#ladygretchen

[Lady Carol]: Lady Keely Gothgraab, I knew I'd find you here (laughs).

[Lady Keely]: And I knew you'd be late to your own luncheon (laughs). How are you, old friend?

[CONFESSIONAL]: I am Carol de Diane, formally Lady Octavia. My family is one of Alexandra's oldest, placing my husband and me at the center of Old Society. Or so we are told (laughs).

[Lady Carol]: Busy! I don't mind, of course. As they say, a proper lady's job is never done, right (laughs)? How are you, my Keels?

[Lady Keely]: Quintin and the kids keep me busy. So busy I may fall asleep in this chair (laughs). But I'm happy for the Social Season! Speaking of, which Ladies did you invite today?

[Lady Carol]: You know all the Ladies except Lady Liliana, who recently married the San Miguel family. I think she'll get along well with Michaela and Gretchen.

[Lady Keely]: Gretchen?!

[Lady Carol]: Yes, Gretchen! It's been ages since I've seen her. Too long, really. She did ask if Lady Gee could attend, which I, of course, declined (laughs).

[Lady Keely]: If she's the same Gretchen, she won't take that kindly (laughs).

[PRODUCER]: WHO IS LADY G, AND WHY DIDN'T YOU INVITE HER?

[LADY CAROL CONFESSIONAL]: I love hosting! So I gathered a few Ladies together for lunch to celebrate the start of the Social Season. The theme is garden party! Everyone in Old Society loves a good theme.

[Lady Carol]: Here's to the start of the Social Season! And reasons to eat, drink, and gossip with my favorite Ladies (laughs). Cheers to us!

[Lady Keely]: Yes! Now when I drink wine at 11 AM, I have you and Old Society to blame (laughs).

[PRODUCER]: WHAT IS OLD SOCIETY?

[LADY CAROL CONFESSIONAL]: It's lineage. Old Society is made of all the original families that helped form the Union of Five Kingdoms and Alexandra. All of our families are 500 to 1000 years old.

[Lady Gretchen]: I agree. It's always nice to be around old friends and Lady Liliana. Although, it would be nice to see ALL of our friends, Carol.

[LADY KEELY CONFESSIONAL]: It's obvious that Gretchen was waiting for the perfect...or imperfect moment to let Carol know how she feels about Lady Gee not being at the lunch. Here we go!

[Lady Keely]: Come on, Gretch! You know why Carol couldn't in--

[LADY CAROL CONFESSIONAL]: I am embarrassed and vexed at this point. We haven't eaten and the Ladies are already yelling at one another. Welcome to Old Society.

[Lady Keely]: Michaela, please! This is going too far.

[Lady Michaela]: First she's the victim and now Keely makes me the bad Lady?! Of course, play right into her game, Keels.

[LADY MICHAELA CONFESSIONAL]: I'm normally cool and collected. However, none of us wanted Gee here and Gretchen knows why. To speak to Carol that way was unacceptable. Gretchen is old enough to know better (laughs).

[Lady Gretchen]: Victim? Sweet Michaela, you obviously don't know the meaning of the word. But, since I'm so unwelcomed here, I'll gather my things and leave.

[Lady Carol]: Gretchen! Wait, do leave!

[PRODUCER]: AS AN OLD SOCIETY NEWBIE, WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND DURING THE LUNCH?

[LADY GRETCHEN CONFESSIONAL]: My husband, Malcolm vonGeofferson runs the country's largest venture capital firm and together, we live in my family home, Geofferson Castle. We have a son, Mj, and a pup, Dixie.

[Lord Malcolm vonGeofferson]: Ha! Bob Pancakes is in the news again...but yes, Dear. Does sound like an interesting lunch indeed. I did warn you this Social Season would be a tough one.

[LADY GRETCHEN CONFESSIONAL]: Malcolm doesn't bother much with the season. Unless a client or royal is attending, he'd rather stay home and play with Dixie. So no, Malcolm doesn't care about Carol's lunch (laughs).

[LADY GRETCHEN]: You were right, Malcolm. However, our past and my return don't excuse Michaela's outlandish behavior. She and Mj practically grew up together! Some princess (scoffs).

[LADY GRETCHEN CONFESSIONAL]: Michaela and my son Mj are close in age and made their societal debut together. In short, I'm old enough to be her mother...respect is due, Princess.

[Housekeeper]: Lady Alixsimborg, Lady ***** has arrived at the valet.

[LADY GRETCHEN ]: Thanks Jade, please set up tea and small bites in the garden.

[PRODUCER]: ARE THE OTHER LADIES AFRAID OF LADY CAROL?

[LADY GRETCHEN CONFESSIONAL]: I wouldn't say the are afraid. However, even I can recognize Carol's role in Old Society She is, for now, the Queen Bee...and she enjoys it.

[Lady Michaela]: Forgive me Gretchen but, who cares? Is this a lunch or a witching hour? Please, relax.

[Lady Gretchen]: Ahhh Lady Michaela always with the quick tongue. Stay out of this, child.

[Lady Carol]: Ladies, please! Let's keep it cute and please, at the least, keep it cordial. This is my home.

[Lady Gretchen]: Start what exactly, Michaela? Start defending a friend in need? You're the one in need of relaxation. Please remember who you're speaking to, Lady Mal. We both know its best you do so.

[LADY GRETCHEN CONFESSIONAL]: Yes, I've known Michaela for years. She and my son made their Old Society debut together. But no, time has not made me care for her more. My issues with Carol are older than her.

[Lady Michaela]: And for her next act, Gretchen will play the victim and concerned friend. As if! I am over it, Gretchen. Over it!!!

[Lady Keely]: Michaela, sweetie listen. Just breathe! You're going to lose your appetite (smiles).

[LADY KEELY CONFESSIONAL]: Carol and Gretchen have always had an unexplainable back and forth. I've learned to sit back and let them come back to one another. Michaela is still learning (laughs).

[Quinton]: I'm sorry but, isn't that true?

[Lady Keely]: Gretchen starts lunch off by shadily asking why Gee, of all people, wasn't invited to lunch. Michaela then defends Carol, rightfully so, and flips out! And said none of us wanted Gee there.

[Quinton]: I'm sorry but, isn't that true?

[Lady Keely]: It's not that simple, Quinton. There are rules and ways to do things. Us wanting her there and it being appropriate for her to be there are two different things.

[Quinton]: Sounds like more Old Society hypocrisy to me, Keels. What about Gretchen and Carol? Our children's godmothers? Will Old Society tell them they can't associate with their godparents one day? I don't understand this world, and I think you should stay out of it.

[Lady Keely]: Yes, that's clear, Quinton.

[LADY KEEL CONFESSIONAL]: My husband values family more than anything. It also does not help that he loves Carol and Gretchen. They were warm to him when we married and our kids adore them. I cannot get in the middle of this without adding more drama to my chaotic home.

[Lady Keely]: It’s not up to us to determine the rules, Quinton. Besides, it was Carol’s event and home. And forgive me but, I do believe Gee should sit this Social Season out, Babe. That’s protocol. The way things are done.