Act 1, Scene 6 Summary

This scene is set in the family living room, which now has a large wooden cross leaning against one wall. Jack is crucified on the cross, apparently asleep. Claire looks up at him as Tucker brings in tea. Dinsdale comes in, looking for Sir Charles. Claire says he's in the city doing business for the estate and probably also visiting his mistress. Dinsdale comments that some of the women of the community want Jack to open the village fair, and when Claire assumes that he told them it wasn't possible, Dinsdale reminds her that he's running for Parliament and needs to show the family flag at every opportunity. Claire tells him that if he's going to be in government, he has to learn how to make believable excuses. Dinsdale then asks where Jack is. Tucker indicates the cross, and Dinsdale, startled...