The Vortex

luckily⁠—Thank God I’ve got instincts about people⁠—listen, isn’t this marvelous⁠—She said the most filthy things to Gloria Craig about me⁠—I always knew she was insanely jealous, but there are limits. I loathe being at people’s beck and call.⁠ ⁠… Come and dance. Nicky

As they dance.

I’m sorry you’ve rowed⁠—I rather liked her⁠—

Florence Only because she kept on saying how wonderful you were.⁠ ⁠… She doesn’t know a thing about music really. Nicky Oh yes, she does. Florence It’s merely bluff⁠—all that appreciation. Darling, how oddly you’re dancing. Nicky It’s probably because we haven’t danced together for so long.⁠ ⁠… Florence Anyhow, now she’s gone off to Monte Carlo with Violet Fenchurch⁠—silly fool⁠— Enter David Lancaster. He is an elderly gray-haired pleasant man. David

Delighted.

Nicky⁠—my boy⁠—

Nicky

Kissing him.

Hallo, father⁠—

David I thought⁠—Florence said⁠—tomorrow⁠— Nicky Mother muddled it up. David You look rather tired. Nicky I’m splendid. How’s everything? David The same as usual. I’ve made lots of improvements down at the house. Florence David thinks and talks of nothing but the farm⁠— David It’s beginning to pay a bit⁠—Peterson’s an awfully good man. Nicky We’ll make a grand tour of it on Sunday. David Have you enjoyed yourself in Paris? Nicky Oh yes, rather⁠—it’s a splendid place to work. David It never struck me that way quite, but still⁠— Florence Sophie de Molignac said Nicky’s playing had improved wonderfully. David I’m so glad, Nicky. Nicky I’ve been doing some Spanish stuff lately. David I wish I knew more about it. Nicky Never mind, father. David Come to my room and talk. I can’t bear that thing⁠— Florence Father’s such a beast; he never will dance with me. David Is the Evening News anywhere about? Nicky Yes, here. He gives it to him. David I’m so glad you’re home again, Nicky⁠—don’t forget⁠—come and talk.⁠ ⁠… He goes out. Florence David’s so much happier in the country. Nicky Why on earth doesn’t he retire and live at the house for good? Florence Work has become such a habit with him⁠—he’s always hated giving up habits. Nicky Mother⁠—I’ve got something rather important to tell you. Florence Darling, how thrilling! What is it? Nicky I am engaged to be married. Florence What! Nicky Practically⁠—as much as one can be these days. Florence Nicky! Nicky Don’t look so stricken. Florence But, Nicky⁠—I never sort of visualized you being engaged, or married, or anything. Nicky Why not? Florence You’re not old enough. Nicky I’m twenty-four. Florence You don’t look it.⁠ ⁠… Thank God! Nicky What do you really feel about it, mother? Florence Darling⁠—I hardly know what to say⁠—you’ve sprung it on me so suddenly. Who is she? Nicky A girl called Bunty Mainwaring. Florence What a silly name! Nicky It isn’t at all⁠—it’s very attractive. Florence Is she an actress, or a student, or what? Nicky Neither⁠—she is what is technically termed a “lady.” Florence Do you think she’ll like me? Nicky She went mad over your photograph. Florence Which one? Nicky The “looking out of the window” one. Florence That really is one of the best I’ve ever had done. Nicky She said you had the face of an heroic little boy. Florence What a divine thing to say! She glances at herself in the glass. Nicky She does say divine things⁠—she’s supremely intelligent. Florence Is she in Paris? Nicky No, she came over with me today. Florence Where does she live? Nicky Just round the corner in Carbury Square. Florence Near the Churchingtons. Nicky It’s her mother’s house, but her mother’s away just now, so I asked her to change quickly and come on here. Florence Nicky! Nicky Why not? I wanted you to see her as soon as possible. Florence

Realizing parental responsibility.

It’s an awful shock, you know.

Nicky Nonsense, mother⁠—you’re quite excited about it, really. Florence

With determination.

I shall be charming to her.

Nicky Then she’ll adore you at once⁠—probably too much, and I shall be jealous. Florence You’d better both dine here together and come on to the Embassy. How old is she? Nicky Twenty-three. Florence What does she do? Nicky Nothing much⁠—she writes things occasionally. Florence Where did you meet her? Nicky First of all at a party at Olive Lloyd-Kennedy’s. Florence I can’t bear Olive Lloyd-Kennedy⁠—she’s a cat. Nicky Then I met her again at Marion Fawcett’s⁠—a frightful sort of reception affair⁠—she was staying with her. Florence She seems to move exclusively with my worst enemies. Is she pretty? Nicky I don’t know⁠—I haven’t really noticed. Florence

With a touch of real feeling.

Nicky darling, I do feel so extraordinary about it.

Nicky Why extraordinary? Florence It’s a milestone, isn’t it⁠—you being engaged? A definite milestone? She catches sight of herself. Look at my nose. She powders it. I do hope she’ll like me⁠—I must go and dress now; Tom is fetching me half-past seven. Bring her to my room when she comes. Nicky Don’t go for a minute. Florence I must, really⁠—Tom will be furious. Nicky Oh, damn Tom! Florence Oh, Nicky, don’t go and take one of your tiresome prejudices against him. Nicky

Smiling.

All right, I’ll try not to.

Florence He’s frightfully good-looking. Nicky Oh! Florence And he adores music. Nicky Now, then, mother⁠— Florence He does, honestly. Nicky Good. Florence And he dances beautifully. Nicky I shall never stop dancing with him. Florence And he’s so good at games. Nicky He sounds adorable. Florence Of course, he needs knowing. Nicky So do I. Florence You will make an effort, though, darling, won’t you? For my sake! Nicky Yes, mother. Florence And we’ll all have a divine time together, Tom and me and you and what’s her name⁠— Nicky Bunty. Florence Oh yes, of course, Bunty. Front door bell rings. Nicky This is her, I expect. Florence Do you feel wonderful about her? Nicky Yes. Florence It is thrilling, isn’t it⁠—being in love? Nicky

Frowning a little.

Yes.

Florence Your father was right⁠—you look awfully tired, Nicky. Nicky What nonsense! I feel grand. Enter Preston. Preston

Announcing.

Miss Mainwaring.

Bunty comes in, very self-assured and well-dressed. She is more attractive than pretty in a boyish sort of way.

Preston goes out.

Nicky Bunty. You have been quick. Bunty I’ve simply flown. Nicky Bunty⁠ ⁠… here is mother.⁠ ⁠… Bunty Oh! Florence

Taking both her hands.

This is frightfully exciting, isn’t it?

She kisses her. Nicky I’ve told her. Bunty Are you furious? Florence Of course not. Why should I be? ’Specially now. Bunty It’s absolutely incredible, you being Nicky’s mother. Florence Am I anything like you thought I’d be? Bunty Yes, exactly⁠—but I couldn’t believe it until I saw you. Florence Take off that perfectly divine cloak and have a cigarette. I’ve got to rush