Frances suggests Rupert find a clerical job for Albert, who lost the use of his writing hand in the war, to help him. Frances regrets being blind to Albert's struggles. Albert returns home to ask Gwendoline to marry him but cannot yet due to his family's difficult circumstances. Gwendoline agrees to wait for Albert. They discuss Albert helping his family financially and his sadness over what happened to his horse during the war.

1. 24/1012018
Frances motions to Rupert and they stand aside.
FRANCES: Is there anything we can do, to help him?
RUPERT: A clerical job for the company, perhaps. He still has the use of his writing hand.
Frances nods.
FRANCES: I never meant to be so blind.
They all exit SR
CUT TO
ALBERT entersfrom SL with Gwendoline
ALBERT I'm sorry Gwendoline. I can't tell you how excited I was about coming home
to ask for your hand in marriage - but as I've explained circumstances have dictated that I
can't do that right now. It doesn't feel right to ask you to wait, especially after waiting for
me to come back from the war, but would you prepared to do that Gwendoline - to wait some
more?
GWEN Oh Albert of course I will, you know how special you are to me. I've lived for
your letters for the last four years; at least if I'm waiting another four years I can actually see
you every week.
ALBERT It's not going to be another four years, I promise you that. And when the time
comes I'll ask you again - properly.
ALBERT: Can I heln?
GWEN Well whatever it is, you just need to help your family get back on their feet. I
can't believe your mother sold everything you owned while you away.
ALBERT It was something of a shock when I found out, but I've got over it - and at the
end of the day they were just clothes. I'm more upset about my horse Monty. He was my
best friend during all those years; fjust wish I knew what they've done to him. They say lots
of them have been sent to the slaughter house rather than have the expense of bringing them
back. What away to reward all those horses for having got us through the war.
GWEN I know it's shocking, but don't get down Albert, not when we've got a
precious aftemoon to ourselves.
ALBERT I was thinking whilst they are all down the park, why don't we.. . .. ..
Before he canftnish Ethel enters with Mrs Stanley up centre aislefromfront of church
ETHEL Hello Gwendoline sorry to intemrpt you and Albert, but I came back to fetch
Mothers coat she was finding the air rather chilly, when I just bumped into this lady on the
path looking for you Albert.