SCENE SIX: THE TOWNHOUSE — THIRTY YEARS LATER
Establishing Photograph: The Townhouse
(CLAUDIA'S bedroom is exactly the same. LESTAT and LOUIS wait for her to emerge from behind a dressing screen. They're dressed in formal attire, LESTAT picks up a book entitled «The vampire» and thumbs through it.)
[Louis:]
Almost ready?
[Claudia:] [o.s.]
Stop rushing me!
[Louis:]
[to Claudia] I'm sorry but I cannot wait to see you in the gown. [to Lestat] Remember how she looked last year… like a perfect cloud.
[Claudia:] [o.s.]
What did you say?
[Louis:]
[to Claudia] I was just remarking on how you looked last year… a perfect cloud.
(Reading, LESTAT laughs aloud.)
[Lestat:]
Louis. You must read this book. The author has granted us magical powers. According to him, we can regularly transform into bats and dematerialize at will. [louder] Claudia, why do you waste your time with this nonsense?
[Claudia:] [o.s.]
I find it curious that mortal writers have suddenly discovered us in Europe. It makes me wonder where they got the idea.
[Lestat:]
I would like to meet this vampire. He could teach me a thing or two. Apparently, he has the ability to turn himself to steam and pass through a keyhole.
(He laughs and shows LOUIS a picture in the book. CLAUDIA steps out from behind the screen. Her face and body have remained exactly the same. She wears a satin and lace ball dress.)
[Louis:]
Look at you!
[Lestat:]
Beautiful. She's beautiful… our Claudia.
[Claudia:]
This is the best of all the gowns I've ever worn to the spring ball. Thank you, Louis.
(She kisses him.)
[Louis:]
I look forward to this ball all year long. The night is always warm and the wisteria in bloom. I love watching the young ladies in their new spring gowns.
[Claudia:]
They're always giggling and whispering behind their fans. I have yet to discover what it is they find so funny.
[Louis:]
They're young and it's springtime.
[Lestat:]
I love to hunt the ball. I bide my time… moving among them… lost in a sea of mortals… their fresh complexions and ruddy cheeks… the scent of their young blood… intoxicating!
[Claudia:]
You always go a little mad at the spring ball, Lestat.
[Lestat:]
[He shrugs innocently.]
I'm young and it's springtime.
[Claudia:]
Lestat… may I ask you a question?
[Lestat:]
Of course, my love.
[Claudia:]
How old are you exactly?
[Lestat:]
I was twenty-one when I was made.
[Claudia:]
Yes. But how long ago was that? And who was your maker? You never speak of him.
[Lestat:]
It is of no consequence. I was made. I made Louis. I made you. We have each other until the end of time. That is all that matters.
(CLAUDIA gives LOUIS a sharp look and a subtle motion with her head as if urging him on. LOUIS turns to LESTAT and speaks hesitantly.)
[Louis:]
Lestat, Claudia and I have been giving some thought to a journey… to taking a journey… on our own.
[Lestat:]
To where?
[Louis:]
Europe. To search for others of our kind.
[Lestat:]
Why do you want to go halfway across the world looking for other vampires when we have each other? We three are all the vampires we will ever need!
[Louis:]
Yes. You have been saying that for years. Be content with what you are. Be content with what we have. But we are not content. We want to connect with others that are like us. We want to learn from them… discover secrets you will not reveal…
[Lestat:]
[flat] You cannot make this journey.
[Louis:]
Why not?
[Lestat:]
The crossing alone is too dangerous. You would not be safe during the daylight hour.
(CLAUDIA has left this to LOUIS, but now she turns around angrily.)
[Claudia:]
We are not your slaves, Lestat!
[Lestat:]
I have never thought you were. But I cannot allow you to make this journey.
[Claudia:]
[sarcastically to Louis] He cannot allow it! I had forgotten that we need Lestat's permission to pursue our lives. After all, he is the giver of all things. Everything proceeds from him. Life and death. Lestat is the matter of us all.
[Lestat:]
Be careful where you tread, girl.
[Claudia:]
I am not a girl! I have not been a girl since you stole my life thirty years ago!
[Louis:]
[sharply] Claudia.
[Lestat:]
Would you have preferred death? You would not have lasted one night on the streets!
[Claudia:]
[sarcastically] Lestat… my savior… my «angel».
[Lestat:]
Must I suffer for that until the end of time?
[Louis:]
Please. Both of you.
[Claudia:]
You lied to me! I thought I was going to heaven!
[Lestat:]
I saved you from the grave! I gave you eternal life!
[Claudia:]
The truth is… you made Louis because you are afraid to be alone. You made me to keep Louis with you. You didn't do it for us. You did it for yourself. Always for yourself!
[Louis:]
Claudia!
[Claudia:]
Did you kill your maker? Is that the reason you never speak of him? Did you kill him, Lestat?
(LESTAT moves a sudden angry move toward her. LOUIS stands up to block him.)
[Lestat:]
Stop her. Do something about her. I cannot endure this! There is no reason for it!
(He moves away, but turns back quickly, too quickly for LOUIS to react. LESTAT grabs CLAUDIA and whispers into her ear.)
You break my heart.
(He releases her and goes out. CLAUDIA gives LOUIS a dark look.)
[Claudia:]
You see? He will never let us go.