#laura lancing

1.6 Assassin

We all know about Mr. Brittas’...unfortunate points, but here, Laura gives Helen a timely reminder that he’s not all bad.

LAURA: (about Gordon) They do say he’ll be alright, don’t they?

HELEN: I’ve been sitting here wondering about that, and I couldn’t help think that perhaps it would be easier for everyone if he wasn’t.

LAURA: Wasn’t what?

HELEN: If he didn’t recover, if he just slipped quietly away.

LAURA: Oh, I think that’s a bit harsh. I mean, you can’t say anyone deserves to die.

HELEN: Oh, I didn’t say that he deserved it, I was just being practical.

LAURA: I see. Well…I’d miss him.

HELEN: It’s alright, Laura, you don’t have to cheer me up.

LAURA: No, I don’t say it to cheer you up, honestly. The thing about your husband, Mrs. Brittas, I know he’s annoying. Very annoying, he annoys me a lot of the time, but what I always end up remembering is there’s never any malice. He doesn’t hate anybody, he cares about the centre and everybody in it, and he really does have a dream. And even though things never quite work out the way he wanted, the fact he tries, and he keeps on trying, well…I think that’s worth something.

HELEN: Do you?

LAURA: I do, actually.