Elizabeth's response to Jannet
Elizabeth's response - Audio
Setting: The grand dining hall, dimly lit with candles, as the guests and characters gather around to hear Elizabeth Device's response to the accusations against her.
Host: "Ladies and gentlemen, we now turn to Elizabeth Device, who stands accused of the most heinous crime. Elizabeth, you may speak in your defence."
Guess the Riddle
Guess the Riddle
Host: "Thank you, Elizabeth. Your words give us much to ponder. Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come to examine all evidence and motives carefully. Let us find the true culprit and ensure justice is served."
Transcript
(Elizabeth stands tall, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and righteous indignation.)
"Thank you. I understand that suspicion has fallen upon me due to the revelations about the letter and my connection to the past events of the Pendle Witch Trials. However, I proclaim my innocence before you all.
Yes, my initials are E.D., and yes, I was one of the accused during those dark times, but I did not kill Thomas Covell. I would never stoop to such vile acts. The letter you found, warning Thomas to keep his findings to himself, was indeed written by me, but not as a threat. It was a warning for his own safety! He was delving into matters that were best left undisturbed, matters that could bring danger to him and his family.
(She pauses, taking a deep breath.)
Elizabeth's response
Consider this: on the night of Thomas's murder, I was not alone. Several of you saw me in the dining hall, engaging in conversation and enjoying the evening. Meanwhile, who had unfettered access to Thomas's study? Who could have moved about unnoticed and overheard all those confidential conversations?
Jennet Preston, the young maid, was there. She had been serving this household for years, silently observing and listening. Her timid demeanor makes her seem harmless, but is it not possible that she has been using this guise to gather information? Information that she could use for her own ends?
(Elizabeth turns to Jennet, her gaze piercing.)
Jennet, you claimed to have overheard Thomas and found the letter the next morning. Yet, you did not bring this information forward immediately. Why did you wait? Why did you choose to speak only when it served to cast doubt on me?
(She addresses the guests directly.)
Ladies and gentlemen, we must consider all possibilities. Jennet had the perfect opportunity and the knowledge to commit this crime. She knew of Thomas's findings and the potential danger they posed. Perhaps she feared what might come to light if Thomas continued his investigations.
(Elizabeth raises her voice, filled with conviction.)
I am not the murderer. I urge you to look beyond the surface and question the true motives of those who appear innocent. In times of fear and suspicion, it is often the least suspected who hide the darkest secrets."