(Edwin, Margaret, Freda, and Ian are in the front room of the Ashton house.)

MARGARET PORTER
(to her father)
Retire? You?

EDWIN ASHTON
I don't see why not. Thirty-five years of your life is a lot to give to any firm. Whatever happens with Fraser, I think I've done my bit by Briggs and Son.

MARGARET
Oh, yes. Yes, we know that.

EDWIN
Well, then?

MARGARET
Well, what are you going to do?

EDWIN
Do?

MARGARET
You've got to do something.

EDWIN
Well, that won't be any bother. Lots of men of my age have started a new life when they retire.

FREDA MACKENZIE
It's not just that, though, is it, Dad? It's not just the thirty-five years.

EDWIN
What do you mean?

FREDA
Well, that's not why you're threatening to retire. It's because you think we all let you down.

EDWIN
What?

MARGARET
Oh, Freda! I think that's a bit much.

FREDA
No. Let's talk honestly for once. Well, Dad?

EDWIN
No. No, I think I want to get out because I've had enough.

FREDA
And the fact that Tony and Aunt Helen voted against you has nothing to do with it.

EDWIN
Of course not.

FREDA
Hmm, I wonder.

EDWIN
(raising his voice)
Well, you can stop wondering because I'm telling you.

MARGARET
(to her sister)
Uh, I think you're being a bit unfair, Freda. I mean, Dad's got every right to feel the way he does. He's given a lot to the firm.

FREDA
Well, no one's denying that. All I'm saying is that if he's thinking of retiring, I feel he ought to be absolutely sure why he's doing it...in case he's just cutting off his nose to spite his face.

EDWIN
And what does that mean?

FREDA
That if you're not really angry by what the family did, why don't you stick it out now and give the new owner a chance?

EDWIN
Because I feel I've had enough. I'm too old to start learning new tricks.

FREDA
(smiling)
Ah! But if you retire and take up a new job, you'll have to, won't you?

MARGARET
But he may not do that. He may just stay at home.

FREDA
(to Margaret)
Well, that's not what you were saying a few moments ago.
(to Edwin)
Would you really do that, Dad?

(Margaret sighs in frustration.)

IAN MACKENZIE
Look, I don't think there's much point in going on like this. I daresay the thing will work itself out, and your father knows best what he wants to do. Why not just leave it like that?

FREDA
(annoyed)
Well, that's what you always say, isn't it? "Leave it, and let it work itself out."

IAN
There are some things you cannot change simply by talking about them. As I've remarked before, you've got to have a positive solution before you can do any good.

FREDA
(angry)
Oh, you're talking about Doris now, aren't you?

(She walks away and sits in a chair by the dinner table.)

FREDA
Well, I think it's about time this family did a bit more honest talking, if you ask me. We're far too fond of our emotions.

IAN
You may be right. You may very well be right. But there's no point in flogging the issue any more, is there?

 

(from "Coming Home" by John Wiles)