.
Phillip:
Listen…uh…whatever happens, you know, with me, I don’t want you to worry, okay? Because I want you to know we will always be together. You know that.
Alex: (concerned)
I don’t like the sound of that. It’s almost as if you think that…
Phillip:
No, no, no. I don’t know what’s going to happen, Aunt Alex. I really don’t. That’s just it. I don’t know. You know?
Alex:
Oh, I couldn’t bear that, Phillip. Not my best and brightest. My golden boy.
Phillip: (touched, he tries to not become emotional)
(Long pause) I don’t know what’s going to happen, Aunt Alex. I really don’t. Just take care of Alan-Michael, okay. Please…please teach him what YOU know. Don’t leave that for Roger and Blake, all right?
Alex: (upset)
I won’t. I promise.
[Phillip kisses and embraces his aunt.]
Phillip:
I love you.
Alex:
I love you.
[Beth comes over.]
Phillip: (taking her hand)
You ready to go?
(She nods and they head for the door. Phillip turns around and says to everyone…)
Phillip:
Everyone, good night. And it has really been a great night. I love every one of you.
